t62534_10k.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
(Mark One)
 
x
Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
     
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007
     
 
o
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Commission file number: 001-12822
 
BEAZER HOMES USA, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
58-2086934
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
1000 Abernathy Road, Suite 1200, Atlanta, Georgia 30328
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
 
(770) 829-3700
(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of Securities
Exchanges on which Registered
Common Stock, $.001 par value per share
New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 of the Act).
Yes o No x
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes o No x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes o No x
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x
 
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant (39,100,752 shares) as of March 31, 2007, based on the closing sale price per share as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on such date, was $1,135,094,831.
 
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock as of April 25, 2008 was 39,234,305
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None
 


 
BEAZER HOMES USA, INC.
 
FORM 10-K
 
INDEX
 
   
Page
   
Number
Introduction
Explanatory Note
2
 
Forward-Looking Statements
4
PART I.
   
 Item 1.
Business
5
 Item 1A.
Risk Factors
15
 Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
23
 Item 2.
Properties
23
 Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
23
 Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
26
     
PART II.
   
 Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
27
 Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
29
 Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
32
 Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
58
 Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
59
 Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
107
 Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
108
     
PART III.
   
 Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
113
 Item 11.
Executive Compensation
116
 Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
141
 Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
144
 Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
145
     
PART IV.
   
 Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
145
     
SIGNATURES
   
 
1

 
References to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Beazer,” “Beazer Homes,” and the “Company” in this annual report on Form 10-K refer to Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
 
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Restatement of Consolidated Financial Results
 
In April 2007, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors initiated an independent investigation of our mortgage origination business through independent legal counsel and independent forensic accountants. During the course of this investigation, the Audit Committee determined that our mortgage origination practices related to certain loans in prior periods violated certain applicable federal and/or state origination requirements. During the course of the investigation, the Audit Committee also discovered accounting and financial reporting errors and/or irregularities that required restatement resulting primarily from (1) inappropriate accumulation of reserves and/or accrued liabilities associated with land development and house costs (“Inventory Reserves”) and the subsequent improper release of such reserves and accrued liabilities and (2) inaccurate revenue recognition with respect to certain model home sale-leaseback transactions. In conjunction with the restatement of the items above, we also made corresponding capitalized interest, capitalized indirect costs, and income tax adjustments to our consolidated financial statements as these balances were impacted by the aforementioned adjustments. We also made other adjustments to our consolidated financial statements relating to corrections of accounting and financial reporting errors and/or irregularities, some errors previously identified but historically not considered to be material to require correction and some errors and irregularities discovered as part of the restatement process, consisting of (1) reclassifying model home furnishings and sales office leasehold improvements from owned inventory to property, plant and equipment, net in the amount of $47.0 million at September 30, 2006; (2) reclassifying depreciation and amortization of model home furnishings and sales office leasehold improvements from home construction and land sales expenses to depreciation and amortization in the amount of $32.1 million and $26.8 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively; (3) recognizing total revenue ($11.6 million) and home construction and land sales expenses ($8.7 million) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 related to inappropriate revenue recognition timing in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 for certain home closings in California; (4) reclassifying the results of operations from our fiscal 2005 title services from other income, net ($5.9 million) to total revenue ($8.1 million) and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses ($2.2 million); (5) reclassifying $5.0 million from restricted cash at September 30, 2006 to cash and cash equivalents as such amount was determined not to be restricted; (6) recognizing the reversal of certain warranty accruals related to our captive insurance subsidiary in the fiscal years ended prior to fiscal 2005 ($8.7 million), as reflected in the prior period restatement caption in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, instead of the previously presented reversal of $8.7 million in warranty accruals through home construction and land sales expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005; (7) certain other miscellaneous immaterial adjustments; and (8) the related tax effects of the adjustments described in (1) through (7) above.
 
As discussed in Note 17 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 (“2007 Form 10-K”) we have restated our consolidated financial statements and the related disclosures for fiscal 2006 and 2005. Specifically, we have restated our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2006 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows, including related disclosures, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005. The accompanying Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7, has been updated to reflect the effects of the restatement.
 
In addition, the unaudited quarterly data reflected in this 2007 Form 10-K presents the condensed consolidated financial information included in the amended Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q/A for the fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2007. These reports, which are being filed concurrently with this 2007 Form 10-K, contain restated condensed consolidated financial statements for the comparative periods of fiscal 2007 and 2006.
 
As a result of the errors and irregularities discussed above, and for the purpose of the Selected Financial Data included in Item 6 of this 2007 Form 10-K, we have also restated our Balance Sheet Data as of September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and the related Statement of Operations and Supplemental Financial Data for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2004 and 2003. In addition, the cumulative effect of the errors and irregularities attributable to periods prior to October 1, 2002 have been reflected in the Balance Sheet Data as an increase to retained earnings at September 30, 2002 of $24.8 million for fiscal years 1998-2002.
 
2

 
The following table reconciles net income “as previously reported” to net income “as restated” (in thousands):
 
 
Fiscal Year
 
Net Income, As
Previously
Reported
   
Adjustments
   
Net Income,
As Restated
 
 
2003
  $ 172,745     $ (971 )   $ 171,774  
 
2004
    235,811       10,365       246,176  
 
2005
    262,524       13,375       275,899  
 
2006
    388,761       (19,925 )     368,836  
 
The cumulative effect of the matters arising from the restatement for fiscal years 1998 through 2006 is a $27.6 million increase in retained earnings, shown below (in thousands):
 
 
Fiscal Year(s)
Impact
 
Cumulative
Restatement
Impacts
 
Retained Earnings at September 30, 2006, as
 previously reported
   
$
1,362,958
 
Restatement adjustments:
         
Inventory Reserves
1998-2006
   
40,183
 
Model Home Sale-Leasebacks
2001-2006
   
(21,950
)
Other
1998-2006
   
7,895
 
Benefit From Income Taxes
1998-2006
   
1,466
 
Cumulative Impact of Restatement Adjustments
     
27,594
 
Retained Earnings at September 30, 2006, as restated
   
$
1,390,552
 
 
The restatement impact of the model home sale-leaseback transactions primarily relate to timing differences that have had and will have the effect of shifting revenue and income from the date of the original transaction to the future period in which the “leases” are terminated.
 
For additional discussion of the Audit Committee’s investigation, the accounting errors and irregularities identified, and the adjustments made as a result of the restatements see (1) Notes 14 and 17 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data and (2) Part II, Item 6 – Selected Financial Data. For a description of the control deficiencies identified by management as a result of the investigation and our internal reviews, and management’s plan to remediate those deficiencies, see Part II, Item 9A – Controls and Procedures.
 
3

 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, and it is possible that the results described in this annual report will not be achieved. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of statements that include words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “likely,” “will,” “goal,” “target” or other similar words or phrases. All forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us on the date of this annual report.
 
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, among other things, the matters discussed in this annual report in the section captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Additional information about factors that could lead to material changes in performance is contained in Part I, Item 1A– Risk Factors. Such factors may include:
 
 
the timing and final outcome of the United States Attorney investigation, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) investigation and other state and federal agency investigations, the putative class action lawsuits, the derivative claims, multi-party suits and similar proceedings as well as the results of any other litigation or government proceedings;
 
material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting;
 
additional asset impairment charges or writedowns;
 
economic changes nationally or in local markets, including changes in consumer confidence, volatility of mortgage interest rates and inflation;
 
continued or increased downturn in the homebuilding industry;
 
estimates related to homes to be delivered in the future (backlog) are imprecise as they are subject to various cancellation risks which cannot be fully controlled;
 
continued or increased disruption in the availability of mortgage financing;
 
our cost of and ability to access capital and otherwise meet our ongoing liquidity needs including the impact of any further downgrades of our credit ratings;
 
potential inability to comply with covenants in our debt agreements;
 
continued negative publicity;
 
increased competition or delays in reacting to changing consumer preference in home design;
 
shortages of or increased prices for labor, land or raw materials used in housing production;
 
factors affecting margins such as decreased land values underlying land option agreements, increased land development costs on projects under development or delays or difficulties in implementing initiatives to reduce production and overhead cost structure;
 
the performance of our joint ventures and our joint venture partners;
 
the impact of construction defect and home warranty claims and the cost and availability of insurance, including the availability of insurance for the presence of moisture intrusion;
 
a material failure on the part of our subsidiary Trinity Homes LLC to satisfy the conditions of the class action settlement agreement, including assessment and remediation with respect to moisture intrusion related issues;
 
delays in land development or home construction resulting from adverse weather conditions;
 
potential delays or increased costs in obtaining necessary permits as a result of changes to, or complying with, laws, regulations, or governmental policies and possible penalties for failure to comply with such laws, regulations and governmental policies;
 
effects of changes in accounting policies, standards, guidelines or principles; or
 
terrorist acts, acts of war and other factors over which the Company has little or no control.
 
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors.
 
4

 
PART I
 
Item 1.
Business
 
We are a geographically diversified homebuilder with operations in 21 states. Our homes are designed to appeal to homeowners at various price points across various demographic segments and are generally offered for sale in advance of their construction. Our objective is to provide our customers with homes that incorporate exceptional value and quality while seeking to maximize our return on invested capital over time.
 
Our principal executive offices are located at 1000 Abernathy Road, Suite 1200, Atlanta, Georgia 30328, telephone (770) 829-3700. We also provide information about our active communities through our Internet website located at http://www.beazer.com. Information on our website is not a part of and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in this report.
 
Industry Overview and Current Market Conditions
 
The sale of new homes has been and will likely remain a large industry in the United States for four primary reasons: annual growth in both population and households, demographic patterns that indicate an increased likelihood of home ownership as age and income increase, job creation within geographic markets that necessitate new home construction and consumer demand for home features that can be more easily provided in a new home than an existing home.
 
In any year, the demand for new homes is closely tied to job growth, the availability and cost of mortgage financing, the supply of new and existing homes for sale and, importantly, consumer confidence. Consumer confidence is perhaps the most important of these demand variables and is the hardest one to accurately predict because it is a function of, among other things, consumers’ views of their employment and income prospects, recent and likely future home price trends, localized new and existing home inventory, the level of current and near-term interest and mortgage rates, the availability of consumer credit, valuations in stock and bond markets, and other geopolitical factors. Moreover, because the purchase of a home represents many buyers’ largest single financial commitment, it is often also associated with significant emotional considerations.
 
The supply of new homes within specific geographic markets consists of both new homes built pursuant to pre-sale arrangements and speculative homes (frequently referred to as “spec homes”) built by home builders prior to their sale. The ratio of pre-sold to spec homes differs both by geographic market and over time within individual markets based on a wide variety of factors, including the availability of land and lots, access to construction financing, the availability and cost of construction labor and materials, the inventory or existing homes for sale and job growth characteristics. Consumer preferences also play a role. In rapidly growing markets characterized by relatively few available new homes, presale homes are very common. In markets characterized by a significant supply of newly built and existing homes, spec homes tend to represent a larger portion of new home sales as builders attempt to reduce their inventories of completed homes.
 
In general, high levels of employment, low mortgage interest rates and low new home and resale inventories contribute to a strong and growing homebuilding market environment. Conversely, rising unemployment, higher interest rates and larger new and existing home inventories generally lead to weak industry conditions.
 
While we believe that long-term fundamentals for new home construction remain intact, beginning in mid-fiscal 2006, accelerating during fiscal 2007 and continuing into fiscal 2008, the homebuilding industry has experienced a significant downturn. Most housing markets across the United States can be characterized as suffering from an oversupply of new and resale home inventory, reduced levels of consumer demand for new homes, increased cancellation rates, aggressive price competition among homebuilders and increased incentives for home sales. As a result of these factors, we, like many other homebuilders, have experienced a material reduction in revenues and margins and we incurred a significant net loss in fiscal 2007. This net loss was driven primarily by asset impairment and lot option abandonment charges incurred in fiscal 2007. Please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” for additional information.
 
5

 
In response to these market conditions, we have modified our operating strategy and implemented new policies and procedures. These changes include reducing direct costs, overhead expenses and investments in land, and intensely focusing on sales and marketing efforts to reduce unsold home inventories. These initiatives are aimed at generating cash in the near term as the timing of a market recovery in housing is currently uncertain.
 
Long-Term Business Strategy
 
We have developed a long-term business strategy which focuses on the following elements in order to provide a wide range of homebuyers with quality homes while generating returns on our invested capital over the course of a housing cycle:
 
Geographic Diversification in Growth Markets. We compete in a large number of geographically diverse markets in an attempt to reduce our exposure to any particular regional economy. Within these markets, we build homes in a variety of projects. We continually review our selection of markets based on both aggregate demographic information and our operating results. We use the results of these reviews to re-allocate our investments to those markets where we believe we can maximize our return on capital over the next several years.
 
Diversity of Product Offerings. Our product strategy entails addressing the needs of an increasingly diverse profile of home buyers. Within each of our markets we determine the profile of buyers we hope to address and design neighborhoods and homes with the specific needs of those buyers in mind. Depending on the market, we attempt to address one or more of the following types of home buyers: entry-level, move-up, luxury or retirement-oriented. The targeted buyer profiles are further refined by information about their marital and family status, employment, age, affluence and special interests. Recognizing that our customers want to choose certain components of their new home, we offer limited customization through the use of design studios in most of our markets. These design studios allow the customer to select certain non-structural customizations for their homes such as cabinetry, flooring, fixtures, appliances and wall coverings.
 
Consistent Use of National Brand. Our homebuilding and marketing activities are conducted under the name of Beazer Homes in each of our markets. We adopted the strategy of a single brand name across our markets in 2003 in order to better leverage our national and local marketing activities. Using a single brand has allowed us to execute successful national marketing campaigns and has accelerated our adoption of emerging online marketing practices.
 
Operational Scale Efficiencies. Beyond marketing advantages, we attempt to create both national and local scale efficiencies as a result of the scope of our operations. On a national basis we are able to achieve volume purchasing advantages in certain product categories, share best practices in construction, planning and design among our markets and leverage our fixed costs in ways that improve profitability. On a local level, while we are not generally the largest builder within our markets, we do attempt to be a major participant within our selected submarkets and targeted buyer profiles. There are further design, construction and cost advantages associated with having strong market positions within particular markets.
 
Balanced Land Policies. We seek to maximize our return on capital by carefully managing our investment in land. To reduce the risks associated with investments in land, we often use options to control land. We generally do not speculate in land which does not have the benefit of entitlements providing basic development rights to the owner.
 
6

 
Subsequent Developments
 
Consistent with our periodic review of our markets and our capital allocation, on February 1, 2008, we announced our decision to exit the following markets: Charlotte, North Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, Cincinnati/Dayton and Columbus, Ohio and Lexington, Kentucky. We have committed to complete all homes under construction in these markets and are in the process of marketing the remaining land positions for sale. While the underlying basis for exiting each market was different, in each instance we concluded we could better serve shareholder interests by re-allocating the capital employed in these markets. As of September 30, 2007, these markets represented approximately 5% of the Company’s total assets.
 
Also on February 1, 2008, we exited the mortgage origination business and entered into an exclusive preferred lender relationship with a national mortgage provider. This exclusive relationship will continue to offer our homebuyers the option of a simplified financing process while enabling us to focus on our core competency of homebuilding. Our decision to exit the mortgage origination business was related to the problems identified by the Audit Committee’s investigation of our mortgage origination practices, the growing complexity and cost of compliance with national, state and local lending rules, and the retrenchment among mortgage capital sources which has had the effect of reducing the profitability of many mortgage brokerage activities. We expect to record our mortgage origination business as a discontinued operation in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.
 
Historically, we have addressed homebuyers’ desire for a simple financing process by offering mortgage financing through our subsidiary Beazer Mortgage Corporation (“Beazer Mortgage”). Beazer Mortgage generally did not retain or service the mortgages that it brokered. Through September 30, 2007, Beazer Mortgage also financed certain of our mortgage lending activities with borrowings under a warehouse line of credit or from general corporate funds prior to selling the loans and their servicing rights shortly after origination to third-party investors.
 
Reportable Business Segments
 
We design, sell and build single-family and multi-family homes in the following geographic regions which are presented as reportable segments. Those remaining homebuilding operations not separately reportable as segments are included in “Other Homebuilding”:
 
Segment/State
 
Market(s) / Year Entered
     
West:
   
Arizona
 
Phoenix (1993)
California
 
Los Angeles County (1993), Orange County (1993), Riverside and San Bernardino Counties (1993), San Diego County (1992), Ventura County (1993), Sacramento (1993), Kern County (2005), Fresno (2005)
Nevada
 
Las Vegas (1993)
New Mexico
 
Albuquerque (2005)
     
Mid-Atlantic:
   
Maryland
 
Baltimore (1998), Metro-Washington, D.C. (1998)
Delaware
 
Delaware (2003)
New Jersey/New York/
Pennsylvania
 
Central and Southern New Jersey (1998), Bucks County, PA (1998), Orange County, NY (2005)
Virginia/West Virginia
 
Fairfax County (1998), Loudoun County (1998), Prince William County (1998), West Virginia (2004)
     
Florida:
   
Florida
 
Jacksonville (1993), Fort Myers/Naples (1996), Tampa/St. Petersburg (1996), Orlando (1997), Sarasota (2005), Tallahassee (2006)
     
Southeast:
   
Georgia
 
Atlanta (1985), Savannah (2005)
North Carolina
 
Charlotte (1987), Raleigh/Durham (1992), Greensboro (1999)
South Carolina
 
Charleston (1987), Columbia (1993), Myrtle Beach (2002)
Nashville, Tennessee
 
Nashville (1987)
 
7


Other Homebuilding:
 
 
Colorado
Denver (2001), Colorado Springs (2003)
 
Indiana
Indianapolis (2002)
 
Kentucky
Lexington (2002)
 
Ohio
Columbus (2002), Cincinnati/Dayton (2002)
 
Memphis, TN
Memphis (2002)
 
Texas
Dallas/Ft. Worth (1995), Houston (1995)
 
Financial Services:
Historically we have addressed homebuyers’ desire for a simple financing process by offering mortgage financing through our subsidiary Beazer Mortgage in all of our markets. Effective February 1, 2008, we exited the mortgage origination business and entered into an exclusive preferred lender arrangement with a national, third-party mortgage provider. We also provide title services to our customers in many of our markets. The financial services operations are a reportable segment.
 
Seasonal and Quarterly Variability
 
Our homebuilding operating cycle generally reflects escalating new order activity in the second and third fiscal quarters and increased closings in the third and fourth fiscal quarters. However, during fiscal 2007, we continued to experience challenging conditions in most of our markets which contributed to decreased revenues and closings as compared to prior periods including prior quarters, thereby reducing typical seasonal variations.
 
Markets and Product Description
 
We evaluate a number of factors in determining which geographic markets to enter as well as which consumer segments to target with our homebuilding activities. We attempt to anticipate changes in economic and real estate conditions by evaluating such statistical information as the historical and projected growth of the population; the number of new jobs created or projected to be created; the number of housing starts in previous periods; building lot availability and price; housing inventory; level of competition; and home sale absorption rates.
 
We generally seek to differentiate ourselves from our competition in a particular market with respect to customer service, product type, and design and construction quality. We maintain the flexibility to alter our product mix within a given market, depending on market conditions. In determining our product mix, we consider demographic trends, demand for a particular type of product, market research of consumer preferences, margins, timing and the economic strength of the market. Although some of our homes are priced at the upper end of the market, and we offer a selection of amenities, we generally do not build “custom homes.” We attempt to maximize efficiency by using standardized design plans whenever possible. In all of our home offerings, we attempt to maximize customer satisfaction by incorporating quality materials, distinctive design features, convenient locations and competitive prices.
 
8

 
During fiscal year 2007, the average sales price of our homes closed was approximately $277,400. The following table summarizes certain operating information of our reportable homebuilding segments as of and for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005 (dollars in thousands). Please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” for additional information.
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Segment
Number of
 Homes
Closed
 
Average
Closing
Price
 
Number of
Homes
Closed
 
Average
Closing
Price
 
Number of
Homes
Closed
 
Average
Closing
Price
 
West
3,036
 
$
345.8
 
4,942
 
$
366.1
 
5,647
 
$
342.7
 
Mid-Atlantic
1,157
   
449.2
 
2,043
   
457.9
 
1,870
   
449.6
 
Florida
1,261
   
285.7
 
2,241
   
309.5
 
2,236
   
267.6
 
Southeast
3,125
   
229.9
 
4,228
   
210.1
 
3,995
   
187.5
 
Other
3,441
   
199.4
 
4,907
   
187.4
 
4,361
   
180.9
 
Total Company
12,020
 
$
277.4
 
18,361
 
$
285.7
 
18,109
 
$
271.3
 

 
September 30, 2007
 
September 30, 2006
 
September 30, 2005
 
Segment
Units in
Backlog
 
Dollar Value
of Backlog
 
Units in
Backlog
 
Dollar Value
of Backlog
 
Units in
Backlog
 
Dollar Value
of Backlog
 
West
491
 
$
158,172
 
1,175
 
$
468,560
 
3,033
 
$
1,060,407
 
Mid-Atlantic
643
   
284,265
 
577
   
290,861
 
1,193
   
557,113
 
Florida
238
   
58,551
 
508
   
173,106
 
1,259
   
401,309
 
Southeast
504
   
121,672
 
1,321
   
312,118
 
1,754
   
355,516
 
Other
1,109
   
216,146
 
1,521
   
310,811
 
2,033
   
358,911
 
Total Company
2,985
 
$
838,806
 
5,102
 
$
1,555,456
 
9,272
 
$
2,733,256
 
 
Corporate Operations
 
We perform all or most of the following functions at our corporate office:
 
 
evaluate and select geographic markets;
 
allocate capital resources to particular markets for land acquisitions;
 
maintain and develop relationships with lenders and capital markets to create access to financial resources;
 
plan and design homes and community projects;
 
operate and manage information systems and technology support operations; and
 
monitor the operations of our subsidiaries and divisions.
 
We allocate capital resources necessary for new projects in a manner consistent with our overall business strategy. We will vary the capital allocation based on market conditions, results of operations and other factors. Capital commitments are determined through consultation among selected executive and operational personnel, who play an important role in ensuring that new projects are consistent with our strategy. Centralized financial controls are also maintained through the standardization of accounting and financial policies and procedures.
 
Field Operations
 
The development and construction of each project is managed by our operating divisions, each of which is generally led by a market leader who, in turn, reports directly or indirectly to our Chief Operating Officer. At the development stage, a manager (who may be assigned to several projects and reports to the market leader of the division) supervises development of buildable lots. Subsequent to the end of fiscal 2007, we reorganized our field operations to concentrate certain accounting, accounts payable, billing and purchasing functions in seven regional accounting centers. Together with our operating divisions, our field teams are equipped with the skills to complete the functions of identification of land acquisition opportunities, land entitlement, land development, construction, marketing, sales and warranty service.
 
9

 
Land Acquisition and Development
 
Generally, the land we acquire is purchased only after necessary entitlements have been obtained so that we have the right to begin development or construction as market conditions dictate. During the current downturn in the homebuilding industry, we do not expect to make significant land acquisitions but we will continue to consider attractive opportunities as they arise. In certain situations, we will purchase property without all necessary entitlements where we perceive an opportunity to build on such property in a manner consistent with our strategy. The term “entitlements” refers to subdivision approvals, development agreements, tentative maps or recorded plats, depending on the jurisdiction within which the land is located. Entitlements generally give a developer the right to obtain building permits upon compliance with conditions that are usually within the developer’s control. Although entitlements are ordinarily obtained prior to the purchase of land, we are still required to obtain a variety of other governmental approvals and permits during the development process.
 
We select our land for development based upon a variety of factors, including:
 
 
internal and external demographic and marketing studies;
 
suitability for development during the time period of one to five years from the beginning of the development process to the last closing;
 
centralized corporate-level management review of all decisions;
 
financial review as to the feasibility of the proposed project, including profit margins and returns on capital employed;
 
the ability to secure governmental approvals and entitlements;
 
environmental and legal due diligence;
 
competition in the area;
 
proximity to local traffic corridors and amenities; and
 
management’s judgment as to the real estate market and economic trends and our experience in a particular market.
 
We generally purchase land or obtain an option to purchase land, which, in either case, requires certain site improvements prior to construction. Where required, we then undertake or, in the case of land under option, the grantor of the option then undertakes, the development activities (through contractual arrangements with local developers), which include site planning and engineering, as well as constructing road, sewer, water, utilities, drainage and recreational facilities and other amenities. When available in certain markets, we also buy finished lots that are ready for construction.
 
We strive to develop a design and marketing concept for each of our projects, which include determination of size, style and price range of the homes, layout of streets, layout of individual lots and overall community design. The product line offered in a particular project depends upon many factors, including the housing generally available in the area, the needs of a particular market and our cost of lots in the project. We are, however, often able to use standardized home design plans.
 
Option Contracts. We acquire certain lots by means of option contracts. Option contracts generally require the payment of a cash deposit or issuance of a letter of credit for the right to acquire lots during a specified period of time at a certain price.
 
Under option contracts, both with and without specific performance, purchase of the properties is contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements by us and the sellers. Our obligations with respect to options with specific performance are included on our consolidated balance sheet in other liabilities at September 30, 2007. At September 30, 2007, we were committed to future amounts under option contracts with specific performance obligations that aggregated $91.6 million, net of cash deposits. Under option contracts without specific performance obligations, our liability is generally limited to forfeiture of the non-refundable deposits, letters of credit and other non-refundable amounts incurred, which aggregated approximately $163.3 million at September 30, 2007. This amount includes non-refundable letters of credit of approximately $35.5 million. At September 30, 2007, future amounts under option contracts without specific performance obligations aggregated approximately $1.4 billion, net of cash deposits.
 
10

 
The following table sets forth, by reportable segment, land controlled by us as of September 30, 2007:
 
   
Lots Owned
         
   
Undevel-
oped
Lots(1)
 
Lots Under
Develop-
ment
 
Finished
Lots
 
Properties
Held for
Sale
 
Homes
Under Con-
struction(2)
 
Total
Lots
Owned
 
Total
Lots Under
Contract
 
Total
Lots
Controlled
 
Arizona
 
-
 
329
 
1,029
 
522
 
261
 
2,141
 
2,171
 
4,312
 
California
 
-
 
3,958
 
1,733
 
43
 
718
 
6,452
 
559
 
7,011
 
Nevada
 
-
 
926
 
668
 
10
 
178
 
1,782
 
1,556
 
3,338
 
New Mexico
 
-
 
-
 
70
 
-
 
52
 
122
 
345
 
467
 
West Segment
 
-
 
5,213
 
3,500
 
575
 
1,209
 
10,497
 
4,631
 
15,128
 
Maryland/Delaware
 
-
 
692
 
1,018
 
-
 
282
 
1,992
 
1,824
 
3,816
 
New Jersey/New York/
                                 
Pennsylvania
 
-
 
165
 
362
 
-
 
215
 
742
 
2,936
 
3,678
 
Virginia/West Virginia
 
-
 
78
 
381
 
-
 
445
 
904
 
1,623
 
2,527
 
Mid-Atlantic Segment
 
-
 
935
 
1,761
 
-
 
942
 
3,638
 
6,383
 
10,021
 
Florida Segment
 
-
 
1,537
 
1,437
 
-
 
499
 
3,473
 
4,077
 
7,550
 
Georgia
     
250
 
292
 
-
 
174
 
716
 
854
 
1,570
 
North Carolina
 
60
 
1,278
 
405
 
47
 
213
 
2,003
 
801
 
2,804
 
South Carolina
 
-
 
1,622
 
363
 
-
 
286
 
2,271
 
4,539
 
6,810
 
Nashville, Tennessee
 
-
 
1,265
 
48
 
-
 
188
 
1,501
 
1,045
 
2,546
 
Southeast Segment
 
60
 
4,415
 
1,108
 
47
 
861
 
6,491
 
7,239
 
13,730
 
Colorado
 
-
 
-
 
314
 
128
 
129
 
571
 
1,025
 
1,596
 
Indiana
 
534
 
1,738
 
1,458
 
432
 
456
 
4,618
 
505
 
5,123
 
Kentucky
 
-
 
262
 
143
 
-
 
83
 
488
 
410
 
898
 
Ohio
 
-
 
1,895
 
840
 
217
 
158
 
3,110
 
-
 
3,110
 
Memphis, Tennessee
 
-
 
-
 
20
 
10
 
62
 
92
 
-
 
92
 
Texas
 
392
 
1,266
 
1,884
 
-
 
505
 
4,047
 
781
 
4,828
 
Other
 
926
 
5,161
 
4,659
 
787
 
1,393
 
12,926
 
2,721
 
15,647
 
Total
 
986
 
17,261
 
12,465
 
1,409
 
4,904
 
37,025
 
25,051
 
62,076
 
 
(1)
“Undeveloped Lots” consists of raw land that is expected to be developed into the respective number of lots reflected in this table.
(2)  The category “Homes Under Construction” represents lots upon which construction of a home has commenced.
      
The following table sets forth, by reportable segment, inventory held for development and land held for sale as of September 30, 2007:
 
   
Inventory Held for
Development
   
Land Held for
Sale
   
Total Owned
Inventory
 
                   
West Segment
  $ 868,675     $ 35,578     $ 904,253  
Mid-Atlantic Segment
    439,712       -       439,712  
Florida Segment
    203,417       -       203,417  
Southeast Segment
    373,111       1,407       374,518  
Other
    407,194       12,488       419,682  
Unallocated
    196,209       -       196,209  
Total
  $ 2,488,318     $ 49,473     $ 2,537,791  
 
Joint Ventures. We participate in land development joint ventures in which Beazer Homes has less than a controlling interest. We enter into joint ventures in order to acquire attractive land positions, to manage our risk profile and to leverage our capital base. Our joint ventures are typically entered into with developers, other homebuilders and financial partners to develop finished lots for sale to the joint venture’s members and other third parties. During fiscal 2007, we wrote down our investment in certain of our joint ventures reflecting $28.6 million of impairments of inventory held within those ventures and $3.4 million of contractual obligation abandonments.
 
11

 
Our joint ventures typically obtain secured acquisition, development and construction financing. At September 30, 2007, our unconsolidated joint ventures had borrowings outstanding totaling $785.4 million of which $450.6 million related to one joint venture in which we are a 2.58% partner. In some instances, Beazer Homes and our joint venture partners have provided varying levels of guarantees of debt of our unconsolidated joint ventures. At September 30, 2007, these guarantees included, for certain joint ventures, construction completion guarantees, loan to value maintenance agreements, repayment guarantees and environmental indemnities (see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
Construction
 
We typically act as the general contractor for the construction of our projects. Our project development operations are controlled by our operating divisions, whose employees supervise the construction of each project, coordinate the activities of subcontractors and suppliers, subject their work to quality and cost controls and assure compliance with zoning and building codes. We specify that quality, durable materials be used in the construction of our homes. Our subcontractors follow design plans prepared by architects and engineers who are retained or directly employed by us and whose designs are geared to the local market. A majority of our home plans are prepared in our corporate office, allowing us to ensure the quality of the plans we build as well as to enable us to reduce direct costs through our value engineering efforts.
 
Subcontractors typically are retained on a project-by-project basis to complete construction at a fixed price. Agreements with our subcontractors and materials suppliers are generally entered into after competitive bidding. In connection with this competitive bid process, we obtain information from prospective subcontractors and vendors with respect to their financial condition and ability to perform their agreements with us. We do not maintain significant inventories of construction materials, except for materials being utilized for homes under construction. We have numerous suppliers of raw materials and services used in our business, and such materials and services have been, and continue to be, available. Material prices may fluctuate, however, due to various factors, including demand or supply shortages, which may be beyond the control of our vendors. Whenever possible, we enter into regional and national supply contracts with certain of our vendors. We believe that our relationships with our suppliers and subcontractors are good.
 
Construction time for our homes depends on the availability of labor, materials and supplies, product type and location. Homes are designed to promote efficient use of space and materials, and to minimize construction costs and time. In all of our markets, construction of a home is typically completed within three to six months following commencement of construction. At September 30, 2007, we had 1,404 finished homes (excluding models), of which 542 were under contract and included in backlog at such date.
 
Warranty Program
 
For certain homes sold through March 31, 2004 (and in certain markets through July 31, 2004), we self-insured our structural warranty obligations through our wholly owned risk retention group. Beginning with homes sold April 1, 2004 (August 1, 2004 in certain markets), our warranties are issued, administered, and insured, subject to applicable self-insured retentions, by independent third parties. We currently provide a limited warranty (ranging from one to two years) covering workmanship and materials per our defined performance quality standards. In addition, we provide a limited warranty (generally ranging from a minimum of five years up to the period covered by the applicable statute of repose) covering only certain defined construction defects. We also provide a defined structural element warranty with single-family homes and townhomes in certain states.
 
Since we subcontract our homebuilding work to subcontractors who generally provide us with an indemnity and a certificate of insurance prior to receiving payments for their work, many claims relating to workmanship and materials are the primary responsibility of our subcontractors.
 
In addition, we maintain third-party insurance, subject to applicable self-insured retentions, for most construction defects that we encounter in the normal course of business. We believe that our accruals and third-party insurance are adequate to cover the ultimate resolution of our potential liabilities associated with known and anticipated warranty and construction defect related claims and litigation. Please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” and Note 14, “Contingencies” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
 
12

 
There can be no assurance, however, that the terms and limitations of the limited warranty will be effective against claims made by the homebuyers, that we will be able to renew our insurance coverage or renew it at reasonable rates, that we will not be liable for damages, the cost of repairs, and/or the expense of litigation surrounding possible construction defects, soil subsidence or building related claims or that claims will not arise out of uninsurable events or circumstances not covered by insurance and not subject to effective indemnification agreements with our subcontractors.
 
Marketing and Sales
 
We make extensive use of advertising and other promotional activities, including our Internet website (http://www.beazer.com), mass-media advertisements, brochures, direct mail, billboards and the placement of strategically located signboards in the immediate areas of our developments.
 
We normally build, decorate, furnish and landscape model homes for each project and maintain on-site sales offices. At September 30, 2007, we maintained 815 model homes, of which 317 were owned, 336 were financed and 162 were leased from third parties pursuant to sale and leaseback agreements. We believe that model homes play a particularly important role in our marketing efforts.
 
We generally sell our homes through commissioned employees (who typically work from the sales offices located at the model homes used in the subdivision) as well as through independent brokers. Our personnel are available to assist prospective homebuyers by providing them with floor plans, price information and tours of model homes, and in connection with the selection of options. The selection of interior features is a principal component of our marketing and sales efforts. Sales personnel are trained by us and attend periodic meetings to be updated on sales techniques, competitive products in the area, the availability of financing, construction schedules and marketing and advertising plans, which management believes results in a sales force with extensive knowledge of our operating policies and housing products. Our policy also provides that sales personnel be licensed real estate agents where required by law. Depending on market conditions, we also at times begin construction on a number of homes for which no signed sales contract exists. The use of an inventory of such homes satisfies the requirements of relocated personnel and of independent brokers, who often represent customers who require a completed home within 60 days. At September 30, 2007, excluding models, we had 2,276 homes at various stages of completion (of which 862 were completed) for which we did not have a sales contract, either because the construction of the home was begun without a sales contract as described above or because the original sales contract had been cancelled.
 
We sometimes use various sales incentives in order to attract homebuyers. The use of incentives depends largely on local economic and competitive market conditions.
 
Customer Financing
 
We historically have offered customer financing through Beazer Mortgage. Through September 30, 2007, Beazer Mortgage financed certain of our mortgage lending activities with borrowings under its warehouse line of credit or from general corporate funds prior to selling the loans and their servicing rights shortly after origination to third-party investors. Beazer Mortgage provided qualified homebuyers numerous financing options, including a wide variety of conventional, Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) and Veterans’ Administration (“VA”) financing programs. In certain situations, we assisted our homebuyers in obtaining financing from outside mortgage lenders and, in certain limited circumstances, we attempted to minimize potential risks relating to the availability of customer financing by purchasing mortgage financing commitments that lock in the availability of funds and interest rates at specified levels for a certain period of time. See Item 3 – Legal Proceedings for discussion of the investigations and litigation related to our mortgage origination business.
 
Through January 31, 2008, Beazer Mortgage provided mortgage origination services, and generally did not retain or service the mortgages that it originated. Effective February 1, 2008, we exited the mortgage origination business and entered into an exclusive preferred lender arrangement with a national, third-party mortgage provider. In addition, we continue to offer title insurance services to our homebuyers in many of our markets.
 
13

 
Competition and Market Factors
 
The development and sale of residential properties is highly competitive and fragmented, particularly in the current weak housing environment. We compete for residential sales on the basis of a number of interrelated factors, including location, reputation, amenities, design, quality and price, with numerous large and small homebuilders, including some homebuilders with nationwide operations and greater financial resources and/or lower costs than us. We also compete for residential sales with individual resales of existing homes, available rental housing and, to a lesser extent, resales of condominiums.
 
We utilize our experience within our geographic markets and breadth of product line to vary our regional product offerings to reflect changing market conditions. We strive to respond to market conditions and to capitalize on the opportunities for advantageous land acquisitions in desirable locations. To further strengthen our competitive position, we rely on quality design, construction and service to provide customers with a higher measure of home.
 
Government Regulation and Environmental Matters
 
Generally, our land is purchased with entitlements, giving us the right to obtain building permits upon compliance with specified conditions, which generally are within our control. Upon compliance with such conditions, we are able to obtain building permits. The length of time necessary to obtain such permits and approvals affects the carrying costs of unimproved property acquired for the purpose of development and construction. In addition, the continued effectiveness of permits already granted is subject to factors such as changes in policies, rules and regulations and their interpretation and application. Many governmental authorities have imposed impact fees as a means of defraying the cost of providing certain governmental services to developing areas. To date, the governmental approval processes discussed above have not had a material adverse effect on our development activities, and indeed all homebuilders in a given market face the same fees and restrictions. There can be no assurance, however, that these and other restrictions will not adversely affect us in the future.
 
We may also be subject to periodic delays or may be precluded entirely from developing communities due to building moratoriums or “slow-growth” or “no-growth” initiatives or building permit allocation ordinances which could be implemented in the future in the states and markets in which we operate. Substantially all of our land is entitled and, therefore, the moratoriums generally would only adversely affect us if they arose from health, safety and welfare issues such as insufficient water or sewage facilities. Local and state governments also have broad discretion regarding the imposition of development fees for projects in their jurisdictions. These fees are normally established, however, when we receive recorded final maps and building permits. We are also subject to a variety of local, state and federal statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations concerning the protection of health and the environment. These laws may result in delays, cause us to incur substantial compliance and other costs, and prohibit or severely restrict development in certain environmentally sensitive regions or areas.
 
In order to provide homes to homebuyers qualifying for FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgages, we must construct homes in compliance with FHA and VA regulations. Our mortgage and title subsidiaries are subject to various licensing requirements and real estate laws and regulations in the states in which they do business. These laws and regulations include provisions regarding capitalization, operating procedures, investments, lending and privacy disclosures, forms of policies and premiums.
 
In some states, we are required to be registered as a licensed contractor and comply with applicable rules and regulations. Also, in various states, our new home counselors are required to be licensed real estate agents and to comply with the laws and regulations applicable to real estate agents.
 
Failure to comply with any of these laws or regulations could result in loss of licensing and a restriction of our business activities in the applicable jurisdiction.
 
14

 
Bonds and Other Obligations
 
We are frequently required, in connection with the development of our projects, to provide letters of credit and performance, maintenance and other bonds in support of our related obligations with respect to such developments. The amount of such obligations outstanding at any time varies in accordance with our pending development activities. In the event any such bonds or letters of credit are drawn upon, we would be obligated to reimburse the issuer of such bonds or letters of credit. At September 30, 2007 we had approximately $134.3 million and $580.9 million of outstanding letters of credit and performance bonds, respectively, related to our obligations to local governments to construct roads and other improvements in various developments, which were in addition to outstanding letters of credit of approximately $37.8 million related to our land option contracts.
 
Employees and Subcontractors
 
At September 30, 2007, we employed 2,619 persons, of whom 761 were sales and marketing personnel, 771 were executive, management and administrative personnel, 912 were involved in construction and 175 were personnel of Beazer Mortgage. Although none of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements, certain of the subcontractors engaged by us are represented by labor unions or are subject to collective bargaining arrangements. We believe that our relations with our employees and subcontractors are good. During October 2007, we continued our comprehensive review of our overhead structure in light of the continuing weakness in the homebuilding market, reducing our number of employees by approximately an additional 650.
 
Available Information
 
Our Internet website address is www.beazer.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file with or furnish them to the SEC and are available in print to any stockholder who requests a printed copy. The public may also read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Additionally, the SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements, information statements and other information regarding issuers, including us, that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
 
In addition, many of our corporate governance documents are available on our website at www.beazer.com. Specifically, our Audit, Finance, Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee Charters, our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics are available. Each of these documents is available in print to any stockholder who requests it.
 
The content on our website is available for information purposes only and is not a part of and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in this report.
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
Our home sales and operating revenues could decline due to macro-economic and other factors outside of our control, such as changes in consumer confidence, declines in employment levels and increases in the quantity and decreases in the price of new homes and resale homes in the market.
 
Changes in national and regional economic conditions, as well as local economic conditions where we conduct our operations and where prospective purchasers of our homes live, may result in more caution on the part of homebuyers and, consequently, fewer home purchases. These economic uncertainties involve, among other things, conditions of supply and demand in local markets and changes in consumer confidence and income, employment levels, and government regulations. These risks and uncertainties could periodically have an adverse effect on consumer demand for and the pricing of our homes, which could cause our operating revenues to decline. Additional reductions in our revenues could, in turn, further negatively affect the market price of our securities.
 
15

 
The homebuilding industry is experiencing a severe downturn that may continue for an indefinite period and continue to adversely affect our business, results of operations and stockholders’ equity.
 
Most housing markets across the United States continue to be characterized by an oversupply of both new and resale home inventory, reduced levels of consumer demand for new homes, increased cancellation rates, aggressive price competition among homebuilders and increased incentives for home sales. As a result of these factors, we, like many other homebuilders, have experienced a material reduction in revenues and margins. These challenging market conditions are expected to continue for the foreseeable future and, in the near term, these conditions may further deteriorate. The Company expects that continued weakness in the homebuilding market will adversely affect its business, results of operations and stockholders’ equity as compared to prior periods and could result in additional inventory and goodwill impairments in the future.
 
In addition, we have been experiencing a significant increase in the number of cancellations by customers. Our backlog reflects the number and value of homes for which we have entered into a sales contract with a customer but have not yet delivered the home. Although these sales contracts typically require a cash deposit and do not make the sale contingent on the sale of the customer’s existing home, in some cases a customer may cancel the contract and receive a complete or partial refund of the deposit as a result of local laws or as a matter of our business practices. If home prices decline, interest rates increase or if there is a national or local economic decline, homebuyers may have an incentive to cancel their contracts with us, even where they might be entitled to no refund or only a partial refund. Significant cancellations have had, and could have, a material adverse effect on our business as a result of lost sales revenue and the accumulation of unsold housing inventory. In particular, our cancellation rates for the fiscal quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 were 68% and 41%, respectively. It is important to note that both backlog and cancellation metrics are operational, rather than accounting data, and should be used only as a general gauge to evaluate performance. There is an inherent imprecision in these metrics based on an evaluation of qualitative factors during the transaction cycle.
 
Based on our impairment tests and consideration of the current and expected future market conditions, we recorded inventory impairment charges of $488.9 million, lot option abandonment charges of $122.9 million and non-cash goodwill impairment charges totaling $52.8 million during fiscal 2007. During fiscal 2007, we also wrote down our investment in certain of our joint ventures reflecting $28.6 million of impairments of inventory held within those ventures and $3.4 million of contractual obligation abandonments. While we believe that no additional goodwill, joint venture investment or inventory impairments existed as of September 30, 2007, future economic or financial developments, including general interest rate increases, poor performance in either the national economy or individual local economies, or our ability to meet our projections could lead to future impairments.
 
The current disruption in the availability of mortgage financing is expected to continue to adversely affect our business and results of operations.
 
Substantially all purchasers of our homes finance their acquisition with mortgage financing. The U.S. residential mortgage market is experiencing serious disruption due to deterioration in the credit quality of loans originated to non-prime and subprime borrowers, an increase in mortgage foreclosure rates and the recent failure of numerous lending institutions. These difficulties are not expected to improve until residential real estate inventories return to a more normal level and the mortgage credit market stabilizes. This disruption has adversely affected, and is expected to continue to adversely affect, the Company’s business and results of operation as compared to prior periods.
 
16

 
We are the subject of ongoing governmental criminal and civil investigations and pending civil litigation which could result in criminal charges and could require us to pay substantial fines, damages or other penalties or could otherwise have a material adverse effect on us.
 
We and our subsidiary, Beazer Mortgage Corporation, are under criminal and civil investigations by the United States Attorney’s office in the Western District of North Carolina, the SEC and other federal and state agencies. We and certain of our current and former employees, officers and directors have been named as defendants in securities class action lawsuits, lawsuits regarding Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) claims, and derivative shareholder actions. In addition, certain of our subsidiaries have been named in class action and multi-party lawsuits regarding claims made by homebuyers. We cannot predict or determine the timing or final outcome of the investigations or the lawsuits or the effect that any adverse findings in the investigations or adverse determinations in the lawsuits may have on us. While we are cooperating with the investigations, developments, including the expansion of the scope of the investigations, could negatively impact us, could divert the efforts and attention of our management team from the operation of our business, and/or result in further departures of executives or other employees. An unfavorable determination resulting from any investigation could result in the filing of criminal charges or the payment of substantial criminal or civil fines, the imposition of injunctions on our conduct or the imposition of other penalties or consequences, including but not limited to the Company having to adjust, curtail or terminate the conduct of certain of our business operations. Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. An unfavorable determination in any of the lawsuits could result in the payment by us of substantial monetary damages which may not be fully covered by insurance. Further, the legal costs associated with the investigations and the lawsuits and the amount of time required to be spent by management and the Board of Directors on these matters, even if we are ultimately successful, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition to expenses incurred to defend the Company in these matters, under Delaware law and our bylaws, we may have an obligation to indemnify our current and former officers and directors in relation to these matters.
 
Our insurance carriers may seek to rescind or deny coverage with respect to certain of the pending investigations or lawsuits, or we may not have sufficient coverage under such policies. If the insurance companies are successful in rescinding or denying coverage or if we do not have sufficient coverage under our policies, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
 
We face risks relating to our ineffective internal controls.
 
As a result of our review of issues identified during the recently completed independent investigation initiated by the Audit Committee, as well as our internal review, management has identified several deficiencies in our control environment that constitute material weaknesses and, consequently, has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of September 30, 2007. In addition, management has concluded, based primarily on the identification of the material weaknesses, that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at September 30, 2007. See Part II, Item 9A – Controls and Procedures. If we are unable to successfully remediate these material weaknesses in a timely manner, investors may lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could lead to a decline in our stock price, limit our ability to access the capital markets in the future, and require us to incur additional costs to improve our internal control systems and procedures. In addition, we are in the process of developing and implementing a full work plan for remediation of all of the identified material weaknesses, and this work will continue during fiscal 2008. Until our remediation efforts are completed, management will continue to devote significant time and attention to these efforts, and we will continue to incur the expenses associated with the additional procedures and resources required to prepare our consolidated financial statements.
 
Continuing negative publicity may adversely affect our business.
 
As a result of the various ongoing investigations and litigation discussed herein and the issues relating thereto, we have been the subject of continuing negative publicity. This negative publicity has contributed to significant declines in the prices of our publicly traded securities. We believe this negative publicity has also discouraged and may continue to discourage a number of potential homebuyers from purchasing a home from us. In addition, the negative publicity has adversely affected our relationships with certain of our partners, such as land sellers, contractors and suppliers. Continuing negative publicity could continue to have a material adverse effect on our business and the market price of our publicly traded securities.
 
17

 
We are dependent on the services of certain key employees, and the loss of their services could hurt our business.
 
Our future success depends upon our ability to attract, train, assimilate and retain skilled personnel. If we are unable to retain our key employees or attract, train, assimilate or retain other skilled personnel in the future, it could hinder our business strategy and impose additional costs of identifying and training new individuals. Competition for qualified personnel in all of our operating markets is intense.
 
As a result of the various ongoing investigations and litigation discussed herein and the uncertainty of our future prospects, we have lost several key employees of our Company. We also believe that these circumstances have adversely affected morale and could lead to additional employee turnover. In light of these ongoing matters, we have experienced some difficulty in attracting qualified individuals to replace the employees we have lost.
 
Recent and potential future downgrades of our credit ratings could adversely affect our access to capital and could otherwise have a material adverse effect on us.
 
Each of S&P, Moody’s and Fitch has recently decreased its rating or outlook with respect to our long-term unsecured debt. Specifically, on February 15, 2008, S&P decreased its rating from B+ to B and maintained its negative outlook (which had been revised from stable on March 28, 2007). S&P had placed the Company’s corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on negative credit watch on August 14, 2007. On March 26, 2008, Moody’s lowered its rating from B1 to B2 and maintained its negative outlook. On March 5, 2008, Fitch lowered the Company’s issuer-default rating from BB- to B+, convertible senior notes to B from BB-, and its junior subordinated debt to CCC+ from B. The rating agencies announced that these downgrades reflect deterioration in our homebuilding operations, credit metrics and other earnings-based metrics and their outlook for our future earnings, as well as possible distractions resulting from the ongoing investigations described elsewhere herein. These ratings and our current credit condition affect, among other things, our ability to access new capital, especially debt, and may result in more stringent covenants and higher interest rates under the terms of any new debt. Our credit ratings could be further lowered or rating agencies could issue adverse commentaries in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
 
We have not been timely in our Exchange Act reporting.
 
Although we have now filed all of our fiscal 2007 Exchange Act filings with the SEC, we failed to timely file with the SEC our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2007, June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2007 and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007. Until we are timely in our filings for a period of 12 months (anticipated mid 2009), we will be precluded from registering any securities with the SEC on Form S-3. As a result, our ability to access the capital markets may be constrained, which may adversely affect our liquidity.
 
Our revolving credit facility, bonds and certain other debt impose significant restrictions and obligations on us. Restrictions on our ability to borrow could adversely affect our liquidity. In addition, our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition, limit our growth and make it more difficult for us to satisfy our debt obligations.
 
Our revolving credit facility imposes significant restrictions and obligations on us. Under this facility, we are required to meet certain financial tests, including a minimum consolidated tangible net worth, a maximum leverage ratio, a minimum interest coverage ratio, a maximum land inventory ratio and, under certain circumstances, minimum liquidity. In addition, we must comply with other covenants which, among other things, limit the incurrence of liens, secured debt, investments, transactions with affiliates, asset sales, mergers and other matters. Any failure to comply with any of these covenants could result in an event of default under the revolving credit facility. Any such event of default, any other default or any failure of our representations and warranties in the credit agreement to be correct in all material respects on the date of a proposed borrowing would also prohibit our ability to make borrowings under the revolving credit facility and could negatively impact other covenants or lead to defaults under certain of our other debt. We have in the past needed waivers and amendments under this facility with respect to financial covenants and the accuracy of representations of warranties made when we borrow under the facility. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain any future waivers or amendments that may become necessary without significant additional cost or at all.
 
18

 
As of September 30, 2007, we had total outstanding indebtedness of approximately $1.9 billion, net of unamortized discount of approximately $3.0 million. Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to us and the holders of our securities, including, among other things:
 
 
causing us to be unable to satisfy our obligations under our debt agreements;
 
making us more vulnerable to adverse general economic and industry conditions;
 
making it difficult to fund future working capital, land purchases, acquisitions, share
 
repurchases, general corporate purposes or other purposes; and
 
causing us to be limited in our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business.
 
In addition, subject to restrictions in our existing debt instruments, we may incur additional indebtedness. On October 10, 2007, we entered into a waiver and amendment of our revolving credit facility. Under this and an October 26, 2007 amendment, borrowings under the revolving credit facility are secured by certain assets and our ability to borrow under this facility is subject to satisfaction of a secured borrowing base. We are permitted to grow the borrowing base by adding additional cash and/or real estate as collateral securing the revolving credit facility.
 
If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify. Our growth plans and our ability to make payments of principal or interest on, or to refinance, our indebtedness, will depend on our future operating performance and our ability to enter into additional debt and/or equity financings. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows in the future to service our debt, we may be required to refinance all or a portion of our existing debt, to sell assets or to obtain additional financing. We may not be able to do any of the foregoing on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
 
A substantial increase in mortgage interest rates or unavailability of mortgage financing may reduce consumer demand for our homes.
 
A substantial increase in mortgage interest rates or unavailability of mortgage financing would adversely affect the ability of prospective first-time and move-up homebuyers to obtain financing for our homes, as well as adversely affect the ability of prospective move-up homebuyers to sell their current homes. As a result, our margins, revenues and cash flows may also be adversely affected.
 
If we are unsuccessful in competing against our homebuilding competitors, our market share could decline or our growth could be impaired and, as a result, our financial results could suffer.
 
Competition in the homebuilding industry is intense, and there are relatively low barriers to entry into our business. Increased competition could hurt our business, as it could prevent us from acquiring attractive parcels of land on which to build homes or make such acquisitions more expensive, hinder our market share expansion, and lead to pricing pressures on our homes that may adversely impact our margins and revenues. If we are unable to successfully compete, our financial results could suffer and the value of, or our ability to service, our debt could be adversely affected. Our competitors may independently develop land and construct housing units that are superior or substantially similar to our products. Furthermore, some of our competitors have substantially greater financial resources and lower costs of funds than we do. Many of these competitors also have longstanding relationships with subcontractors and suppliers in the markets in which we operate. We currently build in several of the top markets in the nation and, therefore, we expect to continue to face additional competition from new entrants into our markets.
 
Our financial condition, results of operations and stockholders’ equity may be adversely affected by any decrease in the value of our inventory, as well as by the associated carrying costs.
 
We regularly acquire land for replacement and expansion of land inventory within our existing and new markets. The risks inherent in purchasing and developing land increase as consumer demand for housing decreases. The market value of land, building lots and housing inventories can fluctuate significantly as a result of changing market conditions and the measures we employ to manage inventory risk may not be adequate to insulate our operations from a severe drop in inventory values. When market conditions are such that land values are not appreciating, previously entered into option agreements may become less desirable, at which time we may elect to forego deposits and preacquisition costs and terminate the agreements. During fiscal 2007, as a result of the further deterioration of the housing market and our strategic decision related to projects which no longer met our internal investment standards, we determined that the carrying amount of certain of our inventory assets exceeded their estimated fair value. As a result of our analysis, during fiscal 2007, we incurred $488.9 million of non-cash pre-tax charges related to inventory impairments. If these adverse market conditions continue or worsen, we may have to incur additional inventory impairment charges which would adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and stockholders’ equity.
 
19

 
We conduct certain of our operations through unconsolidated joint ventures with independent third parties in which we do not have a controlling interest and we can be adversely impacted by joint venture partners’ failure to fulfill their obligations.
 
We participate in land development joint ventures (“JVs”) in which we have less than a controlling interest. We have entered into JVs in order to acquire attractive land positions, to manage our risk profile and to leverage our capital base. Our JVs are typically entered into with developers, other homebuilders and financial partners to develop finished lots for sale to the joint venture’s members and other third parties. As a result of the deterioration of the housing market in fiscal 2007, we wrote down our investment in certain of our JVs reflecting $28.6 million of impairments of inventory held within those JVs and $3.4 million of contractual obligation abandonments. If these adverse market conditions continue or worsen, we may have to take further writedowns of our investments in these JVs.
 
Our joint venture investments are generally very illiquid both because we lack a controlling interest in the JVs and because most of our JVs are structured to require super-majority or unanimous approval of the members to sell a substantial portion of the JV’s assets or for a member to receive a return of their invested capital. Our lack of a controlling interest also results in the risk that the JV will take actions that we disagree with, or fail to take actions that we desire, including actions regarding the sale of the underlying property.
 
Our JVs typically obtain secured acquisition, development and construction financing. At September 30, 2007, our unconsolidated JVs had borrowings totaling $785.4 million, of which $450.6 million related to one joint venture in which we are a 2.58% partner. In some instances, we and our joint venture partners have provided varying levels of guarantees of debt of our unconsolidated JVs. At September 30, 2007, these guarantees included, for certain, joint ventures, construction completion guarantees, loan-to-value maintenance agreements, repayment guarantees and environmental indemnities. At September 30, 2007, we had repayment guarantees of $42.3 million and loan-to-value maintenance guarantees of $7.7 million of debt of unconsolidated joint ventures (see Notes 3 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). As the housing market has deteriorated, it has become more likely that our guarantees may be called upon. If one or more of these guarantees were drawn upon or otherwise invoked, our obligations could be significant, individually or in the aggregate, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. We cannot guarantee that such events will not occur or that such obligations will not be invoked.
 
We may not be able to utilize all of our deferred tax assets.
 
We currently believe that we are likely to have sufficient taxable income in the future to realize the benefit of all of our deferred tax assets (consisting primarily of inventory valuation adjustments, reserves and accruals that are not currently deductible for tax purposes, as well as operating loss carryforwards from losses we incurred during fiscal 2007). However, some or all of these deferred tax assets could expire unused if we are unable to generate sufficient taxable income in the future to take advantage of them or we enter into transactions that limit our right to use them. If it became more likely than not that deferred tax assets would expire unused, we would have to record a valuation allowance to reflect this fact, which could materially increase our income tax expense, and therefore adversely affect our results of operations and tangible net worth in the period in which it is recorded.
 
20

 
We could experience a reduction in home sales and revenues or reduced cash flows due to our inability to acquire land for our housing developments if we are unable to obtain reasonably priced financing to support our homebuilding activities.
 
The homebuilding industry is capital intensive, and homebuilding requires significant up-front expenditures to acquire land and begin development. Accordingly, we incur substantial indebtedness to finance our homebuilding activities. If internally generated funds and borrowings under our revolving credit facility are not sufficient, we would seek additional capital in the form of equity or debt financing from a variety of potential sources, including additional bank financing and/or securities offerings. The amount and types of indebtedness which we may incur are limited by the terms of our existing debt. In addition, the availability of borrowed funds, especially for land acquisition and construction financing, may be greatly reduced nationally, and the lending community may require increased amounts of equity to be invested in a project by borrowers in connection with both new loans and the extension of existing loans. If we are not successful in obtaining sufficient capital to fund our planned capital and other expenditures, we may be unable to acquire land for our housing developments. Additionally, if we cannot obtain additional financing to fund the purchase of land under our option contracts, we may incur contractual penalties and fees.
 
We are subject to extensive government regulation which could cause us to incur significant liabilities or restrict our business activities.
 
Regulatory requirements could cause us to incur significant liabilities and operating expenses and could restrict our business activities. We are subject to local, state and federal statutes and rules regulating, among other things, certain developmental matters, building and site design, and matters concerning the protection of health and the environment. Our operating expenses may be increased by governmental regulations such as building permit allocation ordinances and impact and other fees and taxes, which may be imposed to defray the cost of providing certain governmental services and improvements. Other governmental regulations, such as building moratoriums and “no growth” or “slow growth” initiatives, which may be adopted in communities which have developed rapidly, may cause delays in home projects or otherwise restrict our business activities resulting in reductions in our revenues. Any delay or refusal from government agencies to grant us necessary licenses, permits and approvals could have an adverse effect on our operations.
 
We may incur additional operating expenses due to compliance programs or fines, penalties and remediation costs pertaining to environmental regulations within our markets.
 
We are subject to a variety of local, state and federal statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations concerning the protection of health and the environment. The particular environmental laws which apply to any given community vary greatly according to the community site, the site’s environmental conditions and the present and former use of the site. Environmental laws may result in delays, may cause us to implement time consuming and expensive compliance programs and may prohibit or severely restrict development in certain environmentally sensitive regions or areas. From time to time, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and similar federal or state agencies review homebuilders’ compliance with environmental laws and may levy fines and penalties for failure to strictly comply with applicable environmental laws or impose additional requirements for future compliance as a result of past failures. Any such actions taken with respect to us may increase our costs. Further, we expect that increasingly stringent requirements will be imposed on homebuilders in the future. Environmental regulations can also have an adverse impact on the availability and price of certain raw materials such as lumber. Our projects in California are especially susceptible to restrictive government regulations and environmental laws.
 
We may be subject to significant potential liabilities as a result of construction defect, product liability and warranty claims made against us.
 
As a homebuilder, we have been, and continue to be, subject to construction defect, product liability and home warranty claims, including moisture intrusion and related claims, arising in the ordinary course of business. These claims are common to the homebuilding industry and can be costly.
 
We and certain of our subsidiaries have been, and continue to be, named as defendants in various construction defect claims, product liability claims, complaints and other legal actions that include claims related to moisture intrusion. Furthermore, plaintiffs may in certain of these legal proceedings seek class action status with potential class sizes that vary from case to case. Class action lawsuits can be costly to defend, and if we were to lose any certified class action suit, it could result in substantial potential liability for us.
 
21

 
With respect to certain general liability exposures, including construction defect, moisture intrusion and related claims and product liability, interpretation of underlying current and future trends, assessment of claims and the related liability and reserve estimation process is highly judgmental due to the complex nature of these exposures, with each exposure exhibiting unique circumstances. Furthermore, once claims are asserted for construction defects, it is difficult to determine the extent to which the assertion of these claims will expand geographically. Although we have obtained insurance for construction defect claims subject to applicable self-insurance retentions, such policies may not be available or adequate to cover any liability for damages, the cost of repairs, and/or the expense of litigation surrounding current claims, and future claims may arise out of uninsurable events or circumstances not covered by insurance and not subject to effective indemnification agreements with our subcontractors.
 
Our operating expenses could increase if we are required to pay higher insurance premiums or litigation costs for various claims, which could cause our net income to decline.
 
The costs of insuring against construction defect, product liability and director and officer claims are high. This coverage may become more costly or more restricted in the future.
 
Increasingly in recent years, lawsuits (including class action lawsuits) have been filed against builders, asserting claims of personal injury and property damage. Our insurance may not cover all of the claims, including personal injury claims, arising from moisture intrusion, or such coverage may become prohibitively expensive. If we are not able to obtain adequate insurance against these claims, we may experience losses that could reduce our net income and restrict our cash flow available to service debt.
 
Historically, builders have recovered from subcontractors and their insurance carriers a significant portion of the construction defect liabilities and costs of defense that the builders have incurred. Insurance coverage available to subcontractors for construction defects is becoming increasingly expensive, and the scope of coverage is restricted. If we cannot effectively recover from our subcontractors or their carriers, we may suffer greater losses which could decrease our net income.
 
A builder’s ability to recover against any available insurance policy depends upon the continued solvency and financial strength of the insurance carrier that issued the policy. Many of the states in which we build homes have lengthy statutes of limitations applicable to claims for construction defects. To the extent that any carrier providing insurance coverage to us or our subcontractors becomes insolvent or experiences financial difficulty in the future, we may be unable to recover on those policies, and our net income may decline.
 
We are dependent on the continued availability and satisfactory performance of our subcontractors, which, if unavailable, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
We conduct our construction operations only as a general contractor. Virtually all construction work is performed by unaffiliated third-party subcontractors. As a consequence, we depend on the continued availability of and satisfactory performance by these subcontractors for the construction of our homes. There may not be sufficient availability of and satisfactory performance by these unaffiliated third-party subcontractors in the markets in which we operate. In addition, inadequate subcontractor resources could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
We experience fluctuations and variability in our operating results on a quarterly basis and, as a result, our historical performance may not be a meaningful indicator of future results.
 
Our operating results in a future quarter or quarters may fall below expectations of securities analysts or investors and, as a result, the market value of our common stock will fluctuate. We historically have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, variability in home sales and net earnings on a quarterly basis. As a result of such variability, our historical performance may not be a meaningful indicator of future results. Our quarterly results of operations may continue to fluctuate in the future as a result of a variety of both national and local factors, including, among others:
 
 
the timing of home closings and land sales;
 
our ability to continue to acquire additional land or secure option contracts to acquire land on acceptable terms;
 
conditions of the real estate market in areas where we operate and of the general economy;
 
raw material and labor shortages;
 
seasonal homebuying patterns; and
 
other changes in operating expenses, including the cost of labor and raw materials, personnel and general economic conditions.
 
22

 
The occurrence of natural disasters could increase our operating expenses and reduce our revenues and cash flows.
 
The climates and geology of many of the states in which we operate, including California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, present increased risks of natural disasters. To the extent that hurricanes, severe storms, earthquakes, droughts, floods, wildfires or other natural disasters or similar events occur, our homes under construction or our building lots in such states could be damaged or destroyed, which may result in losses exceeding our insurance coverage. Any of these events could increase our operating expenses, impair our cash flows and reduce our revenues, which could, in turn, negatively affect the market price of our securities.
 
Future terrorist attacks against the United States or increased domestic or international instability could have an adverse effect on our operations.
 
Adverse developments in the war on terrorism, future terrorist attacks against the United States, or any outbreak or escalation of hostilities between the United States and any foreign power, including the armed conflict with Iraq, may cause disruption to the economy, our Company, our employees and our customers, which could adversely affect our revenues, operating expenses, and financial condition.
 
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.
 
Item 2.    Properties
 
As of April 25, 2008, we lease approximately 57,000 square feet of office space in Atlanta, Georgia to house our corporate headquarters. We also lease an aggregate of approximately 615,000 square feet of office space for our subsidiaries’ operations at various locations. We own an aggregate of 57,872 square feet of office space in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are actively marketing our Indiana office building for sale.
 
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings
 
Investigations
 
United States Attorney, State and Federal Agency Investigations. Beazer Homes and its subsidiary, Beazer Mortgage Corporation, are under criminal and civil investigations by the United States Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina and other state and federal agencies concerning the matters that have been the subject of the independent investigation by the Audit Committee of the Beazer Homes’ Board of Directors described below. The Company is fully cooperating with these investigations.
 
Securities and Exchange Commission Investigation. On July 20, 2007, Beazer Homes received from the SEC a formal order of private investigation to determine whether Beazer Homes and/or other persons or entities involved with Beazer Homes have violated federal securities laws, including, among others, the anti-fraud, books and records, internal accounting controls, periodic reporting and certification provisions thereof. The SEC had previously initiated an informal investigation in this matter in May 2007. The Company is fully cooperating with the SEC investigation.
 
Independent Investigation. In April 2007, the Audit Committee of the Beazer Homes Board of Directors initiated an independent investigation of Beazer Homes’ mortgage origination business, including, among other things, investigating certain evidence that the Company’s subsidiary, Beazer Mortgage Corporation, violated U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) regulations and may have violated certain other laws and regulations in connection with certain of its mortgage origination activities. For information regarding the Audit Committee investigation, the accounting errors and irregularities identified, and the related restatement adjustments, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Notes 14 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
23

 
Litigation
 
Securities Class Actions. Beazer Homes and certain of our current and former executive officers are named as defendants in a putative class action securities lawsuit filed on March 29, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Plaintiffs filed this action on behalf of a purported class of purchasers of Beazer Homes’ common stock between July 27, 2006 and March 27, 2007. The complaint alleges that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by issuing materially false and misleading statements regarding our business and prospects because we did not disclose facts related to alleged improper lending practices in our mortgage origination business. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages. Two additional lawsuits were filed subsequently on May 18, 2007 and May 21, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia making similar factual allegations and asserting class periods of July 28, 2005 through March 27, 2007, and March 30, 2005 through March 27, 2007, respectively. The court has consolidated these three lawsuits and plaintiffs are expected to file a consolidated amended complaint within thirty days after the filing of this Form 10-K with the SEC. The Company intends to vigorously defend against these actions.
 
Derivative Shareholder Actions. Certain of Beazer Homes’ current and former executive officers and directors were named as defendants in a derivative shareholder suit filed on April 16, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The complaint also names Beazer Homes as a nominal defendant. The complaint, purportedly on behalf of Beazer Homes, alleges that the defendants (i) violated Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder; (ii) breached their fiduciary duties and misappropriated information; (iii) abused their control; (iv) wasted corporate assets; and (v) were unjustly enriched. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages against the individual defendants and in favor of Beazer Homes. An additional lawsuit was filed subsequently on August 29, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia asserting similar factual allegations. A motion to consolidate the two Georgia derivative actions is pending, and the plaintiffs are expected to designate the operative complaint within five days after the Court consolidates the actions. Additionally, on September 12, 2007, another derivative suit was filed in Delaware Chancery Court, and the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on October 26, 2007. The Delaware complaint raises similar factual and legal claims as those asserted by the plaintiffs in the Georgia derivative actions. The defendants have moved to dismiss the Delaware action, or in the alternative, to stay the case pending resolution of the derivative litigation pending in Georgia. The defendants intend to vigorously defend against these actions.
 
ERISA Class Actions. On April 30, 2007, a putative class action complaint was filed on behalf of a purported class consisting of present and former participants and beneficiaries of the Beazer Homes 401(k) Plan, naming Beazer Homes, certain of its current and former officers and directors and the Benefits Administration Committee as defendants. The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The complaint alleges breach of fiduciary duties, including those set forth in ERISA as a result of the investment of retirement monies held by the 401(k) Plan in common stock of Beazer Homes at a time when participants were allegedly not provided timely, accurate and complete information concerning Beazer Homes. Four additional lawsuits were filed subsequently on May 11, 2007, May 14, 2007, June 15, 2007 and July 27, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia making similar allegations. The court has consolidated these five lawsuits, and the plaintiffs are expected to file a consolidated amended complaint within thirty days after the filing of this Form 10-K with the SEC. The Company intends to vigorously defend against these actions.
 
Homeowners Class Action Lawsuits and Multi-Plaintiff Lawsuit. Beazer Homes’ subsidiaries, Beazer Homes Corp. and Beazer Mortgage Corporation, were named as defendants in a putative class action lawsuit filed on March 23, 2007 in the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, County of Mecklenburg, North Carolina. The case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Charlotte Division. The complaint was filed as a putative class action. The purported class is defined as North Carolina residents who purchased homes in subdivisions in North Carolina containing homes constructed by the defendants where the foreclosure rate is allegedly significantly higher than the state-wide average. The complaint alleged that the defendants utilized unfair trade practices to allow low-income purchasers to qualify for loans they allegedly could not afford, resulting in foreclosures that allegedly diminished plaintiffs’ property values. Plaintiffs sought an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and also requested that any damage award be trebled. On April 25, 2008, the District Court dismissed all causes of action with prejudice. If Plaintiffs file a motion for reconsideration of the District Court’s decision or appeal the judgment of the District Court, the defendants will continue to vigorously defend this action.
 
24

 
A second putative homeowner class action lawsuit was filed on April 23, 2007 in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, Columbia Division. The complaint alleged that Beazer Homes Corp. and Beazer Mortgage Corporation illegally facilitated the financing of the purchase of homes sold to low income purchasers, who allegedly would not have otherwise qualified for the loans. Certain of the plaintiffs also alleged that the defendants’ practices resulted in foreclosures that allegedly diminished plaintiffs’ property values. The complaint demanded an unspecified amount of damages, including damages for alleged violations of federal RICO statutes and punitive damages. The Company filed a motion to dismiss and the District Court dismissed all causes of action with prejudice on September 10, 2007. The plaintiffs subsequently filed a motion for reconsideration which the District Court denied. The plaintiffs did not file a notice of appeal and this case is now concluded.
 
An additional putative class action was filed on April 8, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, Salisbury Division, against Beazer Homes, U.S.A., Inc., Beazer Homes Corp. and Beazer Mortgage Corporation. The Complaint alleges that Beazer violated the Real Estate Settlement Practices Act and North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 75-1.1 by (1) improperly requiring homebuyers to use Beazer-owned mortgage and settlement services as part of a down payment assistance program, and (2) illegally increasing the cost of homes and settlement services sold by Beazer Homes Corp. Plaintiff also asserts that Beazer was unjustly enriched by these alleged actions. The purported class consists of all residents of North Carolina who purchased a home from Beazer, using mortgage financing provided by and through Beazer that included seller-funded down payment assistance, between January 1, 2000 and October 11, 2007. The Complaint demands an unspecified amount of damages, various forms of equitable relief, treble damages, attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses. The defendants have not yet filed a responsive pleading or motion, but intend to vigorously defend this action.
 
Beazer Homes Corp. and Beazer Mortgage Corporation are also named defendants in a lawsuit filed on July 3, 2007, in the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, County of Mecklenburg, North Carolina. The case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Charlotte Division, but remanded on April 23, 2008 to the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, County of Mecklenburg, North Carolina. The complaint was filed on behalf of ten individual homeowners who purchased homes from Beazer in Mecklenburg County. The complaint alleges certain deceptive conduct by the defendants and brings various claims under North Carolina statutory and common law, including a claim for punitive damages. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this action.
 
Bond Indenture Trustee Litigation. On September 10, 2007, we filed an Amended Complaint For Declaratory Judgment and Injunctive Relief in an action pending in the United States District Court in Atlanta, Georgia against the trustees under the indentures governing our outstanding senior and convertible senior notes. We sought, among other relief, a declaration from the court against the trustees that the delay in filing with the SEC our Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007 does not constitute a default under the applicable indentures and that the delay will not give rise to any right of acceleration on the part of the holders of the senior and convertible senior notes.
 
On October 29, 2007, we notified the court and the trustees that we had successfully concluded a consent solicitation concerning the notes at issue. Because the consents provide us with a waiver of any and all defaults under the indentures at issue that may have occurred or may occur prior to May 15, 2008 due to our failure to file or deliver reports or other information we would be required to file with the SEC, we continued to request the court to rule on our demand for declaratory judgment. In response to our notice of successful consent solicitation, the trustees requested the court to deny our request for a ruling on the merits and dismiss the action, without prejudice, on the ground that there is no justiciable controversy ripe for determination. We opposed the trustees’ suggestion of mootness and requested the court to grant us declaratory judgment.
 
25

 
We cannot predict or determine the timing or final outcome of the governmental investigations or the lawsuits or the effect that any adverse findings in the investigations or adverse determinations in the lawsuits may have on us. While we are cooperating with the governmental investigations, developments, including the expansion of the scope of the investigations, could negatively impact us, could divert the efforts and attention of our management team from the operation of our business, and/or result in further departures of executives or other employees. An unfavorable determination resulting from any governmental investigation could result in the filing of criminal charges, payment of substantial criminal or civil fines, the imposition of injunctions on our conduct or the imposition of other penalties or consequences, including but not limited to the Company having to adjust, curtail or terminate the conduct of certain of our business operations. Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. An unfavorable determination in any of the lawsuits could result in the payment by us of substantial monetary damages which may not be fully covered by insurance. Further, the legal costs associated with the investigations and the lawsuits and the amount of time required to be spent by management and the Board of Directors on these matters, even if we are ultimately successful, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Other Matters
 
EPA Information Request. In November 2003, Beazer Homes received a request for information from the EPA pursuant to Section 308 of the Clean Water Act seeking information concerning the nature and extent of storm water discharge practices relating to certain of our projects completed or under construction. The EPA has since requested information on additional projects and has conducted site inspections at a number of locations. In certain instances, the EPA or the equivalent state agency has issued Administrative Orders identifying alleged instances of noncompliance and requiring corrective action to address the alleged deficiencies in storm water management practices. As of April 18, 2008, no monetary penalties have been imposed in connection with such Administrative Orders. The EPA has reserved the right to impose monetary penalties at a later date, the amount of which, if any, cannot currently be estimated. Beazer Homes has taken action to comply with the requirements of each of the Administrative Orders and is working to otherwise maintain compliance with the requirements of the Clean Water Act.
 
In 2006, we received two Administrative Orders issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The Orders allege certain violations of wetlands disturbance permits. The two Orders assess proposed fines of $630,000 and $678,000, respectively. We have met with the Department to discuss their concerns on the two affected projects and have requested hearings on both matters. We believe that we have significant defenses to the alleged violations and intend to contest the agency’s findings and the proposed fines. We are currently pursuing settlement discussions with the Department. A hearing before the judge has been postponed pending settlement discussions.
 
We and certain of our subsidiaries have been named as defendants in various claims, complaints and other legal actions, most relating to construction defects, moisture intrusion and product liability claims. Certain of the liabilities resulting from these actions are covered in whole or part by insurance. In our opinion, based on our current assessment, the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We have accrued $17.6 million and $18.5 million in other liabilities related to these matters as of September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
No matters were submitted during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report to a vote of stockholders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.
 
26

 
PART II
 
Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Market Information
 
The Company lists its common shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “BZH.” On April 25, 2008, the last reported sales price of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE was $10.50. On April 25, 2008, Beazer Homes USA, Inc. had approximately 230 stockholders of record and 39,234,305 shares of common stock outstanding. The following table sets forth, for the quarters indicated, the range of high and low trading for the Company’s common stock during fiscal 2007 and 2006.
 
                           
     
1st Qtr
   
2nd Qtr
   
3rd Qtr
   
4th Qtr
 
 
Fiscal Year 2007:
                       
 
High
  $ 48.60     $ 47.07     $ 38.76     $ 25.00  
 
Low
  $ 38.10     $ 27.71     $ 24.02     $ 8.08  
 
Fiscal Year 2006:
                               
 
High
  $ 74.61     $ 82.14     $ 69.61     $ 46.31  
 
Low
  $ 51.90     $ 59.00     $ 43.82     $ 35.96  
 
Dividends
 
For fiscal 2007, we paid quarterly cash dividends aggregating $0.40 per common share, or a total of approximately $15.6 million. For fiscal 2006, the Company paid quarterly cash dividends aggregating $0.40 per common share, or a total of approximately $16.1 million. Effective November 2, 2007, the Board of Directors suspended the payment of quarterly dividends. The Board concluded that this action, which will allow the Company to conserve approximately $16 million of cash on an annual basis, was a prudent effort in light of the continued deterioration in the housing market. The Board of Directors will periodically reconsider the declaration of dividends. The reinstatement of quarterly dividends, the amount of such dividends, and the form in which the dividends are paid (cash or stock) depends upon the results of operations, the financial condition of the Company and other factors which the Board of Directors deems relevant. The indentures under which our senior notes were issued contain certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on payment of dividends. At September 30, 2007, under the most restrictive covenants of each indenture, approximately $27.6 million of our retained earnings was available for cash dividends and for share repurchases.
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
On November 18, 2005, as part of an acceleration of our comprehensive plan to enhance stockholder value, our Board of Directors authorized an increase of our stock repurchase plan to ten million shares of our common stock. Shares may be purchased for cash in the open market, on the NYSE or in privately negotiated transactions. During fiscal 2007, we did not repurchase any shares in the open market. At September 30, 2007, we are authorized to purchase approximately 5.4 million additional shares pursuant to the plan. We have currently suspended our repurchase program and any resumption of such program will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and is unlikely in the foreseeable future.
 
During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, 5,180 shares were surrendered to us by employees in payment of minimum tax obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock units under our stock incentive plans. We valued the stock at the market price on the date of surrender, for an aggregate value of $44,030 or approximately $8.50 per share.
 
27

 
Performance Graph
 
The following graph illustrates the cumulative total stockholder return on Beazer Homes’ common stock for the last five fiscal years through September 30, 2007, compared to the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Homebuilding Index. The comparison assumes an investment in Beazer Homes’ common stock and in each of the foregoing indices of $100 at September 30, 2002, and assumes that all dividends were reinvested. Stockholder returns over the indicated period are based on historical data and should not be considered indicative of future stockholder returns.
 
GRAPHIC
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
 
   
2002
   
2003
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
 
                                   
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
  $ 100.00     $ 138.25     $ 175.76     $ 290.84     $ 195.07     $ 41.94  
S&P 500
  $ 100.00     $ 124.40     $ 141.65     $ 159.01     $ 176.17     $ 205.13  
S&P Homebuilding
  $ 100.00     $ 154.88     $ 245.10     $ 351.19     $ 254.35     $ 129.27  
 
28

 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
 
   
Year Ended September 30,
   
2007
 
2006 (i)
 
2005 (i)
 
2004 (i)
 
2003 (i)
 
Statement of Operations Data:
       
As Reported
 
As Restated
 
As Reported
 
As Restated
 
As Reported
 
As Restated
 
As Reported
 
As Restated
 
Total revenue
 
$
3,491
 
$
5,462
 
$
5,357
 
$
4,995
 
$
4,993
 
$
3,907
 
$
3,914
 
$
3,177
 
$
3,184
 
Gross (loss) profit (ii)
   
(65
)
 
1,261
   
1,251
   
1,172
   
1,221
   
807
   
854
   
643
   
664
 
Operating (loss) income (ii)
   
(606
)
 
612
   
579
   
487
   
506
   
378
   
402
   
279
   
282
 
Net (loss) income (ii)
   
(411
)
 
389
   
369
   
263
   
276
   
236
   
246
   
173
   
172
 
EPS -basic (ii), (iii)
   
(10.70
)
 
9.76
   
9.26
   
6.49
   
6.82
   
5.91
   
6.17
   
4.47
   
4.44
 
EPS -diluted (ii), (iii)
   
(10.70
)
 
8.89
   
8.44
   
5.87
   
6.16
   
5.59
   
5.83
   
4.26
   
4.24
 
Dividends paid per common share
   
0.40
   
0.40
   
0.40
   
0.33
   
0.33
   
0.13
   
0.13
   
-
   
-
 
Balance Sheet Data (end of year):
                                                       
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
$
460
 
$
172
 
$
172
 
$
297
 
$
297
 
$
321
 
$
321
 
$
73
 
$
73
 
Inventory
   
2,775
   
3,520
   
3,608
   
2,901
   
2,934
   
2,344
   
2,355
   
1,723
   
1,718
 
Total assets (ii)
   
3,930
   
4,559
   
4,715
   
3,771
   
3,829
   
3,163
   
3,199
   
2,219
   
2,237
 
Total debt
   
1,857
   
1,839
   
1,956
   
1,322
   
1,322
   
1,151
   
1,152
   
749
   
751
 
Stockholders’ equity
   
1,324
   
1,702
   
1,730
   
1,505
   
1,553
   
1,232
   
1,267
   
994
   
1,017
 
Supplemental Financial Data:
                                                       
Cash (used in)/provided by:
                                                       
Operating activities
 
$
509
 
$
(305
)
$
(378
)
$
(84
)
$
(46
)
$
(74
)
$
(46
)
$
(41
)
$
(18
)
Investing activities
   
(52
)
 
(66
)
 
(105
)
 
(49
)
 
(85
)
 
(30
)
 
(57
)
 
(7
)
 
(29
)
Financing activities
   
(171
)
 
236
   
353
   
109
   
108
   
352
   
351
   
(4
)
 
(5
)
Financial Statistics:
                                                       
Total debt as a percentage of total debt and
stockholders’ equity
   
58.4
%
 
51.9
%
 
53.1
%
 
46.8
%
 
46.0
%
 
48.3
%
 
47.6
%
 
43.0
%
 
42.5
%
Net debt as a percentage of net debt and
stockholders’ equity (v)
   
51.4
%
 
49.6
%
 
50.9
%
 
40.5
%
 
39.7
%
 
40.3
%
 
39.6
%
 
40.5
%
 
40.0
%
Gross Margin (v)
   
-1.9
%
 
23.1
%
 
23.4
%
 
23.5
%
 
24.5
%
 
20.7
%
 
21.8
%
 
20.2
%
 
20.9
%
EBIT margin (iv, v)
   
-13.9
%
 
13.0
%
 
12.7
%
 
11.6
%
 
11.9
%
 
11.6
%
 
12.0
%
 
10.7
%
 
10.7
%
Return on average equity (v)
   
-26.7
%
 
24.2
%
 
22.1
%
 
19.2
%
 
19.6
%
 
21.2
%
 
21.5
%
 
19.3
%
 
18.7
%
Operating Statistics:
                                                       
New orders, net
   
9,903
   
14,538
   
14,191
   
18,923
   
18,925
   
17,481
   
17,483
   
16,316
   
16,318
 
Closings
   
12,020
   
18,669
   
18,361
   
18,146
   
18,109
   
16,451
   
16,453
   
15,409
   
15,411
 
Units in backlog
   
2,985
   
5,102
   
5,102
   
9,233
   
9,272
   
8,456
   
8,456
   
7,426
   
7,426
 
Average Selling Price (in thousands)
 
$
277.4
 
$
286.7
 
$
285.7
 
$
271.3
 
$
271.3
 
$
232.2
 
$
232.2
 
$
201.3
 
$
201.3
 
 
 
(i)
See Note 17 to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for discussion and quantification of the impact of the restatement adjustments on our Statement of Operations Data, Balance Sheet Data and Supplemental Financial Data as of September 30, 2006 and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, as applicable. See the tables below for quantification of the impact of the restatement adjustments on our Statement of Operations Data for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 and our Balance Sheet Data as of September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. In addition, see the table below for the cumulative effect of the restatement adjustments for periods prior to fiscal 2003 totaling $24.8 million which has been reflected as an increase to retained earnings as of October 1, 2002. In conjunction with the restatement of the items specifically identified in the tables below, we also made other adjustments to our financial statements. These adjustments (which are aggregated in the tables below under the heading “Other”) consisted of (1) reclassifying model home furnishings and sales office leasehold improvements from owned inventory to property, plant and equipment, net in the amount of $34.9 million at September 30, 2005; (2) reclassifying depreciation and amortization of model home furnishings and sales office leasehold improvements from home construction and land sales expenses to depreciation and amortization of $22.4 million and $17.5 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively; (3) reclassifying the results of operations from our fiscal 2004 and 2003 title services from other income, net ($4.6 million and $4.2 million) to total revenue ($6.2 million and $6.2 million), home construction and land sales expenses ($0.5 million and $0.3 million) and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses ($1.1 million and $1.8 million), respectively; (4) recognizing the reversal of certain warranty accruals related to our captive insurance subsidiary in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2004 ($3.3 million), 2003 ($1.1 million) and prior to fiscal 2003 ($4.3 million) included in the cumulative effect of the restatement adjustments, instead of the previously presented reversal of $8.7 million in warranty accruals for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005; (5) certain other miscellaneous immaterial adjustments; and (6) the related tax effects of the adjustments described in (1) through (5) above.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
29

 
 
 
 
 
 

   
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2004
 
         
Adjustments
       
   
As Previously
Reported
   
Inventory
Reserves
   
Model Home
Sale-Leaseback
   
Other
   
Provision
for tax
   
Reclass
   
As Restated
 
Total revenue
  $ 3,907,109     $ -     $ 850     $ 6,217     $ -     $ -     $ 3,914,176  
Home construction and land sales expenses
    3,099,732       (20,094 )     779       (20,438 )     -       (3,180 )     3,056,799  
Inventory impairments and option contract abandonments
    -       -       -       -       -       3,180       3,180  
Gross profit
    807,377       20,094       71       26,655       -       -       854,197  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    429,442       -       (81 )     891       -       (8,374 )     421,878  
Depreciation and amortization
    -       -       -       22,350       -       8,374       30,724  
Operating income
    377,935       20,094       152       3,414       -       -       401,595  
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures
    1,561       -       -       (2,115 )     -       -       (554 )
Other income, net
    7,079       -       -       (4,894 )     -       -       2,185  
Income before taxes
    386,575       20,094       152       (3,595 )     -       -       403,226  
Provision for income taxes
    150,764                               6,286               157,050  
Net income
  $ 235,811                                             $ 246,176  

   
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2003
 
         
Adjustments
       
   
As Previously
Reported
   
Inventory
Reserves
   
Model Home
Sale-Leaseback
   
Other
   
Provision
for tax
   
Reclass
   
As Restated
 
Total revenue
  $ 3,177,408     $ -     $ 816     $ 6,248     $ -     $ -     $ 3,184,472  
Home construction and land sales expenses
    2,534,035       (3,207 )     747       (11,338 )     -       (1,854 )     2,518,383  
Inventory impairments and option contract abandonments
    -       -       -       -       -       1,854       1,854  
Gross profit
    643,373       3,207       69       17,586       -       -       664,235  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    356,648       -       (133 )     1,911       -       (9,236 )     349,190  
Depreciation and amortization
    -       -       -       17,478               9,236       26,714  
Expenses related to retirement of debt
    7,570       -       -       (1,207 )     -               6,363  
Operating income
    279,155       3,207       202       (596 )     -       -       281,968  
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures
    1,597       -       -       -       -       -       1,597  
Other income, net
    4,777       -       -       (4,156 )     -       -       621  
Income before taxes
    285,529       3,207       202       (4,752 )     -       -       284,186  
Provision for income taxes
    112,784                               (372 )             112,412  
Net income
  $ 172,745                                             $ 171,774  

 
As of September 30, 2005
 
     
Adjustments
     
Balance Sheet Data:
As Previously
Reported
 
Inventory
Reserves
 
Model Home
Sale-Leaseback
 
Other
 
Provision
 for Tax
 
As Restated
 
Inventory
  $ 2,901,165     $ 73,207     $ 459     $ (41,134 )   $ -     $ 2,933,697  
Total assets
    3,770,516       73,207       459       (11,416 )     (4,022 )     3,828,744  
Stockholders’ equity
    1,504,688       67,697       459       (12,071 )     (7,616 )     1,553,157  
 
 
 
30


 

 
As of September 30, 2004
 
       
Adjustments
       
Balance Sheet Data:
As Previously
Reported
 
Inventory
Reserves
 
Model Home
Sale-Leaseback
 
Other
 
Provision
for Tax
 
As Restated
 
Inventory
  $ 2,344,095     $ 53,094     $ 1,466     $ (43,435 )   $ -     $ 2,355,220  
Total assets
    3,163,030       53,094       1,466       (17,730 )     (931 )     3,198,929  
Total debt
    1,150,972       -       1,118       -       -       1,152,090  
Stockholders’ equity
    1,232,121       49,478       348       (7,621 )     (7,111 )     1,267,215  

 
As of September 30, 2003
 
       
Adjustments
       
Balance Sheet Data:
As Previously
Reported
 
Inventory
Reserves
 
Model Home
Sale-Leaseback
 
Other
 
Provision
for Tax
 
As Restated
 
Inventory
  $ 1,723,483     $ 29,592     $ 2,164     $ (36,950 )   $ -     $ 1,718,289  
Total assets
    2,219,407       29,592       2,164       (10,498 )     (3,499 )     2,237,166  
Total debt
    748,738       -       1,968       -       -       750,706  
Stockholders’ equity
    993,695       29,384       196       (4,026 )     (1,775 )     1,017,474  
 
Summary of the Cumulative Effect of Restatement Adjustments to Previously Reported Beginning Retained Earnings
 
(in thousands)
 
For the fiscal year
beginning October
1, 2002
 
Beginning retained earnings, as reported
 
$
338,604
 
Inventory reserves
   
26,177
 
Model home sale-leasebacks
   
(6
)
Other
   
726
 
Provision for income taxes
   
(2,147
)
Cumulative effect of restatement adjustments to beginning retained earnings
   
24,750
 
Beginning retained earnings, as restated
 
$
363,354
 
 
(ii) The housing market continued to deteriorate during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007. This deterioration has resulted in an oversupply of inventory, reduced levels of demand, aggressive price competition, increased cancellation rates and increased incentives for homes sales. As a result, gross profit (loss) includes inventory impairment charges of $488.9 million and lot option abandonment charges of $122.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007. Gross profit for fiscal year 2006 includes inventory impairment charges of $6.4 million and lot option abandonment charges of $37.8 million. Gross profit for fiscal year 2005 includes lot option abandonment charges of $5.5 million. Operating loss for fiscal year 2007 also includes a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $52.8 million. Fiscal year 2005 operating profit includes the impact of a non-cash, non-tax deductible goodwill impairment charge of $130.2 million associated with the 2002 acquisition of Crossmann Communities (see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion). Fiscal 2007 net loss also includes charges to write down our investment in certain of our joint ventures which reflects $28.6 million of impairments of inventory held within those ventures and $3.4 million of contractual obligation abandonments.
 
(iii) In October 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ratified the consensus on EITF Issue No. 04-8: “The Effect of Contingently Convertible Debt on Diluted Earnings Per Share.” EITF 04-8 requires that shares issuable upon conversion of contingently convertible debt instruments (“Co-Co’s”) be included in diluted EPS computations using the “if-converted method” regardless of whether the issuer’s stock price exceeds the contingent conversion price. In fiscal 2005, per share amounts in 2004 and 2003 were retroactively adjusted to reflect the Company’s March 2005 three-for-one stock split and the Company’s adoption of EITF 04-8, as applicable.
 
(iv) EBIT margin = EBIT divided by total revenues; EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) equals net income before (a) previously capitalized interest amortized to costs and expenses and (b) income taxes. EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is calculated by adding depreciation and amortization for the period to EBIT. EBIT and EBITDA are not GAAP financial measures. EBIT and EBITDA should not be considered alternatives to net income determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance, nor an alternative to cash flows from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP as a measure of liquidity. Because some analysts and companies may not calculate EBIT and EBITDA in the same manner as Beazer Homes, the EBIT and EBITDA information presented above may not be comparable to similar presentations by others.
 
31

 
EBITDA is a measure commonly used in the homebuilding industry and is presented to assist readers in understanding the ability of our operations to generate cash in addition to the cash needed to service existing interest requirements and ongoing tax obligations. By providing a measure of available cash, management believes that this non-GAAP measure enables holders of our securities to better understand our cash performance and our ability to service our debt obligations as they currently exist and as additional indebtedness is incurred in the future. The measure is useful in budgeting and determining capital expenditure levels because it enables management to evaluate the amount of cash that will be available for discretionary spending.
 
 
A reconciliation of EBITDA and EBIT to cash (used)/provided by operations, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, is provided below for each period presented (in thousands):
 
   
Year Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
   
2003
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 509,371     $ (377,996 )   $ (46,156 )   $ (46,339 )   $ (17,948 )
                                         
(Decrease) increase in inventory
    (134,953 )     486,727       593,521       430,024       321,840  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
    (222,207 )     214,421       237,315       157,050       112,412  
Deferred income tax benefit (provision)
    161,605       (25,963 )     51,186       25,308       (1,419 )
Interest amortized to home construction and land sales expenses and inventory impairments and option contract abandonments
    139,880       95,974       80,180       66,528       57,989  
Decrease (increase) in trade accounts payable and other liabilities
    130,787       84,685       (227,130 )     (128,651 )     (95,106 )
Goodwill impairment
    (52,755 )     -       (130,235 )     -       -  
Inventory impairments and option contract abandonments
    (611,864 )     (44,175 )     (5,511 )     (3,180 )     (1,854 )
(Decrease) increase in accounts and income tax receivables
    (228,551 )     181,639       84,637       2,088       13,012  
    (Decrease) increase in mortgage loans available for
       sale and other assets
    (100,556 )     112,893       16,780       16,499       1,411  
Equity in (loss) earnings in joint ventures, net of income distributions
    (40,439 )     991       (823 )     (554 )     1,597  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    -       -       -       -       (6,363 )
Tax benefit from stock transactions
    2,635       8,205       (11,551 )     (9,077 )     (11,502 )
Other
    (1,610 )     8       (806 )     (1,837 )     (1,196 )
EBITDA
    (448,657 )     737,409       641,407       507,859       372,873  
Less depreciation and amortization and stock compensation amortization
    44,743       58,178       48,013       38,105       30,698  
EBIT
  $ (493,400 )   $ 679,231     $ 593,394     $ 469,754     $ 342,175  
 
 (v) Net Debt = Debt less unrestricted cash and cash equivalents; Gross margin = Gross (loss) profit divided by total revenue; Return on average equity = net income (loss) divided by average stockholders’ equity.
 
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Executive Overview and Outlook
 
The homebuilding environment continued to deteriorate throughout fiscal 2007 as consumer confidence declined, the availability of home mortgage credit tightened significantly and the economy began to slow down. In addition, the supply of new and resale homes in the marketplace remained excessive for the levels of consumer demand. These pressures in the marketplace resulted in the use of increased sales incentives and price reductions in an effort to generate sales and reduce inventory levels. We believe that the homebuilding market will remain challenging throughout fiscal 2008. In addition, as a result of the various ongoing investigations and litigation discussed herein and the issues relating thereto, we have been the subject of continuing negative publicity. This negative publicity has contributed to significant declines in the prices of our publicly traded securities. We believe this negative publicity has also discouraged and may continue to discourage a number of potential homebuyers from purchasing a home from us and has adversely affected our relationships with certain of our partners, such as land sellers, contractors and suppliers. Continuing negative publicity could continue to have a material adverse effect on our business and the market price of our publicly traded securities.
 
32

 
We have responded to this challenging environment with a disciplined approach to the business with continued reductions in direct costs, overhead expenses and land spending. We have limited our supply of unsold homes under construction and have focused on the generation of cash from our existing inventory supply as we strive to align our land supply and inventory levels to current expectations for home closings.
 
We have also undertaken a comprehensive review of each of our markets in order to refine our overall investment strategy and to optimize capital and resource allocations in an effort to enhance our financial position and to increase shareholder value. This review, which was concluded during the first quarter of fiscal 2008, entailed an evaluation of both external market factors and our position in each market and has resulted in the decision formalized and announced on February 1, 2008, to discontinue homebuilding operations in Charlotte, NC, Cincinnati/Dayton, OH, Columbia, SC, Columbus, OH and Lexington, KY. We intend to complete an orderly exit from each of these markets and remain committed to our remaining customer care responsibilities. We have committed to complete all homes under construction in these markets and are in the process of marketing the remaining land positions for sale. While the underlying basis for exiting each market was different, in each instance we concluded we could better serve shareholder interests by re-allocating the capital employed in these markets. As of September 30, 2007, these markets represented approximately 5% of the Company’s total assets.
 
In addition, the independent investigation initiated in April 2007 by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Investigation”) has identified accounting and financial reporting errors and irregularities resulting in the restatement of certain of our consolidated financial statements. The accounting and financial reporting errors and irregularities related to accounting for land development costs, homebuilding costs to complete and model home sale-leaseback transactions, among other items.
 
The fiscal 2006 and 2005 consolidated financial information has been updated within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to reflect the effects of the restatement as more fully described in Note 17, “Restatement of Consolidated Financial Statements” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The impact of the adjustments was a $19.9 million reduction of net income in fiscal 2006 and a $13.4 million increase in net income in fiscal 2005.
 
We have implemented additional internal controls over the selection, application and monitoring of appropriate accounting policies. We also terminated our former Chief Accounting Officer who we believe may have caused, or allowed to cause, the internal control breakdowns. We have recently hired an experienced Chief Accounting Officer and have engaged accounting consultants for input in financial reporting matters. See Item 9A – Controls and Procedures for additional information.
 
Mortgage Origination Issues
 
The Investigation found evidence that employees of the Company’s Beazer Mortgage Corporation (“Beazer Mortgage”) subsidiary violated certain federal and/or state regulations, including U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) regulations. Areas of concern uncovered by the Investigation include: down payment assistance program; the charging of discount points; the closure of certain HUD Licenses; closing accommodations; and the payment of a number of realtor bonuses and decorator allowances in certain Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) insured loans and non-FHA conventional loans originated by Beazer Mortgage dating back to at least 2000. The Investigation also uncovered limited improper practices in relation to the issuance of a number of non-FHA Stated Income Loans. We reviewed the loan documents and supporting documentation and determined that the assets were effectively isolated from the seller and its creditors (even in the event of bankruptcy). Based on that information, management continues to believe that sale accounting at the time of the transfer of the loans to third parties was appropriate.
 
We intend to attempt to negotiate a settlement with prosecutors and regulatory authorities that would allow us to quantify our exposure associated with reimbursement of losses and payment of regulatory and/or criminal fines, if they are imposed. See Item 3 – Legal Proceedings for additional discussion of this matter. At this time, we believe that although it is probable that a liability exists related to this exposure, it is not reasonably estimable and would be inappropriate to record a liability as of September 30, 2007.
 
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Critical Accounting Policies
 
Some of our critical accounting policies require the use of judgment in their application or require estimates of inherently uncertain matters. Although our accounting policies are in compliance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, a change in the facts and circumstances of the underlying transactions could significantly change the application of the accounting policies and the resulting financial statement impact. Listed below are those policies that we believe are critical and require the use of complex judgment in their application.
 
Inventory Valuation Held for Development
 
Our homebuilding inventories that are accounted for as held for development include land and home construction assets grouped together as communities. Homebuilding inventories held for development are stated at cost (including direct construction costs, capitalized indirect costs, capitalized interest and real estate taxes) unless facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. We assess these assets periodically for recoverability in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. SFAS 144 requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the expected undiscounted cash flows generated are expected to be less than its carrying amount, an impairment charge should be recorded to write down the carrying amount of such asset to its estimated fair value based on discounted cash flows.
 
We conduct a review of the recoverability of our homebuilding inventories held for development at the community level as factors indicate that an impairment may exist. We evaluate, among other things, the following information for each community:
 
 
Actual “Net Contribution Margin” (defined as homebuilding revenues less homebuilding costs and direct selling expenses) for homes closed in the current fiscal quarter, fiscal year to date and prior two fiscal quarters. Homebuilding costs include land and land development costs (based upon an allocation of such costs, including costs to complete the development, or specific lot costs), home construction costs (including an estimate of costs, if any, to complete home construction), previously capitalized indirect costs (principally for construction supervision), capitalized interest and estimated warranty costs;
 
Projected Net Contribution Margin for homes in backlog;
 
Actual and trending new orders and cancellation rates;
 
Actual and trending base home sales prices and sales incentives for home sales that occurred in the prior two fiscal quarters that remain in backlog at the end of the fiscal quarter and expected future homes sales prices and sales incentives and absorption over the expected remaining life of the community;
 
A comparison of our community to our competition to include, among other things, an analysis of various product offerings including, the size and style of the homes currently offered for sale, community amenity levels, availability of lots in our community and our competition’s, desirability and uniqueness of our community and other market factors; and
 
Other events that may indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
 
In determining the recoverability of the carrying value of the assets of a community that we have evaluated as requiring a test for impairment, significant quantitative and qualitative assumptions are made relative to the future home sales prices, sales incentives, direct and indirect costs of home construction and land development and the pace of new home orders. In addition, these assumptions are dependent upon the specific market conditions and competitive factors for each specific community and may differ greatly between communities within the same market and communities in different markets. Our estimates are made using information available at the date of the recoverability test, however, as facts and circumstances may change in future reporting periods, our estimates of recoverability are subject to change.
 
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For assets in communities for which the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value, the carrying value of that community is written down to its then estimated fair value based on discounted cash flows. The carrying value for assets in communities that were previously impaired and continue to be classified as held for development is not written up for future estimates of increases in fair value in future reporting periods.
 
The fair value of the homebuilding inventory held for development is estimated using the present value of the estimated future cash flows using discount rates commensurate with the risk associated with the underlying community assets. The discount rate used may be different for each community. The factors considered when determining an appropriate discount rate for a community include, among others: (1) community specific factors such as the number of lots in the community, the status of land development in the community, the competitive factors influencing the sales performance of the community and (2) overall market factors such as employment levels, consumer confidence and the existing supply of new and used homes for sale.
 
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, we used discount rates of 16% to 23% in our estimated discounted cash flow impairment calculations. During fiscal 2007, we recorded impairments of our inventory of approximately $440.9 million for land under development and homes under construction. During fiscal 2006, we recorded impairments of our inventory of approximately $6.4 million for land and land under development. We did not record any impairments during fiscal 2005.
 
Due to uncertainties in the estimation process, particularly with respect to projected home sales prices and absorption rates, the timing and amount of the estimated future cash flows and discount rates, it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ from the estimates used in our historical analyses. Our assumptions about future home sales prices and absorption rates require significant judgment because the residential homebuilding industry is cyclical and is highly sensitive to changes in economic conditions. We calculated the estimated fair values of inventory held for development that were evaluated for impairment based on current market conditions and assumptions made by management relative to future results. Because our projected cash flows are significantly impacted by changes in market conditions, it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ materially from our estimates and result in additional impairments.
 
Asset Valuation Land Held for Sale
 
We record assets held for sale at the lower of the carrying value or fair value less costs to sell in accordance with SFAS 144. The following criteria are used to determine if land is held for sale:
 
 
management has the authority and commits to a plan to sell the land;
 
the land is available for immediate sale in its present condition;
 
there is an active program to locate a buyer and the plan to sell the property has been initiated;
 
the sale of the land is probable within one year;
 
the property is being actively marketed at a reasonable sale price relative to its current fair value; and
 
it is unlikely that the plan to sell will be withdrawn or that significant changes to the plan will be made.
 
Additionally, in certain circumstances, management will re-evaluate the best use of an asset that is currently being accounted for as held for development. In such instances, management will review, among other things, the current and projected competitive circumstances of the community, including the level of supply of new and used inventory, the level of sales absorptions by us and our competition, the level of sales incentives required and the number of owned lots remaining in the community. If, based on this review and the foregoing criteria have been met at the end of the applicable reporting period, management believes that the best use of the asset is the sale of all or a portion of the asset in its current condition, then all or portions of the community are accounted for as held for sale.
 
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In determining the fair value of the assets less cost to sell, we considered factors including current sales prices for comparable assets in the area, recent market analysis studies, appraisals, any recent legitimate offers, and listing prices of similar properties. If the estimated fair value less cost to sell of an asset is less than its current carrying value, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value less cost to sell. During fiscal 2007, we recorded inventory impairments on land held for sale of approximately $48.0 million. No land held for sale inventory impairments were recorded in fiscal 2006 or 2005.
 
Due to uncertainties in the estimation process, it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ from the estimates used in our historical analyses. Our assumptions about land sales prices require significant judgment because the current market is highly sensitive to changes in economic conditions. We calculated the estimated fair values of land held for sale based on current market conditions and assumptions made by management, which may differ materially from actual results and may result in additional impairments if market conditions continue to deteriorate.
 
Goodwill
 
We test goodwill for impairment annually as of April 30 or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that more likely than not reduce the value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Each of our operating divisions is considered a reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined based on expected discounted future cash flows. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired. If goodwill is considered impaired, the impairment loss to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds implied fair value of that goodwill.
 
Inherent in our fair value determinations are certain judgments and estimates, including projections of future cash flows, the discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, the interpretation of current economic indicators and market valuations and our strategic plans with regard to our operations. A change in these underlying assumptions would cause a change in the results of the tests, which could cause the fair value of one or more reporting units to be less than their respective carrying amounts. In addition, to the extent that there are significant changes in market conditions or overall economic conditions or our strategic plans change, it is possible that our conclusion regarding goodwill impairment could change, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
 
Our goodwill has been assigned to reporting units in different geographic locations. Therefore, potential goodwill impairment charges resulting from changes in local market and/or local economic conditions or changes in our strategic plans may be isolated to one or a few of our reporting units. However, our business is concentrated in the homebuilding industry and, as such, a widespread decline in the homebuilding industry or a significant deterioration of economic conditions could have a negative impact on the estimated fair value of a larger number of our reporting units.
 
The housing market continued to deteriorate during fiscal 2007. This deterioration has resulted in an oversupply of inventory, reduced levels of demand, increased cancellation rates, aggressive price competition and increased incentives for homes sales. Based on our impairment tests and consideration of the current and expected future market conditions, we determined that goodwill for our reporting units in Florida, Nevada, Northern California, North Carolina and South Carolina was impaired and recorded non-cash goodwill impairment charges totaling $52.8 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007. While we believe that no additional goodwill impairment existed as of September 30, 2007, future economic or financial developments, including general interest rate increases, poor performance in either the national economy or individual local economies, or our ability to meet our projections could result in a revised analysis of fair value in the future and lead to impairment of goodwill related to reporting units which are not currently impaired.
 
During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, we estimated the fair value of our reporting units and recorded a $130.2 million non-cash, non-tax-deductible impairment charge to write off substantially all of the goodwill allocated to certain underperforming markets in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Charlotte, North Carolina. The goodwill had been recorded as a result of the April 2002 acquisition of Crossmann. The forecasts and valuations of the respective divisions, along with weaker than anticipated local economies, particularly in the Midwest markets, and severe price competition, particularly at entry level price points, led the Company to conclude the goodwill was impaired in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
 
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Homebuilding Revenues and Costs
 
Revenue from the sale of a home is generally recognized when the closing has occurred and the risk of ownership is transferred to the buyer. In situations where the buyer’s financing is originated by Beazer Mortgage, and the buyer has not made a sufficient initial and continuing investment, the revenue and gross profit on such sale is deferred until the sale of the related mortgage loan to a third-party investor has been completed. Revenue for condominiums under construction is recognized based on the percentage-of-completion method in accordance with SFAS 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate, when certain criteria are met. All associated homebuilding costs are charged to cost of sales in the period when the revenues from home closings are recognized. Homebuilding costs include land and land development costs (based upon an allocation of such costs, including costs to complete the development, or specific lot costs), home construction costs (including an estimate of costs, if any, to complete home construction), previously capitalized indirect costs (principally for construction supervision), capitalized interest and estimated warranty costs. Sales commissions are included in selling, general and administrative expense when the closing has occurred. All other costs are expensed as incurred.
 
Warranty Reserves
 
We currently provide a limited warranty (ranging from one to two years) covering workmanship and materials per our defined performance quality standards. In addition, we provide a limited warranty (generally ranging from a minimum of five years up to the period covered by the applicable statute of repose) covering only certain defined construction defects. We also provide a defined structural element warranty with single-family homes and townhomes in certain states.
 
Since we subcontract our homebuilding work to subcontractors who generally provide us with an indemnity and a certificate of insurance prior to receiving payments for their work, claims relating to workmanship and materials are generally the primary responsibility of our subcontractors.
 
Warranty reserves are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. We record reserves covering our anticipated warranty expense for each home closed. Management reviews the adequacy of warranty reserves each reporting period, based on historical experience and management’s estimate of the costs to remediate the claims, and adjusts these provisions accordingly. Factors that affect our warranty liability include the number of homes sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, and cost per claim. Based on historical results, we believe that our existing estimation process is accurate and do not anticipate the process to materially change in the future. Our estimation process for such accruals is discussed in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. While we believe that our warranty reserves at September 30, 2007 are adequate, there can be no assurances that historical data and trends will accurately predict our actual warranty costs or that future developments might not lead to a significant change in the reserve.
 
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
 
We periodically enter into joint ventures with unrelated developers, other homebuilders and financial partners to develop finished lots for sale to the joint venture’s members and other third parties. We have determined that our interest in these joint ventures should be accounted for under the equity method as prescribed by SOP 78-9, “Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures.” We recognize our share of profits and losses from the sale of lots to other buyers. Our share of profits from lots purchased by Beazer Homes from the joint ventures are deferred and treated as a reduction of the cost of the land purchased from the joint venture. Such profits are subsequently recognized at the time the home closes and title passes to the homebuyer.
 
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We evaluate our investments in unconsolidated entities for impairment during each reporting period. A series of operating losses of an investee or other factors may indicate that a decrease in the value of our investment in the unconsolidated entity has occurred which is other-than-temporary. The amount of impairment recognized is the excess of the investment’s carrying value over its estimated fair value.
 
Our assumptions of the joint venture’s estimated fair value is dependent on market conditions. Inventory in the joint venture is also reviewed for potential impairment by the unconsolidated entities in accordance with SFAS 144. If a valuation adjustment is recorded by an unconsolidated entity in accordance with SFAS 144, our proportionate share of it is reflected in our equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures with a corresponding decrease to our investment in unconsolidated entities. The operating results of the unconsolidated joint ventures are dependent on the status of the homebuilding industry, which has historically been cyclical and sensitive to changes in economic conditions such as interest rates, credit availability, unemployment levels and consumer sentiment. Changes in these economic conditions could materially affect the projected operational results of the unconsolidated entities. Because of these changes in economic conditions, actual results could differ materially from management’s assumptions and may require material valuation adjustments to our investments in unconsolidated entities to be recorded in the future.
 
During fiscal 2007, we wrote down our investment in certain of our joint ventures reflecting $28.6 million of impairments of inventory held within those ventures and $3.4 million of contractual obligation abandonments. These charges are included in equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures in the accompanying Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.
 
Income Taxes – Valuation Allowance
 
Judgment is required in estimating valuation allowances for deferred tax assets. In accordance with SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, a valuation allowance is established against a deferred tax asset if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. The realization of a deferred tax asset ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in either the carryback or carryforward periods under tax law. We periodically assess the need for valuation allowances for deferred tax assets based on the SFAS 109 more-likely-than-not realization threshold criterion. In our assessment, appropriate consideration is given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with operating loss and tax credit carryforwards not expiring unused, and tax planning alternatives.
 
Our assessment of the need for the valuation of deferred tax assets includes assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. We base our estimate of deferred tax assets and liabilities on current tax laws and rates and, in certain cases, business plans and other expectations about future outcomes. Changes in existing tax laws or rates could affect actual tax results and future business results may affect the amount of deferred tax liabilities or the valuation of deferred tax assets over time. Our accounting for deferred tax consequences represents our best estimate of future events. Although it is possible there will be changes that are not anticipated in our current estimates, we believe it is unlikely such changes would have a material period-to-period impact on our financial position or results of operations.
 
At September 30, 2007 and 2006, our net deferred tax asset was $232.9 million and $71.3 million, respectively. Based on our assessment and after consideration of both positive and negative evidence, we believe it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset will be recoverable (see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). If results are less than projected and there is no objectively verifiable evidence to support the realization of our deferred tax asset, a substantial valuation allowance may be required to reduce the deferred tax assets. However, currently no valuation allowance has been established for our deferred tax assets. We will continue to assess the need for a valuation allowance in the future. Due to uncertainties in the estimation process, particularly with respect to changes in facts and circumstances in future reporting periods (carryforward period assumptions), it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ from the estimates used in our historical analyses. Our assumptions require significant judgment because the residential homebuilding industry is cyclical and is highly sensitive to changes in economic conditions.
 
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Seasonal and Quarterly Variability: Our homebuilding operating cycle generally reflects escalating new order activity in the second and third fiscal quarters and increased closings in the third and fourth fiscal quarters. However, during fiscal 2007, we continued to experience challenging conditions in most of our markets which contributed to decreased revenues and closings as compared to prior periods including prior quarters, thereby reducing typical seasonal variations. The following chart presents certain quarterly operating data for our last twelve fiscal quarters.
New Orders (net of cancellations)
   
1st Qtr
 
2nd Qtr
 
3rd Qtr
 
4th Qtr
 
2007
 
1,783
   
4,090
   
3,048
   
982
   
2006
 
3,782
   
4,145
   
4,343
   
1,921
   
2005
 
3,546
   
5,240
   
5,202
   
4,937
   
                           
                           
Closings
   
1st Qtr
 
2nd Qtr
 
3rd Qtr
 
4th Qtr
 
2007
 
2,664
   
2,748
   
2,659
   
3,949
   
2006
 
3,755
   
4,217
   
4,121
   
6,268
   
2005
 
3,575
   
3,603
   
4,631
   
6,300
   
 
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
($ in thousands)
                 
Revenues:
                 
Homebuilding
  $ 3,359,594     $ 5,220,021     $ 4,912,399  
Land and lot sales
    99,063       90,217       34,527  
Financial Services
    47,437       65,947       62,253  
Intercompany elimination
    (15,275 )     (19,681 )     (16,206 )
Total
  $ 3,490,819     $ 5,356,504     $ 4,992,973  
                         
Gross profit (loss)
                       
Homebuilding
  $ (116,290 )   $ 1,186,378     $ 1,153,619  
Land and lot sales
    3,423       (1,114 )     5,073  
Financial Services
    47,437       65,947       62,253  
Total
  $ (65,430 )   $ 1,251,211     $ 1,220,945  
                         
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses:
                       
Homebuilding
  $ 410,432     $ 581,202     $ 507,730  
Financial Services
    43,690       48,120       40,431  
Total
  $ 454,122     $ 629,322     $ 548,161  
                         
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 33,594     $ 42,425     $ 36,068  
                         
As a percentage of total revenue:
                       
Gross Margin
    -1.9 %     23.4 %     24.5 %
SG&A - homebuilding
    11.8 %     10.9 %     10.2 %
SG&A - Financial Services
    1.3 %     0.9 %     0.8 %
                         
Goodwill impairment
  $ 52,755     $ -     $ 130,235  
                         
Equity in (loss) income of unconsolidated joint ventures from:
                       
Joint venture activities
  $ (3,215 )   $ 1,343     $ 5,021  
Impairments
    (28,553 )     -       -  
Abandonments
    (3,386 )     -       -  
Equity in (loss) income of unconsolidated joint ventures
  $ (35,154 )   $ 1,343     $ 5,021  
                         
Effective tax rate
    35.1 %     36.8 %     46.2 %
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2006
 
Revenues. Revenues decreased by 34.8% for fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006. Homes closed decreased by 34.5% to 12,020 in fiscal 2007 compared to 18,361 in fiscal 2006 driven by the continued deterioration in the majority of our housing markets. This decline was especially pronounced in our California, Nevada, Arizona, New Jersey, Virginia and Florida markets. The average sales price of homes closed decreased by 2.9% to $277,400 from $285,700 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Average sales price decreased most significantly in our Florida, Virginia and Southern California markets, due primarily to increased price competition and subsequent price discounting and increasing sales incentives related to the challenging market conditions.
 
In addition, we had $99.1 million and $90.2 million of land sales for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 respectively. The increase in land sales in fiscal 2007 primarily resulted from our continued review of opportunities to minimize underperforming investments and exit a number of less profitable positions, reallocating funds to investments intended to optimize overall returns in the future.
 
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Gross Profit (Loss). Gross margin for fiscal 2007 was -1.9% compared to a gross margin of 23.4% for fiscal 2006, with the decline driven by continued market weakness and non-cash pre-tax inventory impairments and option contract abandonments of $611.9 million recognized in fiscal 2007. Gross margins for fiscal 2007 continued to be negatively impacted by both higher levels of price discounting and sales incentives as compared to the same period a year ago. In response to these market conditions and based on our internal analyses and business decisions, we incurred non-cash, pretax charges of $488.9 million for inventory impairments and $122.9 million for the abandonment of certain land option contracts during fiscal 2007. During fiscal 2006, we recorded $6.4 million of inventory impairments and $37.8 million for the abandonment of land option contracts. Gross profit also includes a reduction in the accrual and costs related to the Trinity class action litigation settlement of $23.8 million in 2007 and $21.7 million in 2006 (see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
In an effort to redeploy assets to more profitable endeavors, we executed several land sales during the past two fiscal years. We realized a gain of $3.4 million on land sales in fiscal 2007 and a loss of $1.1 million on land sales in fiscal 2006.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”) totaled $454.1 million in fiscal 2007 and $629.3 million in fiscal 2006. The decrease in SG&A expense during the periods presented is primarily related to cost reductions realized as a result of our comprehensive review of our overhead structure in light of our reduced volume expectations and lower sales commissions related to decreased revenues, offset slightly by increased marketing costs related to promotional campaigns. As of September 30, 2007, we had reduced our overall number of employees by 1,615 or 38% as compared to September 30, 2006. During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we further reduced the number of employees by 650, representing a cumulative reduction of 53% since September 30, 2006. Fiscal 2007 and 2006 SG&A expense included $4.9 million and $1.1 million in severance costs related to employees who had been severed as of September 30 of the respective year. In addition, fiscal 2007 SG&A expense included $17.0 million of legal, consulting and investigative costs related to the aforementioned investigation and related restatement. As a percentage of total revenue, SG&A expenses were 13.0% in fiscal 2007 and 11.7% in fiscal 2006. The increase in SG&A costs as a percentage of total revenue is primarily related to the aforementioned legal, consulting, investigating and severance costs.
 
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization (“D&A”) totaled $33.6 million in fiscal 2007 and $42.4 million in fiscal 2006. The decrease in D&A during the periods presented is primarily related to reduced spending on model furnishings and sales office improvements as a result of our strategic review of our communities.
 
Goodwill Impairment Charges. In light of continuing market weakness, impacted by both recent higher levels of price discounting and reduced revenue volume, and in connection with goodwill impairment tests in accordance with SFAS 142, we recorded pretax, non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $29.8 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2007 related to our reporting units in Nevada, Northern California and Tampa, Florida. During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, we recorded additional goodwill impairment charges of $23.0 million related to certain of our reporting units in South Carolina, Florida, and North Carolina. The goodwill impairment charges are reported in Corporate and unallocated and are not allocated to our homebuilding segments. To the extent that there is further deterioration in market conditions or overall economic conditions or our strategic plans change, it is possible that our conclusion regarding fair value of reporting units which are currently not impaired could change, which could result in future goodwill impairments that have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
 
Joint Venture Impairment Charges. As of September 30, 2007, we participated in 24 land development joint ventures in which we had less than a controlling interest. Our joint ventures are typically entered into with developers, other homebuilders and financial partners to develop finished lots for sale to the joint venture’s members and other third parties. As a result of the deterioration of the housing market in fiscal 2007, we wrote down our investment in certain of our joint ventures reflecting $28.6 million of impairments of inventory held within those joint ventures and $3.4 million of contractual obligation abandonments. If these adverse market conditions continue or worsen, we may have to take further writedowns of our investments in these joint ventures.
 
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Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate was 35.1% for fiscal 2007 and 36.8% for fiscal 2006. The effective tax rate for 2007 was impacted by the $52.8 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge discussed above.
 
The decrease in our effective tax rate between years is primarily due to the 2007 goodwill impairment charges ($47.5 million of which is non-tax deductible), changes in income concentrations in the various states, the timing of certain state tax initiatives and the expiration of statute of limitations for certain tax contingencies. As a result, we recorded tax benefits related to certain discrete items totaling $3.1 million in fiscal 2007 and $7.5 million in fiscal 2006. In addition, in fiscal 2006, we recognized a $5.2 million tax benefit related to new provisions under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (“Jobs Act”). We did not receive a similar deduction related to the Jobs Act in fiscal 2007 due to a net loss. The principal difference between our effective rate and the U.S. federal statutory rate is due to state income taxes incurred and certain non-deductible goodwill impairment charges in fiscal 2007.
 
Segment Results for Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal 2006:
 
Homebuilding Revenues and Average Selling Price. The table below summarizes homebuilding revenues and the average selling prices of our homes by reportable segment ($ in thousands):
 
   
Homebuilding Revenues
   
Average Selling Price
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Change
   
2007
   
2006
   
Change
 
West
  $ 1,065,350     $ 1,792,826       -40.6 %   $ 345.8     $ 366.1       -5.5 %
Mid-Atlantic
    511,956       943,113       -45.7 %     449.2       457.9       -1.9 %
Florida
    369,136       684,563       -46.1 %     285.7       309.5       -7.7 %
Southeast
    724,364       882,368       -17.9 %     229.9       210.1       9.4 %
Other
    688,788       917,151       -24.9 %     199.4       187.4       6.4 %
Total
  $ 3,359,594     $ 5,220,021       -35.6 %   $ 277.4     $ 285.7       -2.9 %
 
Homebuilding revenues in the West segment decreased for fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006 due to reduced average sales prices and reduced demand in the majority of the markets in this segment due to deteriorating market conditions and excess capacity in both the new home and resale markets. In addition, credit tightening in the mortgage markets and a decline in consumer confidence in all of our markets further compounded the market deterioration in our Nevada, California and Arizona markets.
 
The year over year change in homebuilding revenues in the Mid-Atlantic segment reflects the impact of decreased closings, pricing pressures and increased cancellations driven by excess capacity in the resale markets as investors continued to divest of prior home purchases and potential homebuyers continue to experience difficulty selling their existing homes.
 
Homebuilding revenues in our Florida segment decreased by 46.1% as a result of decreased closings of 43.7% and a 7.7% reduction in the average selling price for fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006, due to deteriorating market conditions and excess supply of new and resale homes and increased competition across all of our Florida markets. In addition, credit tightening in the mortgage markets and a decline in consumer confidence, further compounded the market deterioration in many of our Florida markets.
 
Homebuilding revenues in our Southeast segment decreased 17.9% in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006, due to deteriorating market conditions resulting in decreased closings mitigated slightly by the increase in average sales prices due to changes in product mix. Closings decreased by 26.1% in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006. The decrease in closings was driven by higher cancellations, lower demand, increased competition and the tightening of credit requirements and decreased availability of mortgage options for potential homebuyers. In addition, our Charlotte, North Carolina operations have been further impacted by the negative publicity relating to the Company’s various ongoing investigations and litigation (see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
42

 
Homebuilding revenues in our Other Homebuilding markets decreased 24.9% in fiscal 2007 due to decreased closings of 29.9% as a result of our 2006 decision to exit our Memphis, Tennessee, and Ft. Wayne and Lafayette, Indiana markets, deteriorating market conditions and excess capacity in both new home and resale inventories in most of our other homebuilding markets. Our Colorado and Houston markets were especially impacted by pricing pressures, reduced demand and higher cancellation rates.
 
Land and Lot Sales Revenues. The table below summarizes land and lot sales revenues by reportable segment ($ in thousands):
 
Land and Lot Sales Revenues
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Change
 
West
  $ 43,701     $ 35,905       21.7 %
Mid-Atlantic
    8,312       3,550       134.1 %
Florida
    20,678       -       n/a  
Southeast
    17,761       2,669       565.5 %
Other
    8,611       48,093       -82.1 %
Total
  $ 99,063     $ 90,217       9.8 %
 
The increase in land and lot sales revenues is due primarily to identifying additional parcels of land and lots for sale in our West, Florida and Southeast segments in fiscal 2007 that did not fit within our homebuilding programs in those segments. These increases were offset in part by the 82.1% decline in land and lot sales in our Other Homebuilding segment.
 
Gross Profit (Loss). Homebuilding gross profit is defined as homebuilding revenues less home cost of sales (which includes land and land development costs, home construction costs, capitalized interest, indirect costs of construction, estimated warranty costs, closing costs and inventory impairment and lot option abandonment charges). The following table sets forth our homebuilding gross profit (loss) and gross margin by reportable segment and total gross profit (loss) and gross margin ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
   
Gross Profit (Loss)
 
Gross Margin
 
Gross Profit (Loss)
 
Gross Margin
 
Homebuilding
                     
West
 
$
(145,768
)
-13.7
%
$
410,094
 
22.9
%
Mid-Atlantic
   
16,904
 
3.3
%
 
290,686
 
30.8
%
Florida
   
(3,939
)
-1.1
%
 
207,441
 
30.3
%
Southeast
   
116,003
 
16.0
%
 
178,725
 
20.3
%
Other
   
35,709
 
5.2
%
 
121,445
 
13.2
%
Corporate & Unallocated
   
(135,199
)
     
(22,013
)
   
Total Homebuilding
   
(116,290
)
-3.5
%
 
1,186,378
 
22.7
%
Land and Lot Sales
   
3,423
       
(1,114
)
   
Financial Services
   
47,437
       
65,947
     
Total
 
$
(65,430
)
-1.9
%
$
1,251,211
 
23.4
%
 
The decrease in gross margins in our West segment is primarily due to the impact of inventory impairments and abandonment of certain option contracts, significant deterioration in market conditions, decreased contribution from lower average sales prices, and increased sales incentives. Total charges for inventory impairments and abandonment of lot option contracts in the West segment were $274.7 million and $54.2 million, respectively, during fiscal 2007. These charges were primarily related to the impairment of certain communities in Las Vegas, NV and Sacramento, CA due to the continued deterioration of sales trends and increased competitive pricing environments and to the abandonment of certain large option contracts in Phoenix, AZ. Fiscal 2006 included $16.1 million of lot option abandonment charges related to the cancellation of projects in Arizona and Southern California.
 
43

 
Gross margins for the Mid-Atlantic segment decreased primarily due to the impact of inventory impairments and abandonment of lot option contracts, deteriorating market conditions, decreased contribution from lower average sales prices, and increased incentives offered in response to the softer market conditions. Total charges for inventory impairments and abandonments in the Mid-Atlantic segment were $68.4 million and $19.7 million during fiscal 2007 compared to $4.8 million of lot option abandonments for fiscal 2006.
 
The decrease in gross margins in the Florida segment is also due to the impact of inventory impairments and abandonment of lot option contracts, significantly deteriorating market conditions, decreased contribution from lower average sales prices, and increased sales incentives. Total charges for inventory impairments and abandonments in the Florida segment were $62.7 million and $26.4 million, respectively, compared to $2.3 million of lot option abandonments in fiscal 2006.
 
Gross margins in the Southeast segment decreased due to deteriorating market conditions and the impact of inventory impairments and abandonment of lot option contracts despite higher average sales prices in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. Fiscal 2007 charges for inventory impairments and abandonments in the Southeast segment were $13.8 million and $8.6 million, respectively, compared to $1.1 million of inventory impairments and $4.1 million of lot option abandonments in fiscal 2006.
 
Fiscal 2007 homebuilding gross margins for the other homebuilding markets were 5.2% compared to 13.2% for fiscal 2006. The decrease in homebuilding revenues and gross margins is primarily due to the impact of softer market conditions and increased sales incentives across all of our markets. Gross margins were further impacted by inventory impairments and abandonment of lot option contracts primarily in our Indiana and Colorado markets. During fiscal 2007, in the Other Homebuilding segment, total charges for inventory impairments were $45.4 million and lot option abandonments were $14.0 million compared to $5.1 million for inventory impairments and $10.5 million for lot option abandonments in fiscal 2006.
 
Corporate and unallocated. Corporate and unallocated costs include the amortization of capitalized interest and indirect construction costs. Fiscal 2007 and 2006 costs are offset by $23.8 million and $21.7 million, respectively, of reductions in accruals associated with construction defect claims from water intrusion in Indiana related to a prior acquisition (“Trinity Moisture Intrusion”). The increase in corporate and unallocated costs between years is due primarily to increased expense related to interest and indirect costs due to a lower capitalizable inventory base and the impairment of capitalized interest and indirect costs in connection with our impairment of inventory held for development in fiscal 2007.
 
Land and Lot Sales Gross Profit (Loss). The table below summarizes land and lot sales gross profit (loss) by reportable segment ($ in thousands):
 
Land and Lot Sales Gross Profit (Loss)
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Change
 
West
  $ 2,791     $ 1,096       154.7 %
Mid-Atlantic
    1,397       768       81.9 %
Florida
    (8 )     -       n/a  
Southeast
    64       (198 )     132.3 %
Other
    (821 )     (2,780 )     70.5 %
Total
  $ 3,423     $ (1,114 )     407.3 %
 
The increase in land and lot sales gross profit from fiscal 2006 is primarily related to the 2006 loss on sale of land in our Other Homebuilding segment in connection with our decision to exit certain markets in Indiana.
 
44

 
Inventory Impairments. The following tables set forth, by reportable segment, the inventory impairments and lot option abandonment charges recorded for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
   
2007
 
%
(a)
2006
 
% (a)
Development Projects and Homes in Process (Held for Development)
         
West
 
$
228,598
 
22
%
$
230
 
<1%
Mid-Atlantic
   
68,418
 
15
%
 
19
 
<1%
Florida
   
62,246
 
23
%
 
-
   
Southeast
   
13,776
 
4
%
 
1,095
 
<1%
Other
   
44,024
 
9
%
 
5,079
 
<1%
Unallocated
   
23,853
 
12
%
 
-
   
Subtotal
 
$
440,915
 
16
%
$
6,423
 
<1%
                     
Land Held for Sale
                   
West
 
$
46,138
     
$
-
   
Florida
   
500
       
-
   
Other
   
1,386
       
-
   
Subtotal
 
$
48,024
     
$
-
   
                     
Lot Option Abandonments
                   
West
 
$
54,199
     
$
16,108
   
Mid-Atlantic
   
19,746
       
4,795
   
Florida
   
26,448
       
2,265
   
Southeast
   
8,563
       
4,129
   
Other
   
13,969
       
10,455
   
Subtotal
 
$
122,925
     
$
37,752
   
Total
 
$
611,864
     
$
44,175
   
 
(a) Represents the percentage of average held for development inventory that was impaired during the applicable fiscal year ended September 30.
 
Impairments recorded during fiscal 2007 increased significantly in each of our reportable segments and most prominently in our West segment. The impairments recorded on our held for development inventory, for all segments, primarily resulted from the significant decline in the homebuilding environment that negatively impacted the sales prices of homes and increased the sales incentives offered to potential homebuyers in our efforts to increase home sales absorptions. The West segment experienced the most significant amount of inventory impairments as compared to our other homebuilding segments due to the fact that the number of owned land and lots in the West segment comprises approximately 28.4% of our total land and lots owned as of September 30, 2007 and the value of the inventory held for development in the West segment represents approximately 34.9% of the dollar value our land held for development inventory as of September 30, 2007. In addition, our homebuilding markets that comprise our West segment consist of markets that once experienced the most significant home price appreciation in the nation during the 2004 through 2006 periods which was driven in large part by speculative purchases and the availability of mortgage credit during those time periods which are no longer present in the marketplace. The decline in the availability of mortgage loan products and the exit of speculators from the market, among other factors, contributed to the significant increase in the supply of new and used homes on the market for sale.
 
The impairments recorded in our other homebuilding segments are primarily as a result of continued price competition brought on by the significant increase in new and resale home inventory during fiscal 2007 that has resulted in increased sales incentives and home sales price declines as we attempt to increase new orders and generate cash to the Company.
 
45

 
We have also recorded $48.0 million in impairments on land inventory during fiscal 2007 that we have determined does not fit within our homebuilding needs in the current environment and have thus classified as held for sale. The inventory classified as land held for sale is primarily located in our West segment representing nine communities and approximately 600 lots.
 
In addition, we have also completed a strategic review of all of the markets within our homebuilding segments and the communities within each of those markets with an initial focus on the communities for which land has been secured with option purchase contracts. As a result of this review, we have determined the proper course of action with respect to a number of communities within each homebuilding segment was to abandon the remaining lots under option and to write-off the deposits securing the option takedowns, as well as preacquisition costs. The total abandonments recorded for fiscal 2007 were $122.9 million which represented 118 communities. The West and Florida segments accounted for 44.1% and 21.5%, respectively, of the abandonments as the markets in those segments were among the markets with the highest levels of new and resale home supply.
 
Inventory impairments recorded on a quarterly basis during fiscal 2007 and their estimated fair value, number of lots and number of communities are set forth in the table below as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Inventory Impairments for the Quarter Ended
 
Estimated Fair Value
             
 
Held for
         
of Impaired Inventory
 
Lots
 
Communities
 
 
Development
 
Held for Sale
 
Total
 
at Period End
 
Impaired
 
Impaired
 
December 31, 2006
  $ 115,192     $ -     $ 115,192     $ 265,804       3,069       44  
March 31, 2007
    82,225       3,955       86,180       170,881       2,564       40  
June 30, 2007
    109,428       -       109,428       236,023       3,498       45  
September 30, 2007
    134,070       44,069       178,139       224,428       3,278       39  
Fiscal 2007
  $ 440,915     $ 48,024     $ 488,939     $ 897,136       12,409       168  
 
We recorded inventory impairments during fiscal 2006 totaling $6.4 million of which $0.8 million was recorded in the quarter ended March 31, 2006 and $5.6 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2006. The inventory impaired primarily represented homes in backlog sold at a loss for which a valuation adjustment was recorded to properly state the inventory at fair value. The homes generally closed in the following quarter.
 
Unit Data by Segment
 
   
New Orders, net
   
Closings
   
Backlog at September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Change
   
2007
   
2006
   
Change
   
2007
   
2006
   
Change
 
West
    2,352       3,084       -23.7 %     3,036       4,942       -38.6 %     491       1,175       -58.2 %
Mid-Atlantic
    1,223       1,427       -14.3 %     1,157       2,043       -43.4 %     643       577       11.4 %
Florida
    991       1,490       -33.5 %     1,261       2,241       -43.7 %     238       508       -53.1 %
Southeast
    2,308       3,795       -39.2 %     3,125       4,228       -26.1 %     504       1,321       -61.8 %
Other
    3,029       4,395       -31.1 %     3,441       4,907       -29.9 %     1,109       1,521       -27.1 %
Total
    9,903       14,191       -30.2 %     12,020       18,361       -34.5 %     2,985       5,102       -41.5 %
 
New Orders, net. New orders, net of cancellations, decreased to 9,903, or 30% during fiscal 2007 compared to 14,191 during fiscal 2006 as new orders decreased across most of our markets. The decrease was due primarily to lower levels of demand for new homes, an increase in resale home inventory, a decrease in the availability of mortgage financing for many potential homebuyers and significant increases in cancellation rates due partially to a decline in homebuyer confidence in the homebuilding market. Specifically, cancellation rates increased from 37% in fiscal 2006 to 41% in fiscal 2007. This higher cancellation rate in fiscal 2007 also reflects the challenging market environment including the inability of many potential homebuyers to sell their existing homes, the increased price competition and incentives offered and the tightening of credit markets. As a result of the various ongoing investigations and litigation discussed herein, we have been the subject of continuing negative publicity. We believe this negative publicity has also discouraged and may continue to discourage potential homebuyers from purchasing a home from us.
 
46

 
Backlog. The number of homes in backlog decreased 41.5% from September 30, 2006 to September 30, 2007 driving a 46.1% decrease in the aggregate dollar value of homes in backlog from $1.6 billion at September 30, 2006 to $838.8 million at September 30, 2007. The decrease in aggregate dollar value also reflects a 7.8% decline in the average price of homes in backlog from $304,900 at September 30, 2006 to $281,000 at September 30, 2007. This decrease in average sale price was most pronounced in the markets in our West, Mid-Atlantic and Florida segments. The decrease in the number of homes in backlog across most of our markets is driven primarily by the aforementioned market weakness, lower new orders and higher rate of cancellations.
 
Financial Services. Our capture rate (the percentage of mortgages we originate as a percentage of homes closed) of mortgages originated for customers of our homebuilding business, which was historically the most significant source of revenue in this segment, was 66.7% for both fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006. All costs related to Financial Services are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Revenue for Financial Services decreased for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 from the comparable period of 2006 due primarily to reduced closings throughout our markets which contributed to lower title services revenues and a 34% decrease in the number of mortgage originations. Operating income was further impacted by generally lower margins earned as a result of competitive pricing in response to significantly weaker market conditions.
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
 
Change
 
2006
 
Number of mortgage originations
   
8,015
 
(34.5
)%
 
12,244
 
Capture rate
   
66.7
%
0
 bps
 
66.7
%
Revenues
 
$
47,437
 
(28.1
)%
$
65,947
 
Operating income
 
$
3,299
 
(81.0
)%
$
17,366
 
 
Effective February 1, 2008, we exited the mortgage origination business and entered into an exclusive preferred lender arrangement with a national third-party mortgage provider. This exclusive arrangement will continue to offer our homebuyers the option of a simplified financing process while enabling us to focus on our core competency of homebuilding.
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2005
 
Revenues. Revenues increased by 7.3% for fiscal 2006 compared to fiscal 2005. Homes closed increased by 1.4% from 18,109 in fiscal 2005 to 18,361 in fiscal 2006 driven by strong growth in the first half of fiscal 2006 in a majority of our markets tempered by decreased closings in a majority of the markets due to increased competition and moderating demand during the second half of fiscal 2006. This overall revenue growth was partially offset by declines in Nevada and many of our California markets in the West region and in certain of our North Carolina and Florida markets. The average sales price of homes closed increased by 5.3% to $285,700 from $271,300 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Average sales price increased due primarily to product mix related to the expansion of our product offerings in many markets to include higher priced homes.
 
Also, our revenue growth reflected a key component of our long-term growth strategy, to continue to increase our market penetration through geographic diversification and price point diversification, expanding our product offerings to grow market share in those markets in which we currently operate most profitably.
 
In addition, we had $90.2 million and $34.5 million of land sales for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The increase in land sales in fiscal 2006 primarily resulted from our continued review of opportunities to minimize underperforming investments and exit a number of less profitable positions, reallocating funds to investments that will optimize overall returns in the future.
 
47

 
Gross Profit. Our gross margin was 23.4% for fiscal 2006 compared to 24.5% for fiscal 2005. Margins in fiscal 2006 were negatively impacted by margin pressures in our West and Mid-Atlantic regions, a higher percentage of closings from lower margin markets, higher market driven sales incentives and costs associated with our overhead structure realignment and the exiting of non-strategic land positions. Fiscal 2006 gross profit included $37.8 million of costs related to the abandonment of projects and write-off of deposits and other costs on cancelled land option contracts and $6.4 million of inventory impairments offset partially by a $21.7 million reduction in the accrual for construction defect claims for moisture intrusion in Indiana (see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Fiscal 2005 gross margin included the impact of $55.0 million in warranty expenses associated with the construction defect claims for moisture intrusion in Indiana, $14.0 million of other warranty costs and $5.5 million of costs related to the abandonment of projects.
 
We executed several land sales during fiscal 2006 and 2005. We realized a loss of $1.1 million on land sales in fiscal 2006 and gross profit of $5.1 million on land sales in fiscal 2005.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”) totaled $629.3 million in fiscal 2006 and $548.2 million in fiscal 2005. The increase in SG&A expense during fiscal 2006 is primarily related to the costs associated with a number of strategic company-wide programs, an increase in sales commissions as a result of increased revenues and the cost of a larger infrastructure necessary to meet the demands related to the growth in our business. As a percentage of total revenue, SG&A expenses were 11.7% in fiscal 2006 and 11.0% in fiscal 2005.
 
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we began a comprehensive review of our overhead structure in light of our reduced volume expectations for fiscal 2007. Fiscal 2006 SG&A expense included $1.1 million in severance costs related to employees who had been severed as of September 30, 2006.
 
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization (“D&A”) totaled $42.4 million in fiscal 2006 and $36.1 million in fiscal 2005. The increase in D&A during the periods presented is primarily related to additional D&A for model furnishings and sales office improvements.
 
Goodwill Impairment Charges. During fiscal year 2005, we recorded a non-cash, non-tax deductible goodwill impairment charge of $130.2 million to write off substantially all of the goodwill allocated to certain underperforming markets in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Charlotte, North Carolina. Based on our annual goodwill impairment test as of April 30, 2006, we had no impairment of goodwill during fiscal 2006. The goodwill impairment charge is reported in Corporate and unallocated and is not allocated to our homebuilding segments.
 
Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate was 36.8% for fiscal 2006 and 46.2% for fiscal 2005. The effective tax rate for 2005 was impacted 8.9% by the $130.2 million non-cash, non-tax deductible goodwill impairment charge discussed above. Excluding the aforementioned goodwill impact, the decrease in the effective tax rate between years is primarily due to changes in income concentrations in the various states, the timing of certain state tax initiatives and the expiration of statute of limitations for certain tax contingencies. As a result, we recorded tax benefits related to certain discrete items totaling $7.5 million in fiscal 2006. In addition, in fiscal 2006, we recognized a $5.2 million benefit related to new provisions under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. The principal difference between our effective rate and the U.S. federal statutory rate is due to state income taxes incurred.
 
48

 
Segment Results for Fiscal 2006 Compared to Fiscal 2005:
 
Homebuilding Revenues and Average Selling Price. The table below summarizes homebuilding revenues and the average selling prices of our homes by reportable segment ($ in thousands):
 
   
Homebuilding Revenues
   
Average Selling Price
 
   
2006
   
2005
   
Change
   
2006
   
2005
   
Change
 
West
  $ 1,792,826     $ 1,935,310       -7.4 %   $ 366.1     $ 342.7       6.8  %
Mid-Atlantic
    943,113       840,714       12.2 %     457.9       449.6       1.8 %
Florida
    684,563       598,454       14.4 %     309.5       267.6       15.7 %
Southeast
    882,368       748,912       17.8 %     210.1       187.5       12.1 %
Other
    917,151       789,009       16.2 %     187.4       180.9       3.6 %
Total
  $ 5,220,021     $ 4,912,399       6.3 %   $ 285.7     $ 271.3       5.3 %
 
Homebuilding revenues in our West segment decreased in fiscal 2006 due to decreased closings across the markets offset slightly by increased average sales prices in the segment. Declines in fiscal 2006 closings were due to softer market conditions, increased competition in both new and existing home sales, higher cancellations and the impact of extremely high closings in fiscal 2005. Homebuilding revenues in fiscal 2005 reflected increased closings and increased average sales prices in the majority of the markets in this segment, as we benefited from improved pricing power and exceptionally high demand in each of these markets.
 
Increased closings and slightly increased higher average sales prices due to healthy demand and continued constraints on the supply of available housing in our Mid-Atlantic segment during fiscal 2005 and the first half of fiscal 2006 resulted in increased homebuilding revenues over fiscal 2005.
 
Homebuilding revenues for the Florida segment in fiscal 2006 increased over fiscal 2005 due to increased closings and increased average sales prices. The increase in fiscal 2006 revenues was primarily generated in the first six months as revenues from the second half of fiscal 2006 were negatively impacted by decreased closings in a majority of the markets due to increased competition and moderating demand.
 
Homebuilding revenues in fiscal 2006 increased in a majority of our markets within the Southeast segment over fiscal 2005 driven by increased average sales prices in most of our markets and increased closings in the majority of our South Carolina markets; however, revenues in our Charlotte market were negatively impacted by entry level housing competition and difficulties encountered in our integration of the Crossmann communities in this market.
 
The increase in homebuilding revenues in our other homebuilding markets in fiscal 2006 from fiscal 2005 reflected strong revenue growth in our Colorado and Texas markets and increased fiscal 2006 closings in our Indiana markets. This revenue growth was partially offset by continued weakness in the remaining markets in this segment.
 
Land and Lot Sales Revenues. The table below summarizes land and lot sales revenues by reportable segment ($ in thousands):
 
Land and Lot Sales Revenues
 
   
2006
   
2005
   
Change
 
West
  $ 35,905     $ -       n/a  
Mid-Atlantic
    3,550       7,369       -51.8 %
Florida
    -       496       n/a  
Southeast
    2,669       12,118       -78.0 %
Other
    48,093       14,544       230.7 %
Total
  $ 90,217     $ 34,527       161.3 %
 
49

 
The increase in land and lot sales revenues is due primarily to identifying additional parcels of land and lots for sale in our West and Other Homebuilding segments in fiscal 2006 that did not fit within our homebuilding programs in those segments. These increases were offset in part by the 78.0% decline in land and lot sales in our Southeast segment.
 
Gross Profit (Loss). Homebuilding gross profit is defined as homebuilding revenues less home cost of sales (which includes land and land development costs, home construction costs, capitalized interest, indirect costs of construction, estimated warranty costs, closing costs and inventory impairment and lot option abandonment charges). The following table sets forth our homebuilding gross profit (loss) and gross margin by reportable segment and total gross profit (loss) and gross margin ($ in thousands):
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
   
Gross Profit (Loss)
 
Gross Margin
 
Gross Profit (Loss)
 
Gross Margin
 
Homebuilding
                     
                       
West
 
$
410,094
 
22.9
%
$
570,145
 
29.5
%
Mid-Atlantic
   
290,686
 
30.8
%
 
281,832
 
33.5
%
Florida
   
207,441
 
30.3
%
 
145,988
 
24.4
%
Southeast
   
178,725
 
20.3
%
 
151,649
 
20.2
%
Other
   
121,445
 
13.2
%
 
114,565
 
14.5
%
Corporate & Unallocated
   
(22,013
)
     
(110,560
)
   
                       
    Total Homebuilding
   
1,186,378
 
22.7
%
 
1,153,619
 
23.5
%
Land and Lot Sales
   
(1,114
)
     
5,073
     
Financial Services
   
65,947
       
62,253
     
Total
 
$
1,251,211
 
23.4
%
$
1,220,945
 
24.5
%
 
The decrease in homebuilding gross margins in the West segment in fiscal 2006 from fiscal 2005 is primarily due to softer market conditions in our California and Nevada markets and increased costs for subdivision maintenance throughout the region. These softer market conditions also drove our decision to abandon certain lot option contracts resulting in $16.1 million of lot option abandonment charges in fiscal 2006 as compared to $1.7 million of charges in fiscal 2005. In addition, fiscal 2005 margins benefited from a higher number of closings related to new communities and lower sales incentives compared to fiscal 2006.
 
The decrease in homebuilding gross margins from fiscal 2005 to fiscal 2006 in the Mid-Atlantic segment primarily related to margin pressures and increased incentives in response to softening market conditions in the last few months of fiscal 2006. Fiscal 2006 and 2005 gross profit is net of $4.8 million and $1.4 million of lot option abandonment charges, respectively.
 
Homebuilding gross margins increased to 30.3% for fiscal 2006 from 24.4% for fiscal 2005 in the Florida segment, as we benefited from prior, lower cost land purchases and the aforementioned increase in average sales prices. In addition, fiscal 2005 margins were slightly impacted by lower than average margins in our Tampa market due to incentive pricing offered to stimulate traffic during the opening of a new mid-rise condominium community.
 
Margins in our Southeast segment in fiscal 2005 and 2006 were negatively impacted as we repositioned our product offerings and reduced our investment in the entry-level and townhouse sectors of the Charlotte market. New product offerings in Georgia and the South Carolina markets, including our Atlantic Station community in Georgia, and an improved product mix throughout the region contributed toward the increased average sales prices. Gross margins for fiscal 2006 were 20.3% compared to 20.2% for fiscal 2005. Gross margins in fiscal 2006 benefited from a $5.0 million reduction in warranty-related accruals as pending litigation related to one large project in South Carolina was settled favorably and $5.6 million of insurance recoveries were offset by $1.1 million of inventory impairments and $4.1 million of lot option abandonments. The fiscal 2005 margins were impacted by our repositioning efforts in Charlotte, increased warranty and legal related costs in South Carolina and $0.8 million of lot option abandonment charges.
 
50

 
Homebuilding gross margins for our other homebuilding markets decreased from 14.5% for fiscal 2005 to 13.2% for fiscal 2006. The decrease in margins from fiscal 2005 to fiscal 2006 was primarily due to pricing pressures in our Colorado and Ohio markets and additional costs related to our decision to exit some sub-markets in Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee during fiscal 2006, including $5.1 million of inventory impairment charges and $10.5 million of lot option abandonment charges. Fiscal 2005 margins were impacted by additional warranty costs in our Kentucky market and repositioning costs, including higher discounting and $1.1 million of lot option abandonment charges, related to the implementation of new home and subdivision designs in Indiana and Ohio.
 
Corporate and unallocated. Fiscal 2006 corporate and unallocated costs are offset by $21.7 million of reductions in accruals associated with construction defect claims from water intrusion in Indiana compared to $55.0 million of warranty expenses associated with these claims in fiscal 2005.
 
Land and Lot Sales Gross Profit (Loss). The table below summarizes land and lot sales gross profit (loss) by reportable segment ($ in thousands):
 
Land and Lot Sales Gross Profit (Loss)
 
   
2006
   
2005
   
Change
 
West
  $ 1,096     $ -       n/a  
Mid-Atlantic
    768       3,041       -74.7 %
Florida
    -       (2 )     n/a  
Southeast
    (198 )     1,691       -111.7 %
Other
    (2,780 )     343       -910.5 %
Total
  $ (1,114 )   $ 5,073       -122.0 %
 
Unit Data by Segment
 
   
New Orders, net
 
Closings
 
Backlog at September 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
Change
 
2006
 
2005
 
Change
 
2006
 
2005
 
Change
 
West
   
3,084
   
5,673
   
-45.6
%
 
4,942
   
5,647
   
-12.5
%
 
1,175
   
3,033
   
-61.3
%
Mid-Atlantic
   
1,427
   
2,016
   
-29.2
%
 
2,043
   
1,870
   
9.3
%
 
577
   
1,193
   
-51.6
%
Florida
   
1,490
   
2,295
   
-35.1
%
 
2,241
   
2,236
   
0.2
%
 
508
   
1,259
   
-59.7
%
Southeast
   
3,795
   
4,372
   
-13.2
%
 
4,228
   
3,995
   
5.8
%
 
1,321
   
1,754
   
-24.7
%
Other
   
4,395
   
4,569
   
-3.8
%
 
4,907
   
4,361
   
12.5
%
 
1,521
   
2,033
   
-25.2
%
Total
   
14,191
   
18,925
   
-25.0
%
 
18,361
   
18,109
   
1.4
%
 
5,102
   
9,272
   
-45.0
%
 
New Orders, net. New orders, net of cancellations, decreased to 14,191, or by 25.0%, during fiscal 2006 compared to 18,925 for fiscal 2005 due primarily to lower levels of demand for new homes across a majority of our markets, an increase in resale home inventory and significant increases in cancellation rates during the second half of fiscal 2006. Specifically, orders decreased by 45.6% in our West region and 29.2% in our Mid-Atlantic region compared to fiscal 2005 due to lower demand and higher cancellations compared to the extremely high number of new orders received in these regions in fiscal 2005. Orders also decreased by 35.1% in our Florida region, primarily related to increased competition and moderating demand.
 
Backlog. The aggregate dollar value of homes in backlog of $1.6 billion at September 30, 2006 represented a 43.1% decrease from $2.7 billion at September 30, 2005. This decrease reflects a 45.0% decline in the number of homes in backlog offset partially by a 3.4% increase in the average price of homes in backlog from $294,800 at September 30, 2005 to $304,900 at September 30, 2006. The decrease in the number of homes in backlog is primarily driven by decreased order trends in the majority of our markets. The increase in the average price of homes in backlog is due to the success we experienced in diversifying our product offerings.
 
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Financial Services. Our capture rate (the percentage of mortgages we originate as a percentage of homes closed) of mortgages originated for customers of our homebuilding business, which was historically the most significant source of revenue in this segment, increased to 66.7% in fiscal 2006 from 61.5% in fiscal 2005 due primarily to our continued focus on serving our customer base. Our capture rate is based on total closings. All costs related to Financial Services are included in SG&A. Operating income for Financial Services decreased in fiscal 2006 primarily due to additional costs incurred in our mortgage operations including higher price concessions and incentives offered in response to competitive pressures in the refinancing market.
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
 
   
2006
 
Change
 
2005
 
Financial Services
                 
Number of mortgage originations
   
12,244
 
9.9
%
 
11,144
 
Capture rate
   
66.7
%
520
bps
 
61.5
%
Revenues
 
$
65,947
 
5.9
%
$
62,253
 
Operating income
 
$
17,366
 
(18.7
)%
$
21,368
 
 
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. We are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates. From time to time, we enter into derivative agreements to manage interest costs and hedge against risks associated with fluctuating interest rates. We do not enter into or hold derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. During the year ended September 30, 2001 we entered into interest rate swap agreements (the “Swap Agreements”) to effectively fix the variable interest rate on $100 million of floating rate debt. The Swap Agreements matured in December 2004.
 
The Swap Agreements were designated as cash flow hedges and recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets, and the related gains or losses are deferred in stockholders’ equity, net of taxes, as a component of other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2004. We reclassified $610,000, net of taxes of $354,000, from other comprehensive loss to interest expense upon maturation of the Swap Agreements in fiscal 2005.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources. Our sources of cash liquidity include, but are not limited to, cash from operations, amounts available under credit facilities, proceeds from senior notes and other bank borrowings, the issuance of equity securities and other external sources of funds. Our short-term and long-term liquidity depend primarily upon our level of net income, working capital management (accounts receivable, accounts payable and other liabilities) and bank borrowings. We believe that available short-term and long-term capital resources are sufficient to fund capital expenditures and working capital requirements, scheduled debt payments, and interest and tax obligations for the next twelve months. However, any material variance of our operating results or land acquisitions from our projections or investments in or acquisitions of businesses could require us to obtain additional equity or debt financing. Long-term, we plan to use cash generated to invest in growing the business and/or to reduce our levels of debt. We have suspended our dividend payments and share repurchase program and any resumption of such programs will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
 
At September 30, 2007, we had cash and cash equivalents of $454.3 million, compared to $167.6 million at September 30, 2006. The increase in cash was due to the $509.4 million provided by operating activities relating primarily to the reduction in inventory and accounts receivable offset somewhat by the repayment of borrowings under our warehouse line and the repurchase of $30.4 million in senior notes. Our net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended September 30, 2007 was $509.4 million compared to $378.0 million of cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2006 and $46.2 million of cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2005. Based on the applicable year’s closings, as of September 30, 2007, our land bank includes a 5.2 year supply of land/lots for future development compared to a 4.8 year supply as of September 30, 2006 and a 5.9 year supply as of September 30, 2005. The years’ supply in land bank increased as of September 30, 2007 when compared to September 30, 2006 primarily due to the decline in closings as compared to the lots in the ending land bank as of September 30, 2007. As the homebuilding market declined, we were successful in significantly reducing our land bank through the abandonment of lot option contracts, the sale of land not required in our homebuilding program and through the sale of new homes ending fiscal 2007 with only 3.1 years of owned land and lots for future homebuilding activities. The decrease in land bank from September 30, 2005 to September 30, 2006 related to our decision to eliminate non-strategic positions to align our land supply with our current expectations for future home closings. Net cash used in investing activities was $52.0 million for fiscal 2007 compared to $104.8 million for fiscal 2006 and $85.5 million for fiscal 2005, as we invested in unconsolidated joint ventures to support our land acquisition strategy and model and sales office improvements to support our marketing efforts.
 
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Net cash used in financing activities was $170.6 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $353.2 million in fiscal 2006 and $107.8 million in fiscal 2005. In fiscal 2007, repayments of our borrowings under our warehouse line, other notes payable, repurchased senior notes and dividend payments were somewhat offset by proceeds of our warehouse line. In fiscal 2006 and 2005, proceeds from the senior note issuances (discussed below) and stock option exercises were somewhat offset by other debt repayments, common share repurchases and dividend payments.
 
At September 30, 2007 we had the following long-term debt (in thousands):
 
Debt
 
Due
 
Amount
 
Revolving Credit Facility
 
August 2011
 
$
-
 
8 5/8% Senior Notes*
 
May 2011
   
180,000
 
8 3/8% Senior Notes*
 
April 2012
   
340,000
 
6 1/2% Senior Notes*
 
November 2013
   
200,000
 
6 7/8% Senior Notes*
 
July 2015
   
350,000
 
8 1/8% Senior Notes*
 
June 2016
   
275,000
 
4 5/8% Convertible Senior Notes*
 
June 2024
   
180,000
 
Junior subordinated notes
 
July 2036
   
103,093
 
Other secured notes payable
 
Various Dates
   
118,073
 
Model home financing obligations
 
Various Dates
   
114,116
 
Unamortized debt discounts
       
(3,033
)
Total
     
$
1,857,249
 
* Collectively, the “Senior Notes”
           
 
Warehouse Line – Effective February 7, 2007, Beazer Mortgage amended its 364-day credit agreement (the “Warehouse Line”) to extend its maturity date to February 2008 and modify the maximum available borrowing capacity to $100 million, subject to compliance with the mortgage loan eligibility requirements as defined in the Warehouse Line. The Warehouse Line was secured by certain mortgage loan sales and related property. The Warehouse Line was entered into with a number of banks to fund the origination of residential mortgage loans. The maximum available borrowing capacity was subsequently reduced through amendments down to $17 million as of September 30, 2007. The Warehouse Line was not guaranteed by Beazer Homes USA, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries that are guarantors of the Senior Notes or Revolving Credit Facility. There were no borrowings under the Warehouse Line at September 30, 2007. Borrowings under the Warehouse Line were $94.9 million and bore interest at 5.3% per annum as of September 30, 2006. Effective November 14, 2007, we terminated the Warehouse Line.
 
Revolving Credit Facility - In July 2007, we replaced our former credit facility with a new $500 million, four-year unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with a group of banks, which matures in 2011. The former credit facility included a $1 billion four-year revolving credit facility which would have matured in August 2009. The Revolving Credit Facility has a $350 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit. We have the option to elect two types of loans under the Revolving Credit Facility which incur interest as applicable based on either the Alternative Base Rate or the Applicable Eurodollar Margin (both defined in the Revolving Credit Facility). The Revolving Credit Facility contains various operating and financial covenants. Substantially all of our significant subsidiaries are guarantors of the obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
We fulfill our short-term cash requirements with cash generated from our operations and funds available from our Revolving Credit Facility. There were no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2007 or September 30, 2006; however, we had $133.3 million and $145.6 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively. As of September 30, 2007, we had available borrowings of $274.9 million under the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
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On October 10, 2007, we entered into a waiver and amendment of our Revolving Credit Facility, waiving events of default through May 15, 2008 under the facility arising from our failure to file or deliver reports or other information we would be required to file with the SEC and our decision to restate our financial statements. Under this and the October 26, 2007 amendments, any obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility will be secured by certain assets and our ability to borrow under this facility is subject to satisfaction of a secured borrowing base. We are permitted to grow the borrowing base by adding additional cash and/or real estate as collateral securing the Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, we obtained additional flexibility with respect to our financial covenants in the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
Senior Notes - The Senior Notes are unsecured obligations ranking pari passu with all other existing and future senior indebtedness. Substantially all of our significant subsidiaries are full and unconditional guarantors of the Senior Notes and are jointly and severally liable for obligations under the Senior Notes and the New Facility. Each guarantor subsidiary is a 100% owned subsidiary of Beazer Homes.
 
Excluding the 8 ⅜% Senior Notes issued in September 2002 which were used partially to fund the cash portion of the Crossmann acquisition and to repay Crossmann’s outstanding net indebtedness, the Senior Notes were generally used to pay off borrowings under existing credit facilities, fund land acquisitions and for general corporate purposes. The indentures under which the Senior Notes were issued contain certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on payment of dividends and other distributions on common stock. At September 30, 2007, under the most restrictive covenants of each indenture, approximately $27.6 million of our retained earnings was available for cash dividends, share repurchases and other restricted payments (as defined in each indenture). Each indenture provides that, in the event of defined changes in control or if our consolidated tangible net worth falls below a specified level or in certain circumstances upon a sale of assets, we are required to offer to repurchase certain specified amounts of outstanding Senior Notes.
 
On October 26, 2007, we obtained consents from holders of our Senior Notes to approve amendments of the indentures under which the Senior Notes were issued. These amendments restrict our ability to secure additional debt in excess of $700 million until certain conditions are met and enable us to invest up to $50 million in joint ventures. The consents also provided us with a waiver of any and all defaults under the Senior Notes that may have occurred or may occur on or prior to May 15, 2008 relating to filing or delivering annual and quarterly financial statements. Fees and expenses related to obtaining these consents totaled approximately $21 million.
 
In March 2007, we voluntarily repurchased on the open market $10.0 million of our outstanding 8 ⅝% and $10.0 million of our outstanding 8 ⅜% Senior Notes. The aggregate purchase price was $20.6 million, or an average of 102.8% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest as of the purchase date. The repurchase of the notes resulted in a $562,500 pretax loss during the second quarter of fiscal 2007. On March 28, 2007, we repurchased an additional $10.0 million of our outstanding 8 ⅝% Senior Notes which were cash settled on April 2, 2007 at a purchase price of $9.85 million. The repurchase of the notes resulted in a $150,000 pretax gain included in other income in the accompanying Statement of Operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2007. Senior Notes repurchased by the Company were cancelled.
 
Junior Subordinated Notes - In June 2006, we completed a private placement of $103.1 million of unsecured junior subordinated notes which mature in July 2036 and are redeemable at par on or after July 30, 2011 and pay a fixed rate of 7.987% for the first ten years ending July 2016. Thereafter, the securities have a floating interest rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 2.45% per annum, resetting quarterly. These notes were issued to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Beazer Capital Trust I, which simultaneously issued, in a private transaction, trust preferred securities and common securities with an aggregate value of $103.1 million to fund its purchase of these notes. The transaction is treated as debt in accordance with GAAP. The obligations relating to these notes and the related securities are subordinated to the Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Notes.
 
54

 
On April 30, 2008, we received a default notice from The Bank of New York Trust Company, National Association, the trustee under the indenture governing these junior subordinated notes. The notice alleges that we are in default under the indenture because we have not yet furnished certain required information (including our annual audited and quarterly unaudited financial statements). The notice further alleges that this default will become an event of default under the indenture if not remedied within 30 days. We expect to be able to cure this default on or before May 15, 2008.
 
Other Secured Notes Payable - We periodically acquire land through the issuance of notes payable. As of September 30, 2007 and 2006, we had outstanding secured notes payable of $118.1 million and $89.3 million, respectively, primarily related to land acquisitions and development. These notes payable expire at various times through 2010 and had fixed and variable rates ranging from 7.2% to 11.0% at September 30, 2007. These notes are secured by the real estate to which they relate. During the first six months of fiscal 2008, we repaid approximately $95 million of these secured notes payable.
 
Model Home Financing Obligations - Due to a continuing interest in certain model home sale-leaseback transactions discussed in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we have recorded $114.1 million and $117.1 million of debt as of September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to these “financing” transactions in accordance with SFAS 98 (As amended), Accounting for Leases. These financing transactions incur interest at a variable rate of one-month LIBOR plus 450 basis points, 10.22% at September 30, 2007, and expire at various times through 2015.
 
Stock Repurchases and Dividends Paid - On November 18, 2005, as part of an acceleration of our comprehensive plan to enhance stockholder value, our Board of Directors authorized an increase of our stock repurchase plan to ten million shares of our common stock. Shares may be purchased for cash in the open market, on the NYSE or in privately negotiated transactions. We entered into a plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to execute a portion of the share repurchase program, supplemented with opportunistic purchases in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. During fiscal 2006, we repurchased 3,648,300 shares for an aggregate purchase price of $205.4 million, or approximately $56 per share. During fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2005, we did not repurchase any shares in the open market. At September 30, 2007, we are authorized to purchase approximately 5.4 million additional shares pursuant to the plan. We have currently suspended our repurchase program and any resumption of such program will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and is unlikely in the foreseeable future.
 
In addition, during fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, 13,946 shares, 47,544 shares and 142,459 shares, respectively, were surrendered to us by employees in payment of minimum tax obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units under our stock incentive plans. We valued the stock at the market price on the date of surrender, for an aggregate value of approximately $348,000, or approximately $25 per share, for fiscal 2007, $2.6 million, or approximately $55 per share, for fiscal 2006 and for an aggregate value of $8.1 million, or approximately $57 per share, for fiscal 2005.
 
For fiscal 2007, we paid quarterly cash dividends aggregating $0.40 per common share, or a total of approximately $15.6 million. For fiscal 2006, we paid quarterly cash dividends aggregating $0.40 per common share, or a total of approximately $16.1 million. For fiscal 2005, we paid quarterly cash dividends aggregating $0.33 per common share, or a total of approximately $13.9 million. Subsequent to September 30, 2007, on November 2, 2007, our Board of Directors suspended our dividend payments. The Board concluded that suspending dividends, which will allow us to conserve approximately $16 million of cash annually, was a prudent effort in light of the continued deterioration in the housing market.
 
55

 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Commitments. At September 30, 2007, we controlled 62,076 lots (a 5-year supply based on fiscal 2007 closings). We owned 59.6%, or 37,025 lots, and 25,051 lots, 40.4%, were under option contracts which generally require the payment of cash or the posting of a letter of credit for the right to acquire lots during a specified period of time at a certain price. We historically have attempted to control half or more of our land supply through options. As a result of the flexibility that these options provide us, upon a change in market conditions we may renegotiate the terms of the options prior to exercise or terminate the agreement. Under option contracts, both with and without specific performance provisions, purchase of the properties is contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements by us and the sellers. Our obligation with respect to options with specific performance provisions is included in our consolidated balance sheets in other liabilities. Under option contracts without specific performance obligations, our liability is generally limited to forfeiture of the non-refundable deposits, letters of credit and other non-refundable amounts incurred, which aggregated approximately $163.3 million at September 30, 2007. This amount includes non-refundable letters of credit of approximately $35.5 million. The total remaining purchase price, net of cash deposits, committed under all options was $1.5 billion as of September 30, 2007. Only $91.6 million of the total remaining purchase price contains specific performance clauses which may require us to purchase the land or lots upon the land seller meeting certain obligations, of which $76.3 million relates to a large, multi-story condominium project in Virginia.
 
We expect to exercise substantially all of our remaining option contracts with specific performance obligations and, subject to market conditions, most of our option contracts without specific performance obligations. Various factors, some of which are beyond our control, such as market conditions, weather conditions and the timing of the completion of development activities, will have a significant impact on the timing of option exercises or whether land options will be exercised.
 
We have historically funded the exercise of land options through a combination of operating cash flows and borrowings under our credit facilities. We expect these sources to continue to be adequate to fund anticipated future option exercises. Therefore, we do not anticipate that the exercise of our land options will have a material adverse effect on our liquidity.
 
Certain of our option contracts are with sellers who are deemed to be Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) under FASB Interpretation No. 46 (Revised), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51 (“FIN 46R”). We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of certain of these option contracts. Our risk is generally limited to the option deposits that we pay, and creditors of the sellers generally have no recourse to the general credit of the Company. Although we do not have legal title to the optioned land, for those option contracts for which we are the primary beneficiary, we are required to consolidate the land under option at fair value. We believe that the exercise prices of our option contracts approximate their fair value. Our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2007 and 2006 reflect consolidated inventory not owned of $237.4 million and $471.4 million, respectively. We consolidated $92.3 million and $146.6 million of lot option agreements as consolidated inventory not owned pursuant to FIN 46R as of September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively. In addition, as of September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, we recorded $145.1 million and $324.8 million, respectively, of land under the caption consolidated inventory not owned related to lot option agreements in accordance with SFAS 49, Product Financing Arrangements. Obligations related to consolidated inventory not owned totaled $177.9 million at September 30, 2007 and $330.7 million at September 30, 2006. The difference between the balances of consolidated inventory not owned and obligations related to consolidated inventory not owned represents cash deposits paid under the option agreements.
 
We participate in a number of land development joint ventures in which we have less than a controlling interest. We enter into joint ventures in order to acquire attractive land positions, to manage our risk profile and to leverage our capital base. Our joint ventures are typically entered into with developers, other homebuilders and financial partners to develop finished lots for sale to the joint venture’s members and other third parties. We account for our interest in these joint ventures under the equity method. Our consolidated balance sheets include investments in joint ventures totaling $109.1 million and $124.8 million at September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
56

 
Our joint ventures typically obtain secured acquisition and development financing. At September 30, 2007, our unconsolidated joint ventures had borrowings outstanding totaling $785.4 million, of which $450.6 million related to one joint venture in which we are a 2.58% partner. In some instances, we and our joint venture partners have provided varying levels of guarantees of debt of our unconsolidated joint ventures. At September 30, 2007, we had repayment guarantees of $42.3 million and loan-to-value maintenance guarantees of $7.7 million of debt of unconsolidated joint ventures (see Notes 3 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
The following summarizes our aggregate contractual commitments at September 30, 2007:
 
   
Payments Due by Period (in thousands)
 
Contractual obligations
 
Total
   
Less than 1 Year
   
1-3 Years
   
3-5 Years
   
More than 5
Years
 
Senior Notes and other notes payable
  $ 1,860,282     $ 134,190     $ 89,895     $ 527,291     $ 1,108,906  
Interest commitments under Senior
                                       
Notes and other notes payable (1)
    1,156,642       132,895       228,602       217,095       578,050  
Operating leases
    64,715       19,009       25,021       14,520       6,165  
Purchase obligations (2)
    91,637       76,295       15,342       -       -  
Total
  $ 3,173,276     $ 362,389     $ 358,860     $ 758,906     $ 1,693,121  

(1) Interest on variable rate obligations is based on rates effective as of September 30, 2007.
(2) Represents obligations under option contracts with specific performance provisions, net of cash deposits.
 
We had outstanding letters of credit and performance bonds of approximately $134.3 million and $580.9 million, respectively, at September 30, 2007 related principally to our obligations to local governments to construct roads and other improvements in various developments in addition to the letters of credit of approximately $37.8 million relating to our land option contracts discussed above.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 defines the threshold for recognizing the benefits of tax return positions as well as guidance regarding the measurement of the resulting tax benefits. FIN 48 requires a company to recognize for financial statement purposes the impact of a tax position, if a tax return position is “more likely than not” to prevail (defined as a likelihood of more than fifty percent of being sustained upon audit, based on the technical merits of the tax position). FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN 48 is effective as of the beginning of our fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, with the cumulative effect of the change recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings. We estimate that the cumulative effect upon adoption of FIN 48 will decrease retained earnings by approximately $10 million.
 
On November 29, 2006, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 06-8, Applicability of the Assessment of a Buyer’s Continuing Investment Under FASB Statement No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate, for Sales of Condominiums. The EITF states that the adequacy of the buyer’s continuing investment under SFAS 66 should be assessed in determining whether to recognize profit under the percentage-of-completion method on the sale of individual units in a condominium project. This consensus could require that additional deposits be collected by developers of condominium projects that wish to recognize profit during the construction period under the percentage-of-completion method. EITF 06-8 is effective for fiscal years beginning after March 15, 2007. The adoption of EITF 06-8 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations. SFAS 141R amends and clarifies the accounting guidance for the acquirer’s recognition and measurement of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests of an acquiree in a business combination. SFAS 141R is effective for our fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 141R to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
57

 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, SFAS 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. SFAS 157 includes provisions that require expanded disclosure of the effect on earnings for items measured using unobservable data. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, delaying the effective date of certain non-financial assets and liabilities to fiscal periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 157 on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS 159 permits companies to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value. SFAS 159 is effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 159 on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an Amendment of ARB 51. SFAS 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest (formerly minority interest) in a subsidiary be classified as equity and the amount of consolidated net income specifically attributable to the noncontrolling interest be included in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 is effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009 and its provisions will be applied retrospectively upon adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 160 on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
 
In December 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 110 which expresses the views of the Staff regarding the use of the “simplified” method (the mid-point between the vesting period and contractual life of the option) for “plain vanilla” options in accordance with SFAS 123R. SAB 110 will allow the use of the “simplified” method beyond December 31, 2007 under certain conditions including a company’s inability to rely on historical exercise data. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SAB 110 on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
 
Item 7(a). Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
We are exposed to a number of market risks in the ordinary course of business. Our primary market risk exposure relates to fluctuations in interest rates. We do not believe that our exposure in this area is material to cash flows or earnings. As of September 30, 2007, we had $216.4 million of variable rate debt outstanding. Based on our fiscal 2007 average outstanding borrowings under our variable rate debt, a one-percentage point increase in interest rates would negatively impact our annual pre-tax earnings by less than $2.2 million.
 
The estimated fair value of our fixed rate debt at September 30, 2007 was $1,280.1 million, compared to a carrying value of $1,640.8 million, due primarily to increases in our estimated discount rates for similar financial instruments. In addition, the effect of a hypothetical one-percentage point decrease in our estimated discount rates would increase the estimated fair value of the fixed rate debt instruments from $1,280.1 million to $1,353.5 million at September 30, 2007.
 
58

 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
   
Year Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
         
As Restated See Note 2
 
Total revenue
  $ 3,490,819     $ 5,356,504     $ 4,992,973  
                         
Home construction and land sales expenses
    2,944,385       4,061,118       3,766,517  
Inventory impairments and option contract abandonments
    611,864       44,175       5,511  
Gross (loss) profit
    (65,430 )     1,251,211       1,220,945  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    454,122       629,322       548,161  
Depreciation and amortization
    33,594       42,425       36,068  
Goodwill impairment
    52,755       -       130,235  
Operating (loss) income
    (605,901 )     579,464       506,481  
Equity in (loss) income of unconsolidated joint ventures
    (35,154 )     1,343       5,021  
Other income, net
    7,775       2,450       1,712  
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (633,280 )     583,257       513,214  
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
    (222,207 )     214,421       237,315  
Net (loss) income
  $ (411,073 )   $ 368,836     $ 275,899  
                         
Weighted average number of shares:
                       
Basic
    38,410       39,812       40,468  
Diluted
    38,410       44,345       45,634  
                         
Earnings per share:
                       
Basic
  $ (10.70 )   $ 9.26     $ 6.82  
Diluted
  $ (10.70 )   $ 8.44     $ 6.16  
                         
Cash dividends per share
  $ 0.40     $ 0.40     $ 0.33  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
59

 
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 (in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
         
As Restated,
see Note 17
 
ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 454,337     $ 167,570  
Restricted cash
    5,171       4,873  
Accounts receivable
    45,501       338,033  
Income tax receivable
    63,981       -  
Inventory
               
Owned inventory
    2,537,791       3,137,021  
Consolidated inventory not owned
    237,382       471,441  
Total Inventory
    2,775,173       3,608,462  
Residential mortgage loans available-for-sale
    781       92,157  
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
    109,143       124,799  
Deferred tax assets
    232,949       71,344  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    71,682       76,454  
Goodwill
    68,613       121,368  
Other assets
    102,690       109,611  
Total Assets
  $ 3,930,021     $ 4,714,671  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Trade accounts payable
  $ 118,030     $ 140,008  
Other liabilities
    453,089       557,754  
Obligations related to consolidated inventory not owned
    177,931       330,703  
Senior Notes (net of discounts of $3,033 and $3,578, respectively)
    1,521,967       1,551,422  
Junior subordinated notes
    103,093       103,093  
Warehouse Line
    -       94,881  
Other secured notes payable
    118,073       89,264  
Model home financing obligations
    114,116       117,079  
Total Liabilities
    2,606,299       2,984,204  
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
Preferred stock (par value $.01 per share, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued)
    -       -  
Common stock (par value $0.001, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 42,597,229 and 42,318,098 issued, 39,261,721 and 38,889,554 outstanding)
    43       42  
Paid in capital
    543,705       529,326  
Retained earnings
    963,869       1,390,552  
Treasury stock, at cost (3,335,508 and 3,428,544 shares)
    (183,895 )     (189,453 )
Total Stockholders’ Equity
    1,323,722       1,730,467  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 3,930,021     $ 4,714,671  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
60

 
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
($ in thousands)
 
   
Preferred
Stock
   
Common
Stock
   
Paid in
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Unearned
Compensation
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   
Total
 
               
As Restated, see Note 17
                     
As Restated
 
Balance, September 30, 2004 (as reported)
  $ -     $ 54     $ 593,874     $ 741,701     $ (88,150 )   $ (14,748 )   $ (610 )   $ 1,232,121  
Prior period restatement (see Note 17)
    -       -       950       34,144       -       -       -       35,094  
Balance, September 30, 2004 (as restated)
    -       54       594,824       775,845       (88,150 )     (14,748 )     (610 )     1,267,215  
Comprehensive income:
                                                               
Net income (as restated)
    -       -       -       275,899       -       -       -       275,899  
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax of $354
    -       -       -       -       -       -       610       610  
Total comprehensive income (as restated)
                                                            276,509  
Dividends paid
    -       -       -       (13,884 )     -       -       -       (13,884 )
Amortization of nonvested stock awards
    -       -       -       -       -       11,945       -       11,945  
Change in fair value of unearned compensation, net of forfeitures (17,719 shares)
    -       -       2,432       -       -       (2,432 )     -       -  
Exercises of stock options (412,125 shares)
    -       -       5,631       -       -       244       -       5,875  
Tax benefit from stock transactions
    -       -       11,551       -       -       -       -       11,551  
Issuance of bonus stock (109,937 shares)
    -       -       2,034       -       -       4       -       2,038  
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures (137,957 shares)
    -       -       5,823       -       -       (5,823 )     -       -  
Use of treasury stock for stock dividend (12,413,628 shares)
    -       (12 )     (88,138 )     -       88,150       -       -       -  
Common stock redeemed (142,459 shares)
    -       -       -       -       (8,092 )     -       -       (8,092 )
Other
    -       -       1,316       -       -       (1,316 )     -       -  
Balance, September 30, 2005 (as restated)
    -       42       535,473       1,037,860       (8,092 )     (12,126 )     -       1,553,157  
Net income and total comprehensive income (as restated)
    -       -       -       368,836       -       -       -       368,836  
Dividends paid
    -       -       -       (16,144 )     -       -       -       (16,144 )
Purchase of treasury stock (3,648,300 shares)
    -       -       -       -       (205,416 )     -       -       (205,416 )
Transfer of unearned compensation to
                                                            -  
paid in capital
    -       -       (12,126 )     -       -       12,126       -       -  
Amortization of nonvested stock awards
    -       -       8,669       -       -       -       -       8,669  
Amortization of stock option awards
    -       -       7,084       -       -       -       -       7,084  
Exercises of stock options (415,938 shares)
    -       -       7,298       -       -       -       -       7,298  
Tax benefit from stock transactions
    -       -       8,205       -       -       -       -       8,205  
Issuance of bonus stock (62,121shares)
    -       -       1,402       -       -       -       -       1,402  
Issuance of restricted stock (409,759 shares)
    -       -       (26,679 )     -       26,679       -       -       -  
Common stock redeemed (47,544 shares)
    -       -       -       -       (2,624 )     -       -       (2,624 )
Balance, September 30, 2006 (as restated)
    -       42       529,326       1,390,552       (189,453 )     -       -       1,730,467  
Net loss and total comprehensive loss
    -       -       -       (411,073 )     -       -       -       (411,073 )
Dividends paid
    -       -       -       (15,610 )     -       -       -       (15,610 )
Amortization of nonvested stock awards
    -       -       5,318       -       -       -       -       5,318  
Amortization of stock option awards
    -       -       5,831       -       -       -       -       5,831  
Exercises of stock options (312,501 shares)
    -       1       4,421       -       -       -       -       4,422  
Tax benefit from stock transactions
    -       -       2,635       -       -       -       -       2,635  
Issuance of bonus stock (71,429 shares)
    -       -       2,080       -       -       -       -       2,080  
Issuance of restricted stock (159,378 shares)
    -       -       (5,906 )     -       5,906       -       -       -  
Common stock redeemed (13,946 shares)
    -       -       -       -       (348 )     -       -       (348 )
Balance, September 30, 2007
  $ -     $ 43     $ 543,705     $ 963,869     $ (183,895 )   $ -     $ -     $ 1,323,722  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
61

 
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
 
   
Year Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
       
As Restated, see Note 17
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (411,073 )   $ 368,836     $ 275,899  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    33,594       42,425       36,068  
Stock-based compensation expense
    11,149       15,753       11,945  
Inventory impairments and option contract abandonments
    611,864       44,175       5,511  
Goodwill impairment charge
    52,755       -       130,235  
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision
    (161,605 )     25,963       (51,186 )
Tax benefit from stock transactions
    (2,635 )     (8,205 )     11,551  
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated joint ventures
    35,154       (1,343 )     (5,021 )
Cash distributions of income from unconsolidated joint ventures
    5,285       352       5,844  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable
    292,532       (181,639 )     (84,637 )
Increase in income tax receivable
    (63,981 )     -       -  
Decrease (increase) in inventory
    134,953       (486,727 )     (593,521 )
Decrease (increase) in residential mortgage loans available-for-sale
    91,376       (92,157 )     -  
Decrease (increase) in other assets
    9,180       (20,736 )     (16,780 )
(Decrease) increase in trade accounts payable
    (21,978 )     (1,641 )     18,336  
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities
    (108,809 )     (83,044 )     208,794  
Other changes
    1,610       (8 )     806  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    509,371       (377,996 )     (46,156 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Capital expenditures
    (29,474 )     (55,088 )     (48,437 )
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
    (24,505 )     (49,458 )     (42,619 )
Changes in restricted cash
    (298 )     (4,873 )     -  
Distributions from and proceeds from sale of unconsolidated joint ventures
    2,229       4,655       5,597  
Net cash (used in) investing activities
    (52,048 )     (104,764 )     (85,459 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Repayment of term loan
    -       -       (200,000 )
Borrowings under credit facilities and warehouse line
    169,888       1,937,528       439,700  
Repayment of credit facilities and warehouse line
    (264,769 )     (1,842,647 )     (439,700 )
Repayment of other secured notes payable
    (31,139 )     (20,934 )     (16,776 )
Borrowings under senior notes
    -       275,000       346,786  
Borrowings under junior subordinated notes
    -       103,093       -  
Repurchase of senior notes
    (30,413 )     -       -  
Borrowings under model home financing obligations
    5,919       117,365       -  
Repayment of model home financing obligations
    (8,882 )     (286 )     (1,118 )
Debt issuance costs
    (2,259 )     (7,206 )     (4,958 )
Proceeds from stock option exercises
    4,422       7,298       5,875  
Common stock redeemed
    (348 )     (2,624 )     -  
Treasury stock purchases
    -       (205,416 )     (8,092 )
Tax benefit from stock transactions
    2,635       8,205       -  
Dividends paid
    (15,610 )     (16,144 )     (13,884 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (170,556 )     353,232       107,833  
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    286,767       (129,528 )     (23,782 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    167,570       297,098       320,880  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 454,337     $ 167,570     $ 297,098  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
62

 
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Organization. Beazer Homes USA, Inc. is one of the ten largest homebuilders in the United States, based on number of homes closed. We design, sell and build primarily single-family homes in over 45 markets located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Through Beazer Mortgage Corporation, or Beazer Mortgage, we historically offered mortgage origination services to our homebuyers. Effective February 1, 2008, we exited the mortgage origination business. Through September 30, 2007, Beazer Mortgage financed certain of our mortgage lending activities with borrowings under a warehouse line of credit or from general corporate funds prior to selling the loans and their servicing rights shortly after origination to third-party investors. In addition, we offer title insurance services to our homebuyers in many of our markets.
 
Presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. and our subsidiaries. Intercompany balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Reclassifications. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, $44.2 million and $5.5 million, respectively, have been reclassified from home construction and land sales expenses to inventory impairments and option contract abandonments in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations to conform to the current year presentation. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, $10.3 million and $9.2 million, respectively, have been reclassified from selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses to depreciation and amortization in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations to conform to the current year presentation.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash. We consider investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash includes cash restricted by state law or a contractual requirement.
 
Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable primarily consist of escrow deposits to be received from title companies associated with closed homes. Generally, we receive cash from title companies within a few days of the home being closed.
 
Inventory. Owned inventory consists solely of residential real estate developments. Interest, real estate taxes and development costs are capitalized in inventory during the development and construction period. Construction and land costs are comprised of direct and allocated costs, including estimated future costs for warranties and amenities. Land, land improvements and other common costs are typically allocated to individual residential lots on a pro-rata basis, and the costs of residential lots are transferred to construction in progress when home construction begins. Consolidated inventory not owned represents the fair value of land under option agreements consolidated pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46 (Revised), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51 (“FIN 46R”). FIN 46R requires us to consolidate the financial results of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) if the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. VIEs are entities in which 1) equity investors do not have a controlling financial interest and/or 2) the entity is unable to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. In addition to lot options recorded in accordance with FIN 46R, we evaluate lot options in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 49, Product Financing Arrangements. When our deposits and pre-acquisition development costs exceed certain thresholds, we record the remaining purchase price of the lots as consolidated inventory not owned and obligations related to consolidated inventory not owned in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
Residential Mortgage Loans Available-for-Sale. Residential mortgage loans available-for-sale are stated at the lower of aggregate cost or market value. Gains and losses from sales of mortgage loans are recognized when the loans are sold.
 
63

 
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. We participate in a number of land development joint ventures in which we have less than a controlling interest. Our joint ventures are typically entered into with unrelated developers, other homebuilders and financial partners to develop finished lots for sale to the joint venture’s members and other third parties. We have determined that our interest in these joint ventures should be accounted for under the equity method as prescribed by SOP 78-9, Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures. We recognize our share of profits from the sale of lots to other buyers. Our share of profits from lots we purchase from the joint ventures is deferred and treated as a reduction of the cost of the land purchased from the joint venture. Such profits are subsequently recognized at the time the home closes and title passes to the homebuyer. Our joint ventures typically obtain secured acquisition and development financing. See Note 3, “Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.”
 
Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis at rates based on estimated useful lives as follows:
 
Buildings
15 – 30 years
Machinery and equipment
3 – 10 years
Information systems
5 years
Furniture and fixtures
3 – 7 years
Model and sales office improvements
Estimated useful life of
 
community
Leasehold improvements
Lesser of the lease term or the
 
estimated useful life of the asset
 
Inventory Valuation – Held for Development. Our homebuilding inventories that are accounted for as held for development include land and home construction assets grouped together as communities. Homebuilding inventories held for development are stated at cost (including direct construction costs, capitalized indirect costs, capitalized interest and real estate taxes) unless facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. We assess these assets periodically for recoverability in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. SFAS 144 requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the expected undiscounted cash flows generated are expected to be less than its carrying amount, an impairment charge should be recorded to write down the carrying amount of such asset to its estimated fair value based on discounted cash flows.
 
We conduct a review of the recoverability of our homebuilding inventory held for development at the community level as factors indicate that an impairment may exist. We evaluate, among other things, the following information for each community: 
 
 
Actual “Net Contribution Margin” (defined as homebuilding revenues less homebuilding costs and direct selling expenses) for homes closed in the current fiscal quarter, fiscal year to date and prior two fiscal quarters. Homebuilding costs include land and land development costs (based upon an allocation of such costs, including costs to complete the development, or specific lot costs), home construction costs (including an estimate of costs, if any, to complete home construction), previously capitalized indirect costs (principally for construction supervision), capitalized interest and estimated warranty costs; 
 
 
Projected Net Contribution Margin for homes in backlog; 
 
 
Actual and trending new orders and cancellation rates; 
 
 
Actual and trending base home sales prices and sales incentives for home sales that occurred in the prior two fiscal quarters that remain in backlog at the end of the fiscal quarter and expected future homes sales prices and sales incentives and absorption over the expected remaining life of the community; 
 
 
A comparison of our community to our competition to include, among other things, an analysis of various product offerings including, the size and style of the homes currently offered for sale, community amenity levels, availability of lots in our community and our competition’s, desirability and uniqueness of our community and other market factors; and 
 
 
Other events that may indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
 
64

 
In determining the recoverability of the carrying value of the assets of a community that we have evaluated as requiring a test for impairment, significant quantitative and qualitative assumptions are made relative to the future home sales prices, sales incentives, direct and indirect costs of home construction and land development and the pace of new home orders. In addition, these assumptions are dependent upon the specific market conditions and competitive factors for each specific community and may differ greatly between communities within the same market and communities in different markets. Our estimates are made using information available at the end of a reporting period, however, as facts and circumstances may change in future reporting periods, our estimates of recoverability are subject to change.
 
For assets in communities for which the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value, the carrying value of that community is written down to its then estimated fair value based on discounted cash flows. The carrying value for assets in communities that were previously impaired and continue to be classified as held for development is not written up for future estimates of increases in fair value in future reporting periods.
 
The fair value of the assets held for development is estimated using the present value of the estimated future cash flows using discount rates commensurate with the risk associated with the underlying community assets. The discount rate used may be different for each community. The factors considered when determining an appropriate discount rate for a community include, among others: (1) community specific factors such as the number of lots in the community, the status of land development in the community, the competitive factors influencing the sales performance of the community and (2) overall market factors such as employment levels, consumer confidence and the existing supply of new and used homes for sale.
 
As of September 30, 2007, we used discount rates of 16% to 23% in our estimated discounted cash flow impairment calculations. During fiscal 2007 and 2006, we recorded impairments on land held for development and houses under construction of approximately $440.9 million and $6.4 million. We did not record any impairments during fiscal 2005.
 
Due to uncertainties in the estimation process, particularly with respect to projected home sales prices and absorption rate, the timing and amount of the estimated future cash flows and discount rates, it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ from the estimates used in our historical analyses. Our assumptions about future home sales prices and absorption rates require significant judgment because the residential homebuilding industry is cyclical and is highly sensitive to changes in economic conditions. We calculated the estimated fair values of inventory held for development that were evaluated for impairment based on current market conditions and assumptions made by management relative to future results. Because the projected cash flows are significantly impacted by changes in market conditions, it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ materially from the Company’s estimates and result in additional impairments.
 
Asset Valuation – Land Held for Sale. We record assets held for sale at the lower of the carrying value or fair value less costs to sell in accordance with SFAS 144. The following criteria are used to determine if land is held for sale:
 
 
management has the authority and commits to a plan to sell the land; 
 
the land is available for immediate sale in its present condition;
 
there is an active program to locate a buyer and the plan to sell the land has been initiated; 
 
the sale of the land is probable within one year; 
 
the land is being actively marketed at a reasonable sale price relative to its current fair value; and 
 
it is unlikely that the plan to sell will be withdrawn or that significant changes to the plan will be made.
 
Additionally, in certain circumstances, we will re-evaluate the best use of an asset that is currently being accounted for as held for development. In such instances, we will review, among other things, the current and projected competitive circumstances of the community, including the level of supply of new and used inventory, the level of sales absorptions by us and our competition, the level of sales incentives required and the number of owned lots remaining in the community. If, based on this review and the foregoing criteria have been met at the end of the applicable reporting period, we believe that the best use of the asset is the sale of all or a portion of the asset in its current condition, then all or portions of the community are accounted for as held for sale.
 
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In determining the fair value of the assets less cost to sell, we considered factors including current sales prices for comparable assets in the area, recent market analysis studies, appraisals, any recent legitimate offers, and listing prices of similar properties. If the estimated fair value less cost to sell of an asset is less than its current carrying value, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value less cost to sell. During fiscal 2007, we recorded inventory impairments on land held for sale of approximately $48.0 million. No land held for sale inventory impairments were recorded in fiscal 2006 or 2005.
 
Due to uncertainties in the estimation process, it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ from the estimates used in our historical analyses. Our assumptions about land sales prices require significant judgment because the current market is highly sensitive to changes in economic conditions. We calculated the estimated fair values of land held for sale based on current market conditions and assumptions made by management, which may differ materially from actual results and may result in additional impairments if market conditions continue to deteriorate.
 
The following tables set forth, by reportable segment, the inventory impairments and lot option abandonment charges recorded for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Development Projects and Homes in Process (Held for Development)
             
West
  $ 228,598     $ 230     $ -  
Mid-Atlantic
    68,418       19       -  
Florida
    62,246       -       -  
Southeast
    13,776       1,095       -  
Other
    44,024       5,079       -  
Unallocated
    23,853       -       -  
Subtotal
  $ 440,915     $ 6,423     $ -  
                         
Land Held for Sale
                       
West
  $ 46,138     $ -     $ -  
Mid-Atlantic
    -       -       -  
Florida
    500       -       -  
Southeast
    -       -       -  
Other
    1,386       -       -  
Subtotal
  $ 48,024     $ -     $ -  
                         
Lot Option Abandonments
                       
West
  $ 54,199     $ 16,108     $ 1,666  
Mid-Atlantic
    19,746       4,795       1,384  
Florida
    26,448       2,265       539  
Southeast
    8,563       4,129       804  
Other
    13,969       10,455       1,118  
Subtotal
  $ 122,925     $ 37,752     $ 5,511  
Total
  $ 611,864     $ 44,175     $ 5,511  
 
Impairments recorded during fiscal 2007 increased significantly in each of our reportable segments and most prominently in our West segment. The impairments recorded on our held for development inventory, for all segments, primarily resulted from the significant decline in the homebuilding environment that negatively impacted the sales prices of homes and increased the sales incentives offered to potential homebuyers in our efforts to increase home sales absorptions. The West segment experienced the most significant amount of inventory impairments as compared to our other homebuilding segments due to the fact that the number of owned land and lots in the West segment comprises approximately 28.4% of our total land and lots owned as of September 30, 2007 and the value of inventory held for development in the West segment represents approximately 34.9% of the dollar value of our held for development inventory as of September 30, 2007. In addition, our homebuilding markets that comprise our West segment consist of markets that once experienced the most significant home price appreciation in the nation during the 2004 through 2006 periods which was driven in large part by speculative purchases and the availability of mortgage credit during those time periods which are no longer present in the marketplace. The decline in the availability of mortgage loan products and the exit of speculators from the market, among other factors, contributed to the significant increase in the supply of new and used homes on the market for sale.
 
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The impairments recorded in our other homebuilding segments are primarily as a result of continued price competition brought on by the significant increase in new and resale home inventory during fiscal 2007 that has resulted in increased sales incentives and home sales price declines as we attempt to increase new orders and generate cash to the Company.
 
We have also recorded $48.0 million in impairments on land inventory during fiscal 2007 that we have determined does not fit within our homebuilding needs in the current environment and have thus classified as held for sale. The inventory classified as held for sale is primarily located in our West segment representing nine communities and approximately 600 lots.
 
In addition, we have also completed a strategic review of all of the markets within our homebuilding segments and the communities within each of those markets with an initial focus on the communities for which land has been secured with option purchase contracts. As a result of this review, we have determined the proper course of action with respect to a number of communities within each homebuilding segment was to abandon the remaining lots under option and to write-off the deposits securing the option takedowns, as well as any preacquisition development costs. The total abandonments recorded for fiscal 2007 were $122.9 million which represented 118 communities. The West and Florida segments represented 44.1% and 21.5%, respectively, of the abandonments as the markets in those segments were among the markets with the highest levels of new and resale home supply.
 
Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired. We test goodwill for impairment annually as of April 30 or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Each of our operating divisions is considered a reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined based on expected discounted future cash flows. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the goodwill within the reporting unit may be potentially impaired. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds implied fair value of that goodwill. The housing market continued to deteriorate during the fiscal 2007. This deterioration has resulted in an oversupply of inventory, reduced levels of demand, increased cancellation rates, aggressive price competition and increased incentives for homes sales. Based on our impairment tests and consideration of the current and expected future market conditions, we determined that goodwill for our South Carolina, Northern California, Nevada, Florida and North Carolina reporting units was impaired in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and recorded non-cash, pre-tax goodwill impairment charges totaling $52.8 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007. Based on our annual goodwill impairment test as of April 30, 2006, we had no impairment of goodwill during fiscal 2006. The fiscal 2005 forecasts and valuations of the respective divisions, along with weaker than anticipated local economies, particularly in the Midwest markets, and severe price competition, particularly at entry level price points, led the Company to conclude that the goodwill was impaired in accordance with SFAS 142. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $130.2 million non-cash, non tax-deductible impairment charge to write off substantially all of the goodwill allocated to certain underperforming markets in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Charlotte, North Carolina.
 
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Goodwill impairment charges are reported in Corporate and Unallocated and are not allocated to our homebuilding segments. Goodwill balances by reporting segment as of September 30, 2006 and 2007 were as follows.
 
Goodwill
 
September 30,
   
Fiscal 2007
   
September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2006
   
Impairments
   
2007
 
                   
West
  $ 55,452     $ (26,418 )   $ 29,034  
Mid-Atlantic
    23,286       -       23,286  
Florida
    13,740       (13,740 )     -  
Southeast
    17,641       (12,597 )     5,044  
Other homebuilding
    11,249       -       11,249  
Consolidated total
  $ 121,368     $ (52,755 )   $ 68,613  
 
There was no change in goodwill between September 30, 2005 and 2006.
 
Inherent in our fair value determinations are certain judgments and estimates, including projections of future cash flows, the discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, the interpretation of current economic indicators and market valuations and our strategic plans with regard to our operations. A change in these underlying assumptions would cause a change in the results of the tests, which could cause the fair value of one or more reporting units to be more or less than their respective carrying amounts. In addition, to the extent that there are significant changes in market conditions or overall economic conditions or our strategic plans change, it is possible that our conclusion regarding goodwill impairment could change, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. Impairment charges related to reporting units which are not currently impaired may occur in the future if further market deterioration occurs resulting in a revised analysis of fair value.
 
Other Assets. Other assets principally include prepaid expenses, debt issuance costs and deferred compensation plan assets.
 
Income Taxes. Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Under SFAS 109, the provision for income taxes is comprised of taxes that are currently payable and deferred taxes that relate to temporary differences between financial reporting carrying values and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from deductible or taxable amounts in future years when such assets and liabilities are recovered or settled and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. We currently believe that we are likely to have sufficient taxable income in the future to realize the benefit of all of our deferred tax assets (consisting primarily of inventory valuation adjustments, reserves and accruals that are not currently deductible for tax purposes, as well as operating loss carryforwards from losses we incurred during fiscal 2007). However, some or all of these deferred tax assets could expire unused if we are unable to generate sufficient taxable income in the future to utilize them or we enter into transactions that limit our right to use them. If it became more likely than not that deferred tax assets would expire unused, we would record a valuation allowance to reflect our assessment of the recoverability of our deferred tax assets.
 
Other Liabilities. Other liabilities include homebuyer deposits, land purchase obligations, accrued compensation, accrued warranty costs and various other accrued expenses.
 
Income Recognition and Classification of Costs. Revenue and related profit are generally recognized at the time of the closing of a sale, when title to and possession of the property are transferred to the buyer. In situations where the buyer’s financing was originated by Beazer Mortgage, our wholly-owned mortgage subsidiary, and the buyer had not made a sufficient initial investment as prescribed by SFAS 66, Accounting for Sales of Real-Estate, the revenue and gross profit on such sale is deferred until the sale of the related mortgage loan to a third-party investor has been completed. Revenue for condominiums under construction is recognized based on the percentage-of-completion method in accordance with SFAS 66 when certain criteria are met.
 
We recognized loan origination fees and expenses and gains and losses on mortgage loans when the related loans were sold to third-party investors. Beazer’s policy was to sell all mortgage loans it originates and these sales usually occur within 15 to 30 days of the closing of the home sale. Effective February 1, 2008, Beazer exited the mortgage origination business. We expect to record our mortgage origination business as a discontinued operation in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.
 
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Sales discounts and incentives include items such as cash discounts, discounts on options included in the home, option upgrades (such as upgrades for cabinetry, countertops and flooring), and seller-paid financing or closing costs. In addition, from time to time, we may also provide homebuyers with retail gift certificates and/or other nominal retail merchandise. All sales incentives other than cash discounts are recognized as a cost of selling the home and are included in home construction and land sales expenses. Cash discounts are accounted for as a reduction in the sales price of the home.
 
Sales commissions are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. All expenses of operating Beazer Mortgage are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
Estimated future warranty costs are charged to cost of sales in the period when the revenues from home closings are recognized. Such estimated warranty costs generally range from 0.5% to 1.5% of total revenue. Additional warranty costs are charged to cost of sales as necessary based on management’s estimate of the costs to remediate existing claims. See Note 14 for a more detailed discussion of warranty costs and related reserves.
 
Advertising costs of $39,013,000, $59,375,000 and $44,792,000 for fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, were expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) and Stock Split. The computation of basic earnings per common share is determined by dividing net income applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS additionally gives effect (when dilutive) to stock options, other stock based awards and other potentially dilutive securities.
 
On February 4, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a three-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend. The stock dividend was distributed on March 22, 2005 to stockholders of record on March 10, 2005. In addition, during fiscal 2005, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 30 million to 80 million shares and to change the par value of the common stock to $.001 per share. As a result, the Company reclassified amounts from common stock to additional paid in capital based on the total shares of common stock issued. The Company used approximately 12.4 million treasury shares to satisfy a portion of the stock dividend. The issuance of treasury shares was accounted for by transferring the book value of those shares from treasury stock to additional paid in capital and common stock.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The fair value of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, residential mortgage loans available-for-sale, trade accounts payable, other liabilities, warehouse line and other notes payable approximate their carrying amounts due to the short maturity of these assets and liabilities and the variable interest rates on such obligations. Obligations related to consolidated inventory not owned are recorded at estimated fair value. The fair value of our model home financing obligations approximate their carrying amounts due to the variable interest rates associated with those obligations. The fair value of our publicly held junior subordinated notes is estimated by discounting scheduled cash flows through maturity and was approximately $82 million at September 30, 2007 and $96 million at September 30, 2006. The discount rate is estimated using market rates currently being offered on loans with similar terms and credit quality. The fair value of our publicly held senior notes is estimated based on the quoted bid prices for these debt instruments and was approximately $1.2 billion at September 30, 2007 and $1.5 billion at September 30, 2006.
 
Stock-Based Compensation. In the first quarter of fiscal 2006, we adopted SFAS 123R, Share-Based Payment. SFAS 123R applies to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after October 1, 2005, as well as to the unvested portion of awards outstanding as of October 1, 2005. Prior to fiscal year 2006, we accounted for stock awards granted to employees under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. As a result, in the periods prior to fiscal 2006, no compensation expense was recognized for stock options granted to employees because all stock options granted had exercise prices not less than the market value of Beazer Homes’ stock on the date of the grant.
 
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We use the Black-Scholes model to value stock-settled appreciation rights (“SSARs”) and stock option grants under SFAS 123R and applied the “modified prospective method” for existing grants which required us to value the grants made prior to our adoption of SFAS 123R under the fair value method and expense the unvested portion over the remaining vesting period. SFAS 123R also requires us to estimate forfeitures in calculating the expense related to stock-based compensation. In addition, SFAS 123R requires us to reflect the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost as a financing cash inflow and an operating cash outflow. Nonvested stock granted to employees is valued based on the market price of the common stock on the date of the grant. Performance based, nonvested stock granted to employees is valued using the Monte Carlo valuation method. We account for cash-settled, stock-based awards issued to employees under the recognition and measurement principles of SFAS 123R. Cash-settled, stock-based awards granted to employees are initially valued based on the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of the grant and are adjusted to fair value until vested. We account for stock awards issued to non-employees and under the recognition and measurement principles of SFAS 123R and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 96-18: Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services. Stock options issued to non-employees are valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Nonvested stock granted to non-employees is initially valued based on the market price of the common stock on the date of the grant and is adjusted to fair value until vested.
 
Compensation cost arising from nonvested stock granted to employees, from cash-settled, stock-based employee awards and from non-employee stock awards is recognized as expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period. Unearned compensation is now included in paid in capital in accordance with SFAS 123R. As of September 30, 2007 and 2006, there was $21.6 million and $29.9 million, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock. The cost remaining at September 30, 2007 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.7 years. For the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, total stock-based compensation expense, included in SG&A expenses, was $11.1 million ($7.6 million net of tax), $15.8 million ($10.7 million net of tax) and $11.9 million ($7.4 million net of tax), respectively. Included in this total stock-based compensation expense was incremental expense for stock options/SSARs of $5.8 million ($3.6 million net of tax) and $7.1 million ($4.4 million net of tax) for the years ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 related to the application of SFAS 123R.
 
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The following table illustrates the effect (in thousands, except per share amounts) on net income and earnings per share as if our stock-based compensation had been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards made prior to October 1, 2005:
 
   
Year Ended September 30,
 
   
2005
 
         
Net income
 
$
275,899
 
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects
   
7,376
 
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
   
(10,341
)
Pro forma net income
 
$
272,934
 
         
Basic EPS
 
$
6.82
 
Basic EPS - pro forma
 
$
6.74
 
Diluted EPS
 
$
6.16
 
Diluted EPS - pro forma
 
$
6.10
 
 
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 defines the threshold for recognizing the benefits of tax return positions as well as guidance regarding the measurement of the resulting tax benefits. FIN 48 requires a company to recognize for financial statement purposes the impact of a tax position, if a tax return position is “more likely than not” to prevail (defined as a likelihood of more than fifty percent of being sustained upon audit, based on the technical merits of the tax position). FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN 48 is effective as of the beginning of our fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, with the cumulative effect of the change recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings. We estimate that the cumulative effect upon adoption of FIN 48 will decrease retained earnings by approximately $10 million.
 
On November 29, 2006, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 06-8, Applicability of the Assessment of a Buyer’s Continuing Investment Under FASB Statement No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate, for Sales of Condominiums. The EITF states that the adequacy of the buyer’s continuing investment under SFAS 66 should be assessed in determining whether to recognize profit under the percentage-of-completion method on the sale of individual units in a condominium project. This consensus could require that additional deposits be collected by developers of condominium projects that wish to recognize profit during the construction period under the percentage-of-completion method. EITF 06-8 is effective for fiscal years beginning after March 15, 2007. The adoption of EITF 06-8 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations. SFAS 141R amends and clarifies the accounting guidance for the acquirer’s recognition and measurement of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests of an acquiree in a business combination. SFAS 141R is effective for our fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 141R to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
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In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, SFAS 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. SFAS 157 includes provisions that require expanded disclosure of the effect on earnings for items measured using unobservable data. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, delaying the effective date of certain non-financial assets and liabilities to fiscal periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 157 on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS 159 permits companies to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value. SFAS 159 is effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 159 on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an Amendment of ARB 51. SFAS 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest (formerly minority interest) in a subsidiary be classified as equity and the amount of consolidated net income specifically attributable to the noncontrolling interest be included in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 is effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009 and its provisions will be applied retrospectively upon adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 160 on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
 
In December 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 110 which expresses the views of the Staff regarding the use of the “simplified” method (the mid-point between the vesting period and contractual life of the option) for “plain vanilla” options in accordance with SFAS 123R. SAB 110 will allow the use of the “simplified” method beyond December 31, 2007 under certain conditions including a company’s inability to rely on historical exercise data. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SAB 110 on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
 
(2) Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
During the fiscal years ended September 30, we paid interest of $148.0 million in fiscal 2007, $114.7 million in fiscal 2006 and $79.1 million in fiscal 2005. In addition, we paid income taxes of $15.8 million in fiscal 2007, $228.2 million in fiscal 2006 and $234.0 million in fiscal 2005. We also had the following non-cash activity (in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
(Decrease) increase in consolidated inventory not owned
  $ (152,772 )   $ 164,540     $ -  
Land acquired through issuance of notes payable
    59,948       64,144       40,608  
Issuance of stock under deferred bonus stock plans
    2,080       1,402       1,634  
Treasury shares utilized for stock split
    -       -       88,150  
 
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(3) Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
 
As of September 30, 2007, we participated in 24 land development joint ventures in which Beazer Homes had less than a controlling interest. Equity in (loss) income of unconsolidated joint ventures was $(35.2) million, $1.3 million and $5.0 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures for fiscal 2007 includes the writedown of our investment in certain of our joint ventures, specifically $28.6 million of impairments of inventory held within those ventures in accordance with APB 18, The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock, and $3.4 million of contractual obligation abandonments. Our joint ventures typically obtain secured acquisition and development financing. The following table presents our investment in and guarantees under our unconsolidated joint ventures, as well as total equity and outstanding borrowings of these joint ventures as of September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006:
 
(in thousands)
 
September 30,
2007
   
September 30,
2006
 
             
Beazer’s investment in joint ventures
  $ 109,143     $ 124,799  
Total equity of joint ventures
    523,597       487,726  
Total outstanding borrowings of joint ventures
    785,437       753,801  
Beazer’s portion of loan to maintenance guarantees
    7,717       20,500  
Beazer’s portion of repayment guarantees
    42,307       22,825  
 
Our joint ventures typically obtain secured acquisition and development financing. Total outstanding borrowings above include $450.6 million and $460.1 million related to one joint venture in which we are a 2.58% partner. In some instances, Beazer Homes and our joint venture partners have provided varying levels of guarantees of debt of our unconsolidated joint ventures. At September 30, 2007, these guarantees included, for certain joint ventures, construction completion guarantees, loan to value maintenance agreements, repayment guarantees and environmental indemnities. See Note 14 for further discussion of these guarantees.
 
(4) Inventory
 
Inventory consists of (in thousands):
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Homes under construction
  $ 787,102     $ 1,144,750  
Development projects in progress
    1,546,389       1,813,720  
Unimproved land held for future development
    11,101       12,213  
Land held for sale
    49,473       30,074  
Model homes
    143,726       136,264  
Owned inventory
  $ 2,537,791     $ 3,137,021  
 
   
September 30, 2007
   
September 30, 2006
 
   
Held for
Development
   
Land Held for
Sale
   
Total Owned
Inventory
   
Held for
 Development
   
Land Held
for Sale
   
Total Owned
Inventory
 
                                     
West Segment
  $ 868,675     $ 35,578     $ 904,253     $ 1,197,559     $ 6,411     $ 1,203,970  
Mid-Atlantic Segment
    439,712       -       439,712       449,909       -       449,909  
Florida Segment
    203,417       -       203,417       337,289       -       337,289  
Southeast Segment
    373,111       1,407       374,518       349,598       14,058       363,656  
Other
    407,194       12,488       419,682       559,124       9,605       568,729  
Unallocated
    196,209       -       196,209       213,468       -       213,468  
Total
  $ 2,488,318     $ 49,473     $ 2,537,791     $ 3,106,947     $ 30,074     $ 3,137,021  
 
Homes under construction include homes finished and ready for delivery and homes in various stages of construction. We had 862 ($179.4 million) and 1,197 ($240.8 million) completed homes available for sale that were not subject to a sales contract, at September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively.
 
Development projects in progress consist principally of land and land improvement costs. Certain of the fully developed lots in this category are reserved by a deposit or sales contract.
 
Inventory located in California, the state with our largest concentration of inventory, was $622.9 million and $859.4 million at September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively.
 
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We acquire certain lots by means of option contracts. Option contracts generally require the payment of cash for the right to acquire lots during a specified period of time at a certain price. Under option contracts, both with and without specific performance provisions, purchase of the properties is contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements by us and the sellers. Our obligation with respect to options with specific performance provisions is included in our consolidated balance sheets in other liabilities. Under option contracts without specific performance obligations, our liability is generally limited to forfeiture of the non-refundable deposits, letters of credit and other non-refundable amounts incurred, which aggregated approximately $163.3 million at September 30, 2007. This amount includes non-refundable letters of credit of approximately $35.5 million. The total remaining purchase price, net of cash deposits, committed under all options was $1.5 billion as of September 30, 2007. Only $91.6 million of the total remaining purchase price contains specific performance clauses which may require us to purchase the land or lots upon the land seller meeting certain obligations.
 
We expect to exercise substantially all of our option contracts with specific performance obligations and, subject to market conditions, most of our option contracts without specific performance obligations. Various factors, some of which are beyond our control, such as market conditions, weather conditions and the timing of the completion of development activities, will have a significant impact on the timing of option exercises.
 
Certain of our option contracts are with sellers who are deemed to be VIEs under FIN 46R. FIN 46R defines a VIE as an entity with insufficient equity investment to finance its planned activities without additional financial support or an entity in which the equity investors lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. Pursuant to FIN 46R, an enterprise that absorbs a majority of the expected losses or receives a majority of the expected residual returns of a VIE is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and must consolidate the VIE.
 
We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of certain of these option contracts. Our risk is generally limited to the option deposits that we pay, and creditors of the sellers generally have no recourse to the general credit of the Company. Although we do not have legal title to the optioned land, for those option contracts for which we are the primary beneficiary, we are required to consolidate the land under option at fair value. We believe that the exercise prices of our option contracts approximate their fair value. Our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2007 and 2006 reflect consolidated inventory not owned of $237.4 million and $471.4 million, respectively. We consolidated $92.3 million and $146.6 million of lot option agreements as consolidated inventory not owned pursuant to FIN 46R as of September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In addition, as of September 30, 2007 and 2006, we recorded $145.1 million and $324.8 million, respectively, of land under the caption “consolidated inventory not owned” related to lot option agreements in accordance with SFAS 49. Obligations related to consolidated inventory not owned totaled $177.9 million at September 30, 2007 and $330.7 million at September 30, 2006. The difference between the balances of consolidated inventory not owned and obligations related to consolidated inventory not owned represents cash deposits paid under the option agreements.
 
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(5) Interest
 
Information regarding interest (in thousands) is as follows:
 
   
Year Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Capitalized interest in inventory, beginning of year
  $ 78,996     $ 50,808     $ 41,292  
Interest incurred and capitalized
    148,444       124,162       89,696  
Capitalized interest impaired
    (12,350 )     -       -  
Capitalized interest amortized to house construction and land sales expenses
    (127,530 )     (95,974 )     (80,180 )
Capitalized interest in inventory, end of year
  $ 87,560     $ 78,996     $ 50,808  
 
(6) Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Property, plant and equipment consists of (in thousands):
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Building
  $ 2,462     $ 5,572  
Model and sales office improvements
    120,275       111,603  
Leasehold improvements
    11,168       11,260  
Machinery and equipment
    26,245       26,123  
Information systems
    22,806       21,088  
Furniture and fixtures
    13,400       14,260  
      196,356       189,906  
Less: Accumulated depreciation
    (124,674 )     (113,452 )
Property, plant and equipment, net
  $ 71,682     $ 76,454  
 
(7) Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
 
We are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates. From time to time, we enter into derivative agreements to manage interest costs and hedge against risks associated with fluctuating interest rates. We do not enter into or hold derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. During the year ended September 30, 2001, we entered into interest rate swap agreements (the “Swap Agreements”) to effectively fix the variable interest rate on $100 million of floating rate debt. The Swap Agreements matured in December 2004. The Swap Agreements were designated as cash flow hedges and, accordingly, were recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets and the related gains or losses were deferred in stockholders’ equity, net of taxes, as a component of other comprehensive income. We reclassified approximately $610,000, net of taxes of $354,000, from other comprehensive loss to interest expense during fiscal 2005.
 
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(8) Borrowings
 
At September 30, 2007 and 2006 we had the following long-term debt (in thousands):
 
Debt
 
Due
 
2007
   
2006
 
Warehouse Line
 
Terminated
  $ -     $ 94,881  
Revolving Credit Facility
 
August 2011
    -       -  
8 5/8% Senior Notes*
 
May 2011
    180,000       200,000  
8 3/8% Senior Notes*
 
April 2012
    340,000       350,000  
6 1/2% Senior Notes*
 
November 2013
    200,000       200,000  
6 7/8% Senior Notes*
 
July 2015
    350,000       350,000  
8 1/8% Senior Notes*
 
June 2016
    275,000       275,000  
4 5/8% Convertible Senior Notes*
 
June 2024
    180,000       180,000  
Junior subordinated notes
 
July 2036
    103,093       103,093  
Other secured notes payable
 
Various Dates
    118,073       89,264  
Model home financing obligations
 
Various Dates
    114,116       117,079  
Unamortized debt discounts
        (3,033 )     (3,578 )
Total
      $ 1,857,249     $ 1,955,739  
* Collectively, the “Senior Notes”
                   
 
Warehouse Line – Effective February 7, 2007, Beazer Mortgage amended its 364-day credit agreement (the “Warehouse Line”) to extend its maturity date to February 8, 2008 and modify the maximum available borrowing capacity to $100 million, subject to compliance with the mortgage loan eligibility requirements as defined in the Warehouse Line. The Warehouse Line was secured by certain mortgage loan sales and related property. The Warehouse Line was entered into with a number of banks to fund the origination of residential mortgage loans. The maximum available borrowing capacity was subsequently reduced through amendments down to $17 million as of September 30, 2007. The Warehouse Line was not guaranteed by Beazer Homes USA, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries that are guarantors of the Senior Notes or Revolving Credit Facility. There were no borrowings under the Warehouse Line at September 30, 2007. Borrowings under the Warehouse Line were $94.9 million and bore interest at 5.3% per annum as of September 30, 2006. Effective November 14, 2007, we terminated the Warehouse Line.
 
Revolving Credit Facility - In July 2007, we replaced our former credit facility with a new $500 million, four-year unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with a group of banks, which matures in 2011. The former credit facility included a $1 billion four-year revolving credit facility which would have matured in August 2009. The Revolving Credit Facility has a $350 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit. We have the option to elect two types of loans under the Revolving Credit Facility which incur interest as applicable based on either the Alternative Base Rate or the Applicable Eurodollar Margin (both defined in the Revolving Credit Facility). The Revolving Credit Facility contains various operating and financial covenants. Substantially all of our significant subsidiaries are guarantors of the obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 16).
 
We fulfill our short-term cash requirements with cash generated from our operations and funds available from our Revolving Credit Facility. There were no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2007 or September 30, 2006; however, we had $133.3 million and $145.6 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively. As of September 30, 2007, we had available borrowings of $274.9 million under the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
On October 10, 2007, we entered into a waiver and amendment of our Revolving Credit Facility, waiving events of default through May 15, 2008 under the facility arising from our failure to file or deliver reports or other information we would be required to file with the SEC and our decision to restate our financial statements. Under this and the October 26, 2007 amendments, any obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility will be secured by certain assets and our ability to borrow under this facility is subject to satisfaction of a secured borrowing base. We are permitted to grow the borrowing base by adding additional cash and/or real estate as collateral securing the Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, we obtained additional flexibility with respect to our financial covenants in the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
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Senior Notes - The Senior Notes are unsecured obligations ranking pari passu with all other existing and future senior indebtedness. Substantially all of our significant subsidiaries are full and unconditional guarantors of the Senior Notes and are jointly and severally liable for obligations under the Senior Notes and the New Facility. Each guarantor subsidiary is a 100% owned subsidiary of Beazer Homes. 
 
The indentures under which the Senior Notes were issued contain certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on payment of dividends and other distributions on common stock. At September 30, 2007, under the most restrictive covenants of each indenture, approximately $27.6 million of our retained earnings was available for cash dividends, share repurchases and other restricted payments (as defined in each indenture). Each indenture provides that, in the event of defined changes in control or if our consolidated tangible net worth falls below a specified level or in certain circumstances upon a sale of assets, we are required to offer to repurchase certain specified amounts of outstanding Senior Notes.
 
On October 26, 2007, we obtained consents from holders of our Senior Notes to approve amendments of the indentures under which the Senior Notes were issued. These amendments restrict our ability to secure additional debt in excess of $700 million until certain conditions are met and enable us to invest up to $50 million in joint ventures. The consents also provided us with a waiver of any and all defaults under the Senior Notes that may have occurred or may occur on or prior to May 15, 2008 relating to filing or delivering annual and quarterly financial statements. Fees and expenses related to obtaining these consents totaled approximately $21 million.
 
In March 2007, we voluntarily repurchased $10.0 million of our outstanding 8 ⅝% and $10.0 million of our outstanding 8 ⅜% Senior Notes in the open market. The aggregate purchase price was $20.6 million, or an average of 102.8% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest as of the purchase date. The repurchase of the notes resulted in a $562,500 pretax loss during the second quarter of fiscal 2007. On March 28, 2007, we repurchased an additional $10.0 million of our outstanding 8 ⅝% Senior Notes in the open market which were cash settled on April 2, 2007 at an aggregate purchase price of $9.85 million, or an average of 98.5% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest as of the purchase date. The repurchase of the notes resulted in a $150,000 pretax gain. Gains/losses from note repurchases are included in other income in the accompanying Statements of Operations. Senior Notes purchased by the Company were cancelled.
 
In June 2006, we issued $275 million of 8 ⅛% Senior Notes due in June 2016. Interest on the 8 ⅛% Senior Notes is payable semi-annually. We may redeem these notes at any time, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount thereof plus an applicable premium, as defined in the 8 ⅛% Senior Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
 
In June 2005, we issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 6 ⅞% Senior Notes due July 2015 (the “6 ⅞% Senior Notes”). The 6 ⅞% Senior Notes were issued at a price of 99.096% of their face amount (before underwriting and other issuance costs). In July 2005, the Company issued an additional $50 million aggregate principal amount of the 6 ⅞% Senior Notes. The additional $50 million of 6 ⅞% Senior Notes was issued at a price of 99.976% of their face amount (before underwriting and other issuance costs) and accrue interest from June 8, 2005 (the date of the original issuance of the 6 ⅞% Senior Notes). Interest on the 6 ⅞% Senior Notes is payable semi-annually. Beazer Homes may, at the Company’s option, redeem the 6 ⅞% Senior Notes in whole or in part at any time after July 2008 under certain conditions at specified redemption prices.
 
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In June 2004, we issued $180 million aggregate principal amount of 4 ⅝% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024 (the “Convertible Senior Notes”). In August 2004, we filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC covering resales of the Convertible Senior Notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion. The Convertible Senior Notes were issued at a price of 100% of their face amount (before underwriting and other issuance costs). Interest on the Convertible Senior Notes is payable semiannually beginning December 2004. The notes were convertible by holders into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion rate of 19.44 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, under certain circumstances as defined in the agreement. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the cumulative dividends declared to date caused a change in the conversion rate per $1,000 principal amount to an adjusted conversion rate of 20.1441 shares of common stock, representing a current conversion price of $49.64 per share. We may, at our option, redeem for cash the Convertible Senior Notes in whole or in part at any time on or after June 15, 2009 at certain specified redemption prices. Holders have the right to require us to purchase all or any portion of the Convertible Senior Notes for cash on June 15, 2011, June 15, 2014 and June 15, 2019 or if we undergo a fundamental change, as defined.
 
Excluding the 8 ⅜% Senior Notes issued in September 2002 which were used partially to fund the cash portion of the Crossmann acquisition and to repay Crossmann’s outstanding net indebtedness, the Senior Notes were generally used to pay off borrowings under existing credit facilities, fund land acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.
 
Junior Subordinated Notes - In June 2006, we completed a private placement of $103.1 million of unsecured junior subordinated notes which mature in July 2036 and are redeemable at par on or after July 30, 2011 and pay a fixed rate of 7.987% for the first ten years ending July 2016. Thereafter, the securities have a floating interest rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 2.45% per annum, resetting quarterly. These notes were issued to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Beazer Capital Trust I, which simultaneously issued, in a private transaction, trust preferred securities and common securities with an aggregate value of $103.1 million to fund its purchase of these notes. The transaction is treated as debt in accordance with GAAP. The obligations relating to these notes and the related securities are subordinated to the Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Notes.
 
On April 30, 2008, we received a default notice from The Bank of New York Trust Company, National Association, the trustee under the indenture governing these junior subordinated notes. The notice alleges that we are in default under the indenture because we have not yet furnished certain required information (including our annual audited and quarterly unaudited financial statements). The notice further alleges that this default will become an event of default under the indenture if not remedied within 30 days. We expect to be able to cure this default on or before May 15, 2008.
 
Other Secured Notes Payable - We periodically acquire land through the issuance of notes payable. As of September 30, 2007 and 2006, we had outstanding secured notes payable of $118.1 million and $89.3 million, respectively, primarily related to land acquisitions and development. These notes payable expire at various times through 2010 and had fixed and variable rates ranging from 7.2% to 11.0% at September 30, 2007. These notes are secured by the real estate to which they relate. During the first six months of fiscal 2008, we repaid approximately $95 million of these secured notes payable.
 
Model Home Financing Obligations - Due to a continuing interest in certain model home sale-leaseback transactions discussed in Note 17, we have recorded $114.1 million and $117.1 million of debt as of September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to these “financing” transactions in accordance with SFAS 98 (As amended), Accounting for Leases. These model home transactions incur interest at a variable rate of one-month LIBOR plus 450 basis points (10.22% as of September 30, 2007) and expire at various times through 2015.
 
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As of September 30, 2007, future maturities of our borrowings are as follows (in thousands):
 
Year Ending September 30,
       
2008
 
$
134,190
 
2009
   
57,654
 
2010
   
32,241
 
2011
   
187,107
 
2012
   
340,184
 
Thereafter
   
1,108,906
 
Total
 
$
1,860,282
 
 
(9) Income Taxes
 
The (benefit) provision for income taxes consists of (in thousands):
 
   
Year Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Current Federal
  $ (61,971 )   $ 169,231     $ 256,735  
Current State
    1,369       19,227       31,766  
Deferred Federal
    (143,544 )     21,885       (46,293 )
Deferred State
    (18,061 )     4,078       (4,893 )
Total
  $ (222,207 )   $ 214,421     $ 237,315  
 
The (benefit) provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the federal income tax statutory rate as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Income tax computed at statutory rate
  $ (221,648 )   $ 204,140     $ 179,625  
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
    (18,510 )     15,192       15,787  
Impairment of non-deductible goodwill
    16,634       -       45,582  
Section 199 tax benefit (1)
    -       (5,240 )     -  
Other
    1,317       329       (3,679 )
Total
  $ (222,207 )   $ 214,421     $ 237,315  
                         
 
(1) The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “AJCA”) introduced a special tax deduction on qualified production activities. FASB Staff Position 109-1 clarifies that this tax deduction should be accounted for as a special tax deduction in accordance with SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The provisions of AJCA were applicable to us beginning in fiscal 2006. The initial deduction was 3% of qualified production activity income in fiscal 2006. We did not qualify for this deduction in fiscal 2007 due to our net loss.
 
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Deferred tax assets and liabilities are composed of the following (in thousands):
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
Warranty and other reserves
  $ 29,172     $ 47,332  
Incentive compensation
    30,855       28,478  
Property, equipment and other assets
    2,968       1,197  
State loss carryforwards
    7,030       2,682  
Inventory adjustments
    173,559       2,411  
Other
    4,964       2,232  
Total deferred tax assets
    248,548       84,332  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Inventory adjustments
    (15,599 )     (12,988 )
Total deferred tax liabilities
    (15,599 )     (12,988 )
                 
Net deferred tax assets
  $ 232,949     $ 71,344  
 
At September 30, 2007, we had U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards (“NOL”) of approximately $142 million that will expire between 2009 and 2027. We expect to fully utilize these NOLs.
 
Primarily as a result of recording significant inventory impairments charges during fiscal 2007, the balance of the deferred tax asset increased substantially. The net deferred tax asset of $232.9 million as of September 30, 2007 assumes that the value of these assets will be realized. In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, we analyze all evidence, both positive and negative. As of September 30, 2007 the positive evidence we considered included (1) the cyclical nature of the homebuilding industry; (2) our long history of profitability; (3) the determination that we are not in a cumulative loss position; (4) our experience that no NOLs have expired unutilized; (5) our ability to carryback NOLs; and (6) the steps we are taking to improve our future profitability. As of September 30, 2007, we considered the negative evidence including (1) our fiscal 2007 loss and the expectation of losses in fiscal 2008 and (2) the uncertainty as to the timing of when the homebuilding industry will rebound. After consideration of this evidence, we believe that as of September 30, 2007, it is more likely than not that our net deferred tax assets are recoverable. If market conditions within the homebuilding industry do not improve or continue to worsen and/or our assessment of the positive and negative evidence changes, it may affect our ability to fully realize the value of these assets, which may require a valuation adjustment and additional income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations, and such expense could be material.
 
In accordance with SFAS 109 and SFAS 5, Accounting for Contingencies, we establish reserves for tax contingencies that reflect our best estimate of the deductions and credits that we may be unable to sustain, or that we would be willing to concede as a part of a broader tax settlement. As of September 30, 2007 and 2006, we had recorded tax contingency reserves of $17.5 million and $15.3 million, respectively.
 
We are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for fiscal 2003 and 2004. We are also subject to various income tax examinations in the states in which we do business. During fiscal 2007, we completed a number of state examinations without any material effect on our fiscal 2007 net loss.
 
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(10) Leases
 
We are obligated under various noncancelable operating leases for office facilities, model homes and equipment. Rental expense under these agreements, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses, amounted to approximately $23.3 million, $24.0 million and $17.7 million for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. This rental expense excludes model home transactions accounted for as financing arrangements in accordance with SFAS 98 as discussed in Note 8. As of September 30, 2007, future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease agreements are as follows (in thousands):
         
Year Ending September 30,
     
2008
 
$
19,009
 
2009
   
14,580
 
2010
   
10,441
 
2011
   
8,480
 
2012
   
6,040
 
Thereafter
   
6,165
 
 Total
 
$
64,715
 
 
(11) Stockholders’ Equity
 
Preferred Stock. We currently have no shares of preferred stock outstanding.
 
Common Stock Repurchase Plan. On November 18, 2005, as part of an acceleration of our comprehensive plan to enhance stockholder value, our Board of Directors authorized an increase of our stock repurchase plan to ten million shares of our common stock. Shares may be purchased for cash in the open market, on the NYSE or in privately negotiated transactions. During fiscal 2006, we repurchased 3,648,300 shares for an aggregate purchase price of $205.4 million, or approximately $56 per share. During fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2005, we did not repurchase any shares in the open market. At September 30, 2007, we are authorized to purchase approximately 5.4 million additional shares pursuant to the plan. We have currently suspended our repurchase program and any resumption of such program will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and is unlikely in the foreseeable future.
 
During fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, 13,946, 47,544 and 142,459 shares, respectively, were surrendered to us by employees in payment of minimum tax obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units under our stock incentive plans. We valued the stock at the market price on the date of surrender, for an aggregate value of approximately $348,000, or approximately $25 per share in fiscal 2007, $2.6 million, or approximately $55 per share, in fiscal 2006, and $8.1 million, or approximately $57 per share, in fiscal 2005.
 
Shareholder Rights Plan. In June 1996, our Board of Directors adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan and distributed a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Junior Preferred Shares”), of Beazer Homes. The Rights expired in June 2006. No Rights issued under this plan were redeemed or exercised prior to expiration.
 
Dividends. For fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, we paid quarterly cash dividends aggregating approximately $15.6 million ($0.40 per common share), $16.1 million ($0.40 per common share) and approximately $13.9 million ($0.33 per common share), respectively. Effective November 2, 2007, our Board of Directors suspended payment of quarterly dividends. The Board concluded that suspending dividends, which will allow us to conserve approximately $16 million of cash annually, was a prudent effort in light of the continued deterioration in the housing market.
 
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(12) Earnings Per Share
 
Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
   
Year Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Basic:
                 
Net (loss) income
  $ (411,073 )   $ 368,836     $ 275,899  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    38,410       39,812       40,468  
                         
Basic (loss) earnings per share
  $ (10.70 )   $ 9.26     $ 6.82  
                         
Diluted:
                       
Net (loss) income
  $ (411,073 )   $ 368,836     $ 275,899  
Interest on convertible debt – net of taxes
    -       5,367       5,325  
Net (loss) income applicable to common stockholders
  $ (411,073 )   $ 374,203     $ 281,224  
                         
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    38,410       39,812       40,468  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
 Shares issuable upon conversion of convertible debt
    -       3,503       3,499  
 Options to acquire common stock
    -       504       621  
 Contingent shares (performance based stock)
    -       35       -  
 Nonvested restricted stock
    -       491       1,046  
                         
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    38,410       44,345       45,634  
                         
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
  $ (10.70 )   $ 8.44     $ 6.16  
 
In computing diluted loss per share for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as a result of their anti-dilutive effect. Options to purchase 672,544 shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. There were no options that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005.
 
(13) Retirement Plan and Incentive Awards
 
401(k) Retirement Plan. We sponsor a 401(k) plan (the “Plan”). Substantially all employees are eligible for participation in the Plan after completing one calendar month of service with us. Participants may defer and contribute to the Plan from 1% to 80% of their salary with certain limitations on highly compensated individuals. We match 50% of the first 6% of the participant’s contributions. The participant’s contributions vest 100% immediately, while our contributions vest over five years. Our total contributions for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were approximately $2.8 million, $4.5 million and $3.3 million, respectively. During fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 participants forfeited $1.6 million, $1.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of unvested matching contributions.
 
Deferred Compensation Plan. During fiscal 2002, we adopted the Beazer Homes USA, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the “DCP Plan”). The DCP Plan is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for a select group of executives and highly compensated employees. The DCP Plan allows the executives to defer current compensation on a pre-tax basis to a future year, up until termination of employment. The objectives of the DCP Plan are to assist executives with financial planning and capital accumulation and to provide the Company with a method of attracting, rewarding, and retaining executives. Participation in the DCP Plan is voluntary. Beazer Homes may voluntarily make a contribution to the participants’ DCP accounts. For the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, Beazer Homes contributed approximately $4.7 million, $8.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively, to the DCP Plan.
 
Stock Incentive Plans. During fiscal 2000, we adopted the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1999 Plan”) because the shares reserved under the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1994 Plan”) had been substantially depleted. We also maintained a Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the “Non-Employee Director Plan”) that expired September 30, 2005. At September 30, 2007, we had reserved 11,925,000 shares of common stock for issuance under our various stock incentive plans, of which approximately 853,000 shares are available for future grants.
 
Stock Option and SSAR Awards. We have issued various stock option and SSAR awards to officers and key employees under both the 1999 Plan and the 1994 Plan and to non-employee directors pursuant to the Non-Employee Director Plan. Stock options have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date, vest three years after the date of grant and may be exercised thereafter until their expiration, subject to forfeiture upon termination of employment as provided in the applicable plan. Under certain conditions of retirement, eligible participants may receive a partial vesting of stock options. Stock options granted prior to fiscal 2004, generally expire on the tenth anniversary from the date such options were granted. Beginning in fiscal 2004, newly granted stock options expire on the seventh anniversary from the date such options were granted. Beginning in fiscal 2007, SSARs were granted in lieu of stock options. SSARs generally vest three years after the date of grant, have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant and are subject to forfeiture upon termination of employment as provided in the applicable plan. Under certain conditions of retirement, eligible participants may receive a partial vesting of SSARs.
 
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The following table summarizes stock option and SSARs outstanding as of September 30 and activity during the fiscal years ended September 30:
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
                                     
Outstanding at beginning of year
    2,135,572     $ 43.82       1,654,751     $ 23.91       1,821,804     $ 19.59  
Granted
    538,594       38.61       945,500       67.03       289,250       38.54  
Exercised
    (312,501 )     14.15       (415,938 )     17.55       (412,125 )     14.26  
Forfeited
    (309,286 )     56.84       (48,741 )     42.06       (44,178 )     32.05  
                                                 
Outstanding at end of year
    2,052,379       45.01       2,135,572       43.82       1,654,751       23.91  
                                                 
Exercisable at end of year
    617,914     $ 26.36       681,753     $ 18.19       577,050     $ 15.45  
 
The following table summarizes information about stock options and SSARs outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2007:
 
   
Stock Options/SSARs Outstanding
 
Stock Options/SSARs Exercisable
 
           
Range of
Exercise
Prices
 
Number
Outstanding
 
Weighted
Average
Contractual
Remaining
Life
(Years)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Number
Exercisable
Weighted
Average
Contractual
Remaining Life
(Years)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
 $6 -   $9
   
23,115
 
1.97
 
$
6.78
 
23,115
1.97
 
$
6.78
 
 $18 - $21
   
216,348
 
5.17
   
20.56
 
216,348
5.17
   
20.56
 
 $24 - $29
   
147,183
 
4.53
   
26.83
 
147,183
4.53
   
26.83
 
 $30 - $39
   
685,424
 
4.82
   
34.82
 
227,976
3.36
   
21.63
 
 $40 - $49
   
241,460
 
6.36
   
43.10
 
-
     -
   
-
 
 $62 - $66
   
170,004
 
5.12
   
62.12
 
3,292
5.13
   
60.20
 
 $68 - $69
   
568,845
 
5.35
   
68.56
 
-
     -
   
-
 
 $6 -   $69
   
2,052,379
 
5.16
 
$
45.01
 
617,914
4.23
 
$
26.36
 
 
The weighted average fair value of each SSAR/option granted during the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006, and 2005 was $20.48, $29.17 and $15.80, respectively. The fair value of each grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Expected life of options/SSARs granted is computed using the mid-point between the vesting period and contractual life of the options/SSARs and was a weighted average of 5.25 years for fiscal 2007 grants, 5.4 years for fiscal 2006 grants and 5.0 years for fiscal 2005 grants. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock and other factors and averaged 60.33%, 42.69% and 44.01% in fiscal 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Expected discrete dividends of $0.10 per quarter were assumed in lieu of a continuously compounding dividend yield. The weighted average risk-free interest rate assumed was 4.66%, 4.51% and 3.39%, respectively, for fiscal 2007, 2006, and 2005.
 
At September 30, 2007, 1,678,548 SSARs/stock options were vested or expected to vest in the future with a weighted average exercise price of $42.51 and a weighted average expected life of 3.24 years. At September 30, 2007, the aggregate intrinsic value of SSARs/stock options outstanding, vested and expected to vest in the future and SSARs/options exercisable was approximately $34,000. The intrinsic value of a stock option/SSAR is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option/SSAR. The intrinsic value for options/SSARs exercised in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $8.7 million, $19.8 million and $14.6 million, respectively.
 
Nonvested Stock Awards. We have made various non-vested stock awards to officers and key employees under both the 1999 Plan and the 1994 Plan. All restricted stock is awarded in the name of the participant, who has all the rights of other common stockholders with respect to such stock, subject to restrictions and forfeiture provisions. Accordingly, such non-vested stock awards are considered outstanding shares. Restricted stock awards generally vest from three to seven years after the date of grant. Certain restricted stock awards provide for accelerated vesting if certain performance goals are achieved.
 
In fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, we issued 75,939 and 144,755 shares of restricted stock, respectively, to our executive officers with vesting contingent upon the achievement of performance criteria based on Beazer Homes’ total shareholder return, as defined by the award agreements, as compared to the total shareholder return of a defined peer group. The grants of performance-based, nonvested stock were valued using the Monte Carlo valuation method and had a weighted average fair value of $32.13 for fiscal 2007 grants and $67.27 for fiscal 2006 grants. One-third of the shares will be eligible to vest on dates defined in the grant agreements, generally three, four and five years after the date of grant. Depending on the level of performance achieved based on the established criteria, between 0% and 150% of the eligible shares will vest as of each applicable date.
 
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A Monte Carlo simulation model requires the following inputs, as of the modification date: (1) expected dividend yield on the underlying stock, (2) expected price volatility of the underlying stock, (3) risk-free interest rate for a period corresponding with the expected term of the option and (4) fair value of the underlying stock. The methodology used to determine these assumptions is similar as for the Black-Scholes Model discussed above; however, the expected term is determined by the model in the Monte-Carlo simulation.
 
For Beazer Homes and each member of the peer group, the following inputs were used in the Monte Carlo simulation model to determine fair value as of the grant date for the performance-based, nonvested awards: risk-free interest rate ranging from 4.54% to 4.8% for 2007 grants and 4.53% to 4.55% for 2006 grants; aggregate discrete dividends during the performance period ($0.10 per quarter for the company for all grants); and expected volatility ranging from 35.16% to 38.14% for 2007 grants and from 34.3% to 42.9% for 2006 grants.
 
We also have two incentive compensation plans (called the Value Created Incentive Plan and the Executive Value Created Incentive Plan), modeled under the concepts of economic profit or economic value added. Participants may defer a portion of their earned annual incentive compensation under the applicable plan pursuant to the terms of the Corporate Management Stock Purchase Program (the “CMSPP”). The deferred amounts are represented by restricted stock units, each of which represents the right to receive one share of Beazer Homes’ common stock upon vesting. Such shares are issued after a three-year vesting period, subject to an election for further deferral by the participant. The number of restricted stock units granted is based on a discount to the market value of our common stock at the time the bonus is earned. Should the participant’s employment terminate during the vesting period, the deferred incentive compensation is settled in cash or cash and stock, depending on the cause of termination as set forth in the CMSPP or applicable deferred compensation plan. Deferred compensation assets of $53.5 million and $48.3 million and deferred compensation liabilities of $56.4 million and $51.3 million as of September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, are included in other assets and other liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
Activity relating to the nonvested stock awards for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 is as follows:
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted Average
Fair Value
 
 Beginning of year
    974,457     $ 50.66  
 Granted
    287,436       39.12  
 Vested
    (101,043 )     39.26  
 Forfeited
    (254,952 )     50.15  
End of year
    905,898     $ 48.42  
 
Compensation expense for the nonvested stock awards totaled $5.3 million, $8.7 million and $7.9 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The weighted average grant-date fair value of nonvested stock awards granted during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $66.19 and $48.35, respectively.
 
A former Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) resigned effective September 30, 2003. Effective October 1, 2003, Beazer Homes and this former CFO entered into a consulting and non-compete agreement pursuant to which this former CFO retained and continued to vest in various stock awards during the two-year life of the agreement which would have otherwise been forfeited upon termination and represented up to 139,227 shares of the Company’s common stock. The agreement expired September 30, 2005 at which time all remaining shares were forfeited. Compensation expense recognized for such awards totaled $4,011,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005.
 
(14) Contingencies
 
Beazer Homes and certain of its subsidiaries have been and continue to be named as defendants in various construction defect claims, complaints and other legal actions that include claims related to moisture intrusion.
 
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Warranty Reserves. We currently provide a limited warranty (ranging from one to two years) covering workmanship and materials per our defined performance quality standards. In addition, we provide a limited warranty (generally ranging from a minimum of five years up to the period covered by the applicable statute of repose) covering only certain defined construction defects. We also provide a defined structural element warranty with single-family homes and townhomes in certain states.
 
Since we subcontract our homebuilding work to subcontractors who generally provide us with an indemnity and a certificate of insurance prior to receiving payments for their work, claims relating to workmanship and materials are generally the primary responsibility of the subcontractors.
 
Our warranty reserves at September 30, 2007 and 2006 include accruals for Trinity Homes LLC (“Trinity”) moisture intrusion issues discussed more fully below. Warranty reserves are included in other liabilities and provisions for warranty accruals are included in home construction and land sales expenses in the consolidated financial statements. We record reserves covering anticipated warranty expense for each home closed. Management reviews the adequacy of warranty reserves each reporting period based on historical experience and management’s estimate of the costs to remediate the claims and adjusts these provisions accordingly. While we believe that our warranty reserves are adequate, historical data and trends may not accurately predict actual warranty costs, or future developments could lead to a significant change in the reserve.
 
Warranty reserves, which include amounts related to the Trinity moisture intrusion issues discussed below, are as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 99,030     $ 136,481     $ 76,077  
Provisions (1)
    4,736       16,944       106,841  
Payments
    (46,713 )     (54,395 )     (46,437 )
Balance at end of year
  $ 57,053     $ 99,030     $ 136,481  
 
(1) Provisions for future warranty claims in fiscal 2005 included provisions of $55.0 million for anticipated costs related to the Trinity moisture intrusion related issues. Upon review of the adequacy of the warranty reserves, it was determined that the warranty reserve as of September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, contained reserves in excess of anticipated claims related to the Trinity moisture intrusion related issues. As a result, the provision to warranty reserves for fiscal 2007 and 2006 was reduced by $23.8 million and $21.7 million, respectively. In addition, the Company also determined that its warranty reserve covering workmanship, materials, certain construction defects and structural elements were in excess of anticipated claims as of September 30, 2007, which resulted in an additional reduction in the provision to warranty reserves of $8.3 million in fiscal 2007.
 
Trinity Moisture Intrusion Reserves. We have experienced a significant number of warranty claims in our Midwest region and particularly with respect to homes built by Trinity, a subsidiary which was acquired in the Crossmann acquisition in 2002. As of September 30, 2007, there were five pending lawsuits related to such complaints received by Trinity. All five suits are by individual homeowners, and the cost to resolve these matters is not expected to be material, either individually or in the aggregate. Additionally, a class action suit was filed in the State of Indiana in August 2003 against Trinity Homes LLC. The parties in the class action reached a settlement agreement which was approved by the Court on October 20, 2004.
 
The settlement class includes, with certain exclusions, the current owners of all Trinity homes that have brick veneer, where the closing of Trinity’s initial sale of the home took place between June 1, 1998 and October 31, 2002. The settlement agreement establishes an agreed protocol and process for assessment and remediation of any external moisture intrusion issues at the homes which includes, among other things, that the homes will be repaired at Trinity’s expense. The settlement agreement also provides for payment of plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees and for Trinity to pay an agreed amount for engineering inspection costs for each home for which a claim is filed under the settlement.
 
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Under the settlement, subject to Trinity’s timely performance of the specified assessments and remediation activities for homeowners who file claims, each homeowner releases Trinity, Beazer Homes Investments, LLC and other affiliated companies, including Beazer Homes, from the claims asserted in the class action lawsuit, claims arising out of external water intrusion, claims of improper brick installation, including property damage claims, loss or diminution of property value claims, and most personal injury claims, among others. No appeals of the Court’s Order approving the settlement were received by the Court within the timeframe established by the Court. We sent out the claims notices on December 17, 2004, and the Class Members had until February 15, 2005 to file claims. A total of 1,311 valid claims were filed (of the 2,161 total Class Members), of which 613 complaints had been received prior to our receipt of the claim notices. Class Members who did not file a claim by February 15, 2005 are no longer able to file a class action claim under the settlement or pursue an individual claim against Trinity. As of September 30, 2007, we had completed remediation of 1,505 homes related to 1,820 total Trinity claims.
 
The cost to assess and remediate a home depends on the extent of moisture damage, if any, that the home has incurred. Homes for which we receive complaints are classified into one of three categories: 1) homes with no moisture damage, 2) homes with isolated moisture damage or 3) homes with extensive moisture damage.
 
As of September 30, 2007 and 2006, we accrued for our estimated cost to remediate homes that we had assessed and assigned to one of the above categories. For purposes of our accrual, we have historically assigned homes not yet assessed to categories based on our expectations about the extent of damage and trends observed from the results of assessments performed to date. In addition, beginning in the quarter ended March 31, 2005, we refined our cost estimation process to consider the subdivision of the claimant along with the categorization discussed above. Once a home is categorized, detailed budgets are used as the basis to prepare our estimated costs to remediate such home.
 
During fiscal 2004, we initiated a program under which we offered to repurchase a limited number of homes from specific homeowners. The program was concluded during the first quarter of fiscal 2005. We have repurchased a total of 54 homes under the program. During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, we sold 15, 16 and 6 of the repurchased homes, respectively. The remaining 17 homes were acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $5.4 million and are included in owned inventory at estimated fair value less costs to sell.
 
The following accruals represent our best estimates of the costs to resolve all asserted complaints associated with Trinity moisture intrusion issues. We regularly review our estimates of these costs. Since the commencement of the remediation program, our remediation cost per home has continued to decrease as homes requiring more extensive repairs were addressed first and our internal processes and procedures, including enhanced contractor bid negotiations and inspections, improved as experienced gained in addressing these issues has yielded meaningful benefits on a per home basis. During fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, we continued to reassess our estimate of these costs and the related accruals and recorded reductions of $23.8 million and $21.7 million, respectively, based on historical experience in resolving claims to date, the number of homes remediated and current estimates to resolve remaining claims. Changes in the accrual for Trinity moisture intrusion issues during the fiscal year were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 47,704     $ 80,708     $ 42,173  
(Reductions) provisions
    (23,772 )     (21,700 )     55,000  
Payments
    (11,816 )     (11,304 )     (16,465 )
Balance at end of year
  $ 12,116     $ 47,704     $ 80,708  
 
Actual costs to assess and remediate homes in each category and subdivision, the extent of damage to homes not yet assessed, estimates of costs to sell repurchased homes, and losses on such sales could differ from our estimates. As a result, the costs to resolve existing complaints could differ from our recorded accruals and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s earnings in the periods in which the matters are resolved. Additionally, it is possible that we will incur additional losses related to these matters, including additional losses related to homes for which we have not yet received complaints.
 
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Guarantees
Construction Completion Guarantees
We and our joint venture partners are generally obligated to the project lenders to complete land development improvements and the construction of planned homes if the joint venture does not perform the required development. Provided the joint venture and the partners are not in default under any loan provisions, the project lenders would be obligated to fund these improvements through any financing commitments available under the applicable loans.
 
Loan to Value Maintenance Agreements
We and our joint venture partners generally provide credit enhancements to acquisition, development and construction borrowings in the form of loan to value maintenance agreements, which can limit the amount of additional funding provided by the lenders (although not generally requiring repayment of the borrowings) to the extent such borrowings plus construction completion costs exceed a specified percentage of the value of the property securing the borrowings. During the year ended September 30, 2007, we were not required to make any payments on the loan to value maintenance guarantees. At September 30, 2007, we had total loan to value maintenance guarantees of $7.7 million related to our unconsolidated joint venture borrowings.
 
Repayment Guarantees
We and our joint venture partners have repayment guarantees related to certain joint venture’s borrowings. These repayment guarantees requires the repayment of all or a portion of the debt of the unconsolidated joint venture in the event the joint venture defaults on its obligations under the borrowing or files for bankruptcy. During the year ended September 30, 2007, we were not required to make payments related to any portion of the repayment guarantees. At September 30, 2007, we had repayment guarantees of $42.3 million related to the borrowings on these applicable unconsolidated joint ventures, some of which are only triggered upon bankruptcy of the joint venture.
 
Environmental Indemnities
Additionally, we and our joint venture partners generally provide unsecured environmental indemnities to joint venture project lenders. In each case, we have performed due diligence on potential environmental risks. These indemnities obligate us to reimburse the project lenders for claims related to environmental matters for which they are held responsible. During the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, we were not required to make any payments related to environmental indemnities.
 
In general, we have not recorded a liability for the non-contingent aspect of any of these guarantees as such amounts are not material. In assessing the need to record a liability for the contingent aspect of these guarantees in accordance with FIN 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, we consider our historical experience in being required to perform under the guarantees, the fair value of the collateral underlying these guarantees and the financial condition of the applicable unconsolidated joint ventures. In addition, we monitor the fair value of the collateral of these unconsolidated joint ventures to ensure that the related borrowings do not exceed the specified percentage of the value of the property securing the borrowings. To date, we have not incurred any obligations related to the aforementioned guarantees. Based on these considerations, we have determined that it is remote that we will have to perform under the contingent aspects of these guarantees and, as a result, have not recorded a liability for the contingent aspects of these guarantees. To the extent the recording of a liability related to such guarantees would be required; the recognition of such liability would result in an increase to the carrying value of our investment in the associated joint venture.
 
Investigations
United States Attorney, State and Federal Agency Investigations. Beazer Homes and its subsidiary, Beazer Mortgage Corporation, are under criminal and civil investigations by the United States Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina and other state and federal agencies concerning the matters that have been the subject of the independent investigation by the Audit Committee of the Beazer Homes’ Board of Directors (the “Investigation”) described in Note 17. The Company is fully cooperating with these investigations.
 
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Securities and Exchange Commission Investigation. On July 20, 2007, Beazer Homes received from the SEC a formal order of private investigation to determine whether Beazer Homes and/or other persons or entities involved with Beazer Homes have violated federal securities laws, including, among others, the anti-fraud, books and records, internal accounting controls, periodic reporting and certification provisions thereof. The SEC had previously initiated an informal investigation in this matter in May 2007. The Company is fully cooperating with the SEC investigation.
 
Mortgage Origination Issues
The Investigation found evidence that employees of the Company’s Beazer Mortgage Corporation subsidiary violated certain federal and/or state regulations, including U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) regulations. Areas of concern uncovered by the Investigation include: down payment assistance program; the charging of discount points; the closure of certain HUD Licenses; closing accommodations; and the payment of a number of realtor bonuses and decorator allowances in certain Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) insured loans and non-FHA conventional loans originated by Beazer Mortgage dating back to at least 2000. The Investigation also uncovered limited improper practices in relation to the issuance of a number of non-FHA Stated Income Loans. We reviewed the loan documents and supporting documentation and determined that the assets were effectively isolated from the seller and its creditors (even in the event of bankruptcy). Based on that information, management continues to believe that sale accounting at the time of the transfer of the loans to third parties was appropriate.
 
We intend to attempt to negotiate a settlement with prosecutors and regulatory authorities that would allow us to quantify our exposure associated with reimbursement of losses and payment of regulatory and/or criminal fines, if they are imposed. At this time, we believe that although it is probable that a liability exists related to this exposure, it is not reasonably estimable and would be inappropriate to record a liability as of September 30, 2007.
 
Litigation
Securities Class Actions. Beazer Homes and certain of our current and former executive officers are named as defendants in a putative class action securities lawsuit filed on March 29, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Plaintiffs filed this action on behalf of a purported class of purchasers of Beazer Homes’ common stock between July 27, 2006 and March 27, 2007. The complaint alleges that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by issuing materially false and misleading statements regarding our business and prospects because we did not disclose facts related to alleged improper lending practices in our mortgage origination business. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages. Two additional lawsuits were filed subsequently on May 18, 2007 and May 21, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia making similar factual allegations and asserting class periods of July 28, 2005 through March 27, 2007, and March 30, 2005 through March 27, 2007, respectively. The court has consolidated these three lawsuits and plaintiffs are expected to file a consolidated amended complaint within thirty days after the filing of this Form 10-K with the SEC. The Company intends to vigorously defend against these actions.
 
Derivative Shareholder Actions. Certain of Beazer Homes’ current and former executive officers and directors were named as defendants in a derivative shareholder suit filed on April 16, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The complaint also names Beazer Homes as a nominal defendant. The complaint, purportedly on behalf of Beazer Homes, alleges that the defendants (i) violated Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder; (ii) breached their fiduciary duties and misappropriated information; (iii) abused their control; (iv) wasted corporate assets; and (v) were unjustly enriched. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages against the individual defendants and in favor of Beazer Homes. An additional lawsuit was filed subsequently on August 29, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia asserting similar factual allegations. A motion to consolidate the two Georgia derivative actions is pending, and the plaintiffs are expected to designate the operative complaint within five days after the Court consolidates the actions. Additionally, on September 12, 2007, another derivative suit was filed in Delaware Chancery Court, and the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on October 26, 2007. The Delaware complaint raises similar factual and legal claims as those asserted by the plaintiffs in the Georgia derivative actions. The defendants have moved to dismiss the Delaware action, or in the alternative, to stay the case pending resolution of the derivative litigation pending in Georgia. The defendants intend to vigorously defend against these actions.
 
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ERISA Class Actions. On April 30, 2007, a putative class action complaint was filed on behalf of a purported class consisting of present and former participants and beneficiaries of the Beazer Homes 401(k) Plan, naming Beazer Homes, certain of its current and former officers and directors and the Benefits Administration Committee as defendants. The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The complaint alleges breach of fiduciary duties, including those set forth in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) as a result of the investment of retirement monies held by the 401(k) Plan in common stock of Beazer Homes at a time when participants were allegedly not provided timely, accurate and complete information concerning Beazer Homes. Four additional lawsuits were filed subsequently on May 11, 2007, May 14, 2007, June 15, 2007 and July 27, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia making similar allegations. The court has consolidated these five lawsuits, and the plaintiffs are expected to file a consolidated amended complaint within thirty days after the filing of this Form 10-K with the SEC. The Company intends to vigorously defend against these actions.
 
Homeowners Class Action Lawsuits and Multi-Plaintiff Lawsuit. Beazer Homes’ subsidiaries, Beazer Homes Corp. and Beazer Mortgage Corporation, were named as defendants in a putative class action lawsuit filed on March 23, 2007 in the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, County of Mecklenburg, North Carolina. The case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Charlotte Division. The complaint was filed as a putative class action. The purported class is defined as North Carolina residents who purchased homes in subdivisions in North Carolina containing homes constructed by the defendants where the foreclosure rate is allegedly significantly higher than the state-wide average. The complaint alleged that the defendants utilized unfair trade practices to allow low-income purchasers to qualify for loans they allegedly could not afford, resulting in foreclosures that allegedly diminished plaintiffs’ property values. Plaintiffs sought an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and also requested that any damage award be trebled. On April 25, 2008, the District Court dismissed all causes of action with prejudice. If Plaintiffs file a motion for reconsideration of the District Court’s decision or appeal the judgment of the District Court, the defendants will continue to vigorously defend this action.
 
A second putative homeowner class action lawsuit was filed on April 23, 2007 in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, Columbia Division. The complaint alleged that Beazer Homes Corp. and Beazer Mortgage Corporation illegally facilitated the financing of the purchase of homes sold to low-income purchasers, who allegedly would not have otherwise qualified for the loans. Certain of the plaintiffs also alleged that the defendants’ practices resulted in foreclosures that allegedly diminished plaintiffs’ property values. The complaint demanded an unspecified amount of damages, including damages for alleged violations of federal RICO statutes and punitive damages. The Company filed a motion to dismiss and the District Court dismissed all causes of action with prejudice on September 10, 2007. The plaintiffs subsequently filed a motion for reconsideration which the District Court denied. The plaintiffs did not file a notice of appeal and this case is now concluded.
 
An additional putative class action was filed on April 8, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, Salisbury Division, against Beazer Homes, U.S.A., Inc., Beazer Homes Corp. and Beazer Mortgage Corporation. The Complaint alleges that Beazer violated the Real Estate Settlement Practices Act and North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 75-1.1 by (1) improperly requiring homebuyers to use Beazer-owned mortgage and settlement services as part of a down payment assistance program, and (2) illegally increasing the cost of homes and settlement services sold by Beazer Homes Corp. Plaintiff also asserts that Beazer was unjustly enriched by these alleged actions. The purported class consists of all residents of North Carolina who purchased a home from Beazer, using mortgage financing provided by and through Beazer that included seller-funded down payment assistance, between January 1, 2000 and October 11, 2007. The Complaint demands an unspecified amount of damages, various forms of equitable relief, treble damages, attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses. The defendants have not yet filed a responsive pleading or motion, but intend to vigorously defend this action.
 
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Beazer Homes Corp. and Beazer Mortgage Corporation are also named defendants in a lawsuit filed on July 3, 2007, in the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, County of Mecklenburg, North Carolina. The case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Charlotte Division, but remanded on April 23, 2008 to the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, County of Mecklenburg, North Carolina. The complaint was filed on behalf of ten individual homeowners who purchased homes from Beazer in Mecklenburg County. The complaint alleges certain deceptive conduct by the defendants and brings various claims under North Carolina statutory and common law, including a claim for punitive damages. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this action.
 
Bond Indenture Trustee Litigation. On September 10, 2007, we filed an Amended Complaint For Declaratory Judgment and Injunctive Relief in an action pending in the United States District Court in Atlanta, Georgia against the trustees under the indentures governing our outstanding senior and convertible senior notes. We sought, among other relief, a declaration from the court against the trustees that the delay in filing with the SEC our Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007 does not constitute a default under the applicable indentures and that the delay will not give rise to any right of acceleration on the part of the holders of the senior and convertible senior notes.
 
On October 29, 2007, we notified the court and the trustees that we had successfully concluded a consent solicitation concerning the notes at issue. Because the consents provide us with a waiver of any and all defaults under the indentures at issue that may have occurred or may occur prior to May 15, 2008 due to our failure to file or deliver reports or other information we would be required to file with the SEC, we continued to request the court to rule on our demand for declaratory judgment. In response to our notice of successful consent solicitation, the trustees requested the court to deny our request for a ruling on the merits and dismiss the action, without prejudice, on the ground that there is no justiciable controversy ripe for determination. We opposed the trustees’ suggestion of mootness and requested the court to grant us declaratory judgment.
 
We cannot predict or determine the timing or final outcome of the governmental investigations or the lawsuits or the effect that any adverse findings in the investigations or adverse determinations in the lawsuits may have on us. While we are cooperating with the governmental investigations, developments, including the expansion of the scope of the investigations, could negatively impact us, could divert the efforts and attention of our management team from the operation of our business, and/or result in further departures of executives or other employees. An unfavorable determination resulting from any governmental investigation could result in the filing of criminal charges, the payment of substantial criminal or civil fines, the imposition of injunctions on our conduct or the imposition of other penalties or consequences, including but not limited to the Company having to adjust, curtail or terminate the conduct of certain of our business operations. Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. An unfavorable determination in any of the lawsuits could result in the payment by us of substantial monetary damages which may not be fully covered by insurance. Further, the legal costs associated with the investigations and the lawsuits and the amount of time required to be spent by management and the Board of Directors on these matters, even if we are ultimately successful, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Other Matters
 
EPA Information Request. In November 2003, Beazer Homes received a request for information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) pursuant to Section 308 of the Clean Water Act seeking information concerning the nature and extent of storm water discharge practices relating to certain of our projects completed or under construction. The EPA has since requested information on additional projects and has conducted site inspections at a number of locations. In certain instances, the EPA or the equivalent state agency has issued Administrative Orders identifying alleged instances of noncompliance and requiring corrective action to address the alleged deficiencies in storm water management practices. As of September 30, 2007, no monetary penalties have been imposed in connection with such Administrative Orders. The EPA has reserved the right to impose monetary penalties at a later date, the amount of which, if any, cannot currently be estimated. Beazer Homes has taken action to comply with the requirements of each of the Administrative Orders and is working to otherwise maintain compliance with the requirements of the Clean Water Act.
 
90

 
In 2006, we received two Administrative Orders issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The Orders allege certain violations of wetlands disturbance permits. The two Orders assess proposed fines of $630,000 and $678,000, respectively. We have met with the Department to discuss their concerns on the two affected projects and have requested hearings on both matters. We believe that we have significant defenses to the alleged violations and intend to contest the agency’s findings and the proposed fines. We are currently pursuing settlement discussions with the Department. A hearing before the judge has been postponed pending settlement discussions.
 
We and certain of our subsidiaries have been named as defendants in various claims, complaints and other legal actions, most relating to construction defects, moisture intrusion claims and product liability. Certain of the liabilities resulting from these actions are covered in whole or part by insurance. In our opinion, based on our current assessment, the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We have accrued $17.6 million and $18.5 million in other liabilities related to these matters as of September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
We had outstanding letters of credit and performance bonds of approximately $134.3 million and $580.9 million, respectively, at September 30, 2007 related principally to our obligations to local governments to construct roads and other improvements in various developments in addition to the letters of credit of approximately $37.8 million relating to our land option contracts discussed in Note 4.
 
(15)  Segment Information
 
As defined in SFAS 131, Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, we have 31 homebuilding operating segments operating in 21 states and one financial services segment. Revenues in our homebuilding segments are derived from the sale of homes which we construct and from land and lot sales. Revenues in our financial services segment are derived primarily from mortgage originations and title services provided predominantly to customers of our homebuilding operations. We have aggregated our homebuilding segments into the reportable segments, described below, for our homebuilding operations and one reportable segment for our financial services operations. The segments reported have been determined to have similar economic characteristics including similar historical and expected future operating performance, employment trends, land acquisition and land constraints, and municipality behavior and meet the other aggregation criteria in SFAS 131. The reportable homebuilding segments, and all other homebuilding operations not required to be reported separately, include operations conducting business in the following states:
 
West: Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico
Mid-Atlantic: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
Florida
Southeast: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Nashville, Tennessee
Other Homebuilding: Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Texas and Memphis, Tennessee
 
Management’s evaluation of segment performance is based on segment operating income, which for our homebuilding segments is defined as homebuilding and land sale revenues less home construction, land development and land sales expense, depreciation and amortization and certain selling, general and administrative expenses which are incurred by or allocated to our homebuilding segments. Segment operating income for our Financial Services segment is defined as revenues less costs associated with our mortgage operations and certain selling, general and administrative expenses incurred by or allocated to the Financial Services segment. The accounting policies of our segments are those described in Note 1. The following information is in thousands:
 
91

 

 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Revenue
                 
West
  $ 1,109,051     $ 1,828,731     $ 1,935,310  
Mid-Atlantic
    520,268       946,663       848,083  
Florida
    389,814       684,563       598,950  
Southeast
    742,125       885,037       761,030  
Other Homebuilding
    697,399       965,244       803,553  
Financial Services
    47,437       65,947       62,253  
Intercompany elimination
    (15,275 )     (19,681 )     (16,206 )
Consolidated total
  $ 3,490,819     $ 5,356,504     $ 4,992,973  
                         
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
 
Operating (loss) income
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
West
  $ (253,685 )   $ 252,389     $ 430,204  
Mid-Atlantic
    (44,938 )     203,550       210,054  
Florida
    (47,230 )     139,194       83,833  
Southeast
    34,283       78,288       67,174  
Other Homebuilding
    (59,308 )     (5,420 )     5,218  
Financial Services
    3,299       17,366       21,368  
Segment operating (loss) income
    (367,579 )     685,367       817,851  
Corporate and unallocated (a)
    (238,322 )     (105,903 )     (311,370 )
Total operating (loss) income
    (605,901 )     579,464       506,481  
Equity in (loss) income of unconsolidated joint ventures
    (35,154 )     1,343       5,021  
Other income, net
    7,775       2,450       1,712  
(Loss) income before income taxes
  $ (633,280 )   $ 583,257     $ 513,214  
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended September 30,  
Depreciation and amortization
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
West
  $ 11,966     $ 16,936     $ 14,924  
Mid-Atlantic
    4,194       5,287       4,462  
Florida
    1,995       2,652       1,780  
Southeast
    4,306       4,718       4,485  
Other Homebuilding
    6,657       8,244       6,752  
Financial Services
    448       461       454  
Segment depreciation and amortization
    29,566       38,298       32,857  
Corporate and unallocated
    4,028       4,127       3,211  
Total depreciation and amortization
  $ 33,594     $ 42,425     $ 36,068  

   
September 30,
 
Assets
 
2007
   
2006
 
West
  $ 940,161     $ 1,410,812  
Mid-Atlantic
    546,182       564,524  
Florida
    242,733       418,380  
Southeast
    403,472       435,771  
Other homebuilding
    469,520       643,164  
Financial Services
    99,710       205,669  
Corporate and unallocated (b)
    1,228,243       1,036,351  
Consolidated total
  $ 3,930,021     $ 4,714,671  
 
 
92


 
(a)
Corporate and unallocated includes the amortization of capitalized interest and numerous shared services functions that benefit all segments, the costs of which are not allocated to the operating segments reported above including information technology, national sourcing and purchasing, treasury, corporate finance, legal, branding and other national marketing costs. Fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 include reductions of $23.8 million and $21.7 million, respectively, in the accrual and costs related to construction defect claims for moisture intrusion in Indiana (see Note 14). Fiscal 2007 also includes $17.0 million related to legal, investigative and consulting costs related to the internal investigation. Fiscal 2005 includes $55.0 million of warranty expenses associated with construction defect claims for water intrusion in Indiana (Note 14). Fiscal 2007 includes a $52.8 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge to write-off all of the goodwill allocated to certain underperforming markets in Florida, Nevada, Northern California, North Carolina and South Carolina. Fiscal 2005 also includes a $130.2 million non-cash, non-tax deductible goodwill impairment charge to write-off substantially all of the goodwill allocated to certain underperforming markets in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky in our other homebuilding segment ($116.6 million) and Charlotte, North Carolina in our Southeast segment ($13.6 million). There was no change in goodwill from September 30, 2005 to September 30, 2006 (See Note 1).
(b)
Primarily consists of cash and cash equivalents, consolidated inventory not owned, deferred taxes, and capitalized interest and other corporate items that are not allocated to the segments.
 
(16)
Supplemental Guarantor Information
 
As discussed in Note 8, our obligations to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest under certain debt are guaranteed on a joint and several basis by substantially all of our subsidiaries. Certain of our title and warranty subsidiaries and Beazer Mortgage do not guarantee our Senior Notes or our Revolving Credit Facility. The guarantees are full and unconditional and the guarantor subsidiaries are 100% owned by Beazer Homes USA, Inc. We have determined that separate, full financial statements of the guarantors would not be material to investors and, accordingly, supplemental financial information for the guarantors is presented.
 
93

 
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
Consolidating Balance Sheet Information
September 30, 2007
(in thousands)
 
ASSETS
 
Beazer
Homes
USA, Inc.
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Beazer
Mortgage Corp.
   
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
Beazer
Homes
USA, Inc.
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 447,296     $ -     $ 9,700     $ 1,559     $ (4,218 )   $ 454,337  
Restricted cash
    -       5,171       -       -       -       5,171  
Accounts receivable
    -       44,449       1,038       14       -       45,501  
Income tax receivable
    63,981       -       -       -       -       63,981  
Owned inventory
    -       2,537,791       -       -       -       2,537,791  
Consolidated inventory not owned
    -       237,382       -       -       -       237,382  
Residential mortgage loans available-for-sale
    -       -       781       -       -       781  
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
    3,093       106,050       -       -       -       109,143  
Deferred tax assets
    232,537       -       412       -       -       232,949  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    -       70,979       701       2       -       71,682  
Goodwill
    -       68,613       -       -       -       68,613  
Investments in subsidiaries
    1,397,158       -       -       -       (1,397,158 )     -  
Intercompany
    956,941       (1,039,576 )     50,774       6,729       25,132       -  
Other assets
    19,650       75,812       269       6,959       -       102,690  
 Total Assets
  $ 3,120,656     $ 2,106,671     $ 63,675     $ 15,263     $ (1,376,244 )   $ 3,930,021  
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                               
Trade accounts payable
  $ -     $ 118,030     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 118,030  
Other liabilities
    60,419       372,050       4,958       7,657       8,005       453,089  
Intercompany
    (2,661 )     -       -       2,661       -       -  
Obligations related to consolidated inventory not owned
    -       177,931       -       -       -       177,931  
Senior Notes (net of discounts of $3,033)
    1,521,967       -       -       -       -       1,521,967  
Junior subordinated notes
    103,093       -       -       -       -       103,093  
Other secured notes payable
    -       118,073       -       -       -       118,073  
Model home financing obligations
    114,116       -       -       -       -       114,116  
Total Liabilities
    1,796,934       786,084       4,958       10,318       8,005       2,606,299  
                                                 
Stockholders’ Equity
    1,323,722       1,320,587       58,717       4,945       (1,384,249 )     1,323,722  
                                                 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 3,120,656     $ 2,106,671     $ 63,675     $ 15,263     $ (1,376,244 )   $ 3,930,021  
 
94

 
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
Consolidating Balance Sheet Information
September 30, 2006
(in thousands)

ASSETS
 
Beazer
Homes
USA, Inc.
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Beazer
Mortgage Corp.
   
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
Beazer
Homes
USA, Inc.
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 254,915     $ -     $ 10,664     $ 829     $ (98,838 )   $ 167,570  
Restricted cash
    -       4,873       -       -       -       4,873  
Accounts receivable
    -       333,514       4,331       188       -       338,033  
Owned inventory
    -       3,137,021       -       -       -       3,137,021  
Consolidated inventory not owned
    -       471,441       -       -       -       471,441  
Residential mortgage loans available-for-sale
    -       -       92,157       -       -       92,157  
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
    3,093       121,706       -       -       -       124,799  
Deferred tax assets
    70,847       -       497       -       -       71,344  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    -       75,498       954       2       -       76,454  
Goodwill
    -       121,368       -       -       -       121,368  
Investments in subsidiaries
    1,858,513       -       -       -       (1,858,513 )     -  
Intercompany
    1,365,588       (1,550,974 )     52,568       5,792       127,026       -  
Other assets
    22,751       76,908       2,419       7,533       -       109,611  
Total Assets
  $ 3,575,707     $ 2,791,355     $ 163,590     $ 14,344     $ (1,830,325 )   $ 4,714,671  
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                               
Trade accounts payable
  $ -     $ 139,876     $ 132     $ -     $ -     $ 140,008  
Other liabilities
    75,407       454,506       9,168       8,310       10,363       557,754  
Intercompany
    (1,761 )     -       -       1,761       -       -  
Obligations related to consolidated inventory not owned
    -       330,703       -       -       -       330,703  
Senior Notes (net of discounts of $3,578)
    1,551,422       -       -       -       -       1,551,422  
Junior subordinated notes
    103,093       -       -       -       -       103,093  
Warehouse Line
    -       -       94,881       -       -       94,881  
Other secured notes payable
    -       89,264       -       -       -       89,264  
Model home financing obligations
    117,079       -       -       -       -       117,079  
Total Liabilities
    1,845,240       1,014,349       104,181       10,071       10,363       2,984,204  
                                                 
Stockholders’ Equity
    1,730,467       1,777,006       59,409       4,273       (1,840,688 )     1,730,467  
                                                 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 3,575,707     $ 2,791,355     $ 163,590     $ 14,344     $ (1,830,325 )   $ 4,714,671  
 
95

 
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
Consolidating Statements of Operations
(in thousands)
 
For the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2007
 
Beazer
Homes
USA, Inc.
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Beazer
Mortgage Corp. (a)
   
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
Beazer
Homes
USA, Inc.
 
Total revenue
  $ -     $ 3,464,800     $ 39,369     $ 1,925     $ (15,275 )   $ 3,490,819  
                                                 
Home construction and land sales expenses
    148,444       2,832,130       -       -       (36,189 )     2,944,385  
Inventory impairments and option contract abandonments
    -       611,864       -       -       -       611,864  
Gross (loss) profit
    (148,444 )     20,806       39,369       1,925       20,914       (65,430 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    -       412,759       40,348       1,015       -       454,122  
Depreciation and amortization
    -       33,176       418       -       -       33,594  
Goodwill impairment
    -       52,755       -       -       -       52,755  
Operating (loss) income
    (148,444 )     (477,884 )     (1,397 )     910       20,914       (605,901 )
Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures
    -       (35,154 )     -       -       -       (35,154 )
Other income, net
    -       7,320       276       179       -       7,775  
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (148,444 )     (505,718 )     (1,121 )     1,089       20,914       (633,280 )
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
    (56,820 )     (173,380 )     (429 )     417       8,005       (222,207 )
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries
    (319,449 )     -       -       -       319,449       -  
Net (loss) income
  $ (411,073 )   $ (332,338 )   $ (692 )   $ 672     $ 332,358     $ (411,073 )
                                                 
For the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2006
                                               
Total revenue
  $ -     $ 5,318,829     $ 54,483     $ 2,873     $ (19,681 )   $ 5,356,504  
                                                 
Home construction and land sales expenses
    124,162       3,984,825       -       -       (47,869 )     4,061,118  
Inventory impairments and option contract abandonments
    -       44,175       -       -       -       44,175  
Gross (loss) profit
    (124,162 )     1,289,829       54,483       2,873       28,188       1,251,211  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    -       584,911       43,666       745       -       629,322  
Depreciation and amortization
    -       41,999       426       -       -       42,425  
Operating (loss) income
    (124,162 )     662,919       10,391       2,128       28,188       579,464  
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures
    -       1,343       -       -       -       1,343  
Royalty and management fee expenses
    -       3,098       (3,098 )     -       -       -  
Other income, net
    -       2,284       -       166       -       2,450  
Income before income taxes
    (124,162 )     669,644       7,293       2,294       28,188       583,257  
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
    (45,646 )     246,180       2,681       843       10,363       214,421  
Equity in income of subsidiaries
    447,352       -       -       -       (447,352 )     -  
Net income
  $ 368,836     $ 423,464     $ 4,612     $ 1,451     $ (429,527 )   $ 368,836  
                                                 
For the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2005
                                               
Total revenue
  $ -     $ 4,953,865     $ 54,171     $ 1,143     $ (16,206 )   $ 4,992,973  
                                                 
Home construction and land sales expenses
    89,696       3,702,543       -       -       (25,722 )     3,766,517  
Inventory impairments and option contract abandonments
    -       5,511       -       -       -       5,511  
Gross (loss) profit
    (89,696 )     1,245,811       54,171       1,143       9,516       1,220,945  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    -       509,653       38,283       225       -       548,161  
Depreciation and amortization
    -       35,667       401       -       -       36,068  
Goodwill impairment
    -       130,235       -       -       -       130,235  
Operating (loss) income
    (89,696 )     570,256       15,487       918       9,516       506,481  
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures
    -       5,021       -       -       -       5,021  
Royalty and management fee expenses
    -       3,093       (3,093 )     -       -       -  
Other income, net
    -       1,621       -       91       -       1,712  
Income before income taxes
    (89,696 )     579,991       12,394       1,009       9,516       513,214  
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
    (33,081 )     261,943       4,571       372       3,510       237,315  
Equity in income of subsidiaries
    332,514       -       -       -       (332,514 )     -  
Net income
  $ 275,899     $ 318,048     $ 7,823     $ 637     $ (326,508 )   $ 275,899  
 
(a)
Effective January 2006, Beazer Mortgage Corp. is no longer a guarantor of the Senior Notes.
 
96

 
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
 
For the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2007
 
Beazer
Homes
USA, Inc.
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Beazer
Mortgage Corp. (a)
   
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
Beazer
Homes
USA, Inc.
 
                                     
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ (329,882 )   $ 745,770     $ 92,716     $ 767     $ -     $ 509,371  
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                               
Capital expenditures
    -       (29,309 )     (165 )     -       -       (29,474 )
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
    (3,093 )     (21,412 )     -       -       -       (24,505 )
Changes in restricted cash
    -       (298 )     -       -       -       (298 )
Distributions from and proceeds from sale of unconsolidated joint ventures
    -       2,229       -       -       -       2,229  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (3,093 )     (48,790 )     (165 )     -       -       (52,048 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                               
Borrowings under credit facilities and warehouse line
    -       -       169,888       -       -       169,888  
Repayment of credit facilities and warehouse line
    -       -       (264,769 )     -       -       (264,769 )
Repayment of other secured notes payable
    -       (31,139 )     -       -       -       (31,139 )
Repurchase of senior notes
    (30,413 )     -       -       -       -       (30,413 )
Borrowings under model home financing obligations
    5,919       -       -       -       -       5,919  
Repayment of model home financing obligations
    (8,882 )     -       -       -       -       (8,882 )
Advances (to) from subsidiaries
    569,568       (665,841 )     1,690       (37 )     94,620       -  
Debt issuance costs
    (1,935 )     -       (324 )     -       -       (2,259 )
Proceeds from stock option exercises
    4,422       -       -       -       -       4,422  
Common stock redeemed
    (348 )     -       -       -       -       (348 )
Tax benefit from stock transactions
    2,635       -       -       -       -       2,635  
Dividends paid
    (15,610 )     -       -       -       -       (15,610 )
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
    525,356       (696,980 )     (93,515 )     (37 )     94,620       (170,556 )
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    192,381       -       (964 )     730       94,620       286,767  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    254,915       -       10,664       829       (98,838 )     167,570  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 447,296     $ -     $ 9,700     $ 1,559     $ (4,218 )   $ 454,337  
                                                 
For the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2006
                                               
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
  $ (95,117 )   $ (200,873 )   $ (83,543 )   $ 1,537     $ -     $ (377,996 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                               
Capital expenditures
    -       (54,456 )     (630 )     (2 )     -       (55,088 )
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
    (3,093 )     (46,365 )     -       -       -       (49,458 )
Changes in restricted cash
    -       (4,873 )     -       -       -       (4,873 )
Distributions from and proceeds from sale of unconsolidated joint ventures
    -       4,655       -       -       -       4,655  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (3,093 )     (101,039 )     (630 )     (2 )     -       (104,764 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                               
Borrowings under credit facilities and warehouse line
    1,634,100       -       303,428       -       -       1,937,528  
Repayment of credit facilities and warehouse line
    (1,634,100 )     -       (208,547 )     -       -       (1,842,647 )
Repayment of other secured notes payable
    -       (20,934 )     -       -       -       (20,934 )
Borrowings under senior notes
    275,000       -       -       -       -       275,000  
Borrowings under junior subordinated notes
    103,093                                       103,093  
Borrowings under model home financing obligations
    117,365       -       -       -       -       117,365  
Repayment of model home financing obligations
    (286 )     -       -       -       -       (286 )
Advances (to) from subsidiaries
    (313,515 )     322,846       658       (1,097 )     (8,892 )     -  
Debt issuance costs
    (6,274 )     -       (932 )     -       -       (7,206 )
Proceeds from stock option exercises
    7,298       -       -       -       -       7,298  
Common stock redeemed
    (2,624 )     -       -       -       -       (2,624 )
Treasury stock purchases
    (205,416 )     -       -       -       -       (205,416 )
Tax benefit from stock transactions
    8,205       -       -       -       -       8,205  
Dividends paid
    (16,144 )     -       -       -       -       (16,144 )
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
    (33,298 )     301,912       94,607       (1,097 )     (8,892 )     353,232  
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (131,508 )     -       10,434       438       (8,892 )     (129,528 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    386,423       -       230       391       (89,946 )     297,098  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 254,915     $ -     $ 10,664     $ 829     $ (98,838 )   $ 167,570  
 
(a)
Effective January 2006, Beazer Mortgage Corp. is no longer a guarantor of the Senior Notes.
 
97

 
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
 
   
Beazer
Homes
USA, Inc.
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Beazer
Mortgage Corp. (a)
   
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
Beazer
Homes
USA, Inc.
 
Fot the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2005
                                   
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
  $ (50,545 )   $ (1,876 )   $ 6,926     $ (661 )   $ -     $ (46,156 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                               
Capital expenditures
    -       (48,078 )     (359 )     -       -       (48,437 )
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
    -       (42,619 )     -       -       -       (42,619 )
Distributions from and proceeds from sale of unconsolidated joint ventures
    -       5,597       -       -       -       5,597  
Net cash used in investing activities
    -       (85,100 )     (359 )     -       -       (85,459 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                               
Repayment of term loan
    (200,000 )     -       -       -       -       (200,000 )
Borrowings under credit facility
    439,700       -       -       -       -       439,700  
Repayment of credit facility
    (439,700 )     -       -       -       -       (439,700 )
Repayment of other secured notes payable
    -       (16,776 )     -       -       -       (16,776 )
Borrowings under senior notes
    346,786       -       -       -       -       346,786  
Repayment of model home financing obligations
    (1,118 )     -       -       -       -       (1,118 )
Advances (to) from subsidiaries
    (79,751 )     103,752       (7,030 )     956       (17,927 )     -  
Debt issuance costs
    (4,958 )     -       -       -       -       (4,958 )
Proceeds from stock option exercises
    5,875       -       -       -       -       5,875  
Common stock redeemed
    (8,092 )     -       -       -       -       (8,092 )
Dividends paid
    (13,884 )     -       -       -       -       (13,884 )
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
    44,858       86,976       (7,030 )     956       (17,927 )     107,833  
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (5,687 )     -       (463 )     295       (17,927 )     (23,782 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    392,110       -       693       96       (72,019 )     320,880  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 386,423     $ -     $ 230     $ 391     $ (89,946 )   $ 297,098  
 
(a) Effective January 2006, Beazer Mortgage Corp. is no longer a guarantor of the Senior Notes.
 
(17) Restatement of Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Subsequent to the issuance of the fiscal 2006 consolidated financial statements, in April 2007, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors initiated an independent investigation of our mortgage origination business through independent legal counsel and independent forensic accountants. During the course of this investigation, the Audit Committee determined that our mortgage origination practices related to certain loans in prior periods violated certain applicable federal and/or state origination requirements. During the course of the investigation, the Audit Committee also discovered accounting and financial reporting errors and/or irregularities resulting primarily from (1) inappropriate accumulation of reserves and/or accrued liabilities associated with land development and house costs (“Inventory Reserves”) and the subsequent improper release of such reserves and accrued liabilities and (2) inaccurate revenue recognition with respect to certain model home sale-leaseback transactions (“Model Home Sale-Leasebacks”). In conjunction with the restatement of the items above, we also made corresponding capitalized interest, capitalized indirect costs, and income tax adjustments to our consolidated financial statements (included in the “Other” and “Provision for Tax” columns) as these balances were impacted by the aforementioned adjustments. We also made other adjustments to our consolidated financial statements relating to corrections of accounting and financial reporting errors and/or irregularities, some errors previously identified, but historically not considered to be material to require correction and some errors and irregularities discovered as part of the restatement process, consisting of (1) reclassifying model home furnishings and sales office leasehold improvements from owned inventory to property, plant and equipment, net in the amount of $47.0 million at September 30, 2006; (2) reclassifying depreciation and amortization of model home furnishings and sales office leasehold improvements from home construction and land sales expenses to depreciation and amortization in the amount of $32.1 million and $26.8 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively; (3) recognizing total revenue ($11.6 million) and home construction and land sales expenses ($8.7 million) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 related to inappropriate revenue recognition timing in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 for certain home closings in California; (4) reclassifying the results of operations from our fiscal 2005 title services from other income, net ($5.9 million) to total revenue ($8.1 million) and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses ($2.2 million); (5) reclassifying $5.0 million from restricted cash at September 30, 2006 to cash and cash equivalents as such amount was determined not to be restricted; (6) recognizing the reversal of certain warranty accruals related to our captive insurance subsidiary in the fiscal years prior to fiscal 2005 ($8.7 million), as reflected in the prior period restatement caption in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, instead of the previously presented reversal of $8.7 million in warranty accruals through home construction and land sales expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005; (7) certain other miscellaneous immaterial adjustments; and (8) the related tax effects of the adjustments described in (1) through (7) above.

98

 
The accounting and financial reporting errors and irregularities identified as part of the Investigation and subsequent restatement preparation are described and summarized as follows:
 
Accounting for Reserves and Other Accrued Liabilities
Reserves and other accrued liabilities, relating primarily to land development costs and costs to complete on closed homes (“Inventory Reserves”) were recorded in prior accounting periods in excess of amounts that would have been appropriate under GAAP. The Investigation uncovered the accumulation of reserves and other accrued liabilities in the earlier periods affected by the restatement that were partially and improperly released into income during fiscal 2006.
 
Model Home Sale-Leaseback Accounting
During the course of the Investigation, we also identified the existence of a continuing interest in the potential appreciation of model homes sold in certain sale-leaseback transactions to investors. Due to this continuing interest, these model home transactions did not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting, and, instead, should have been accounted for as financing transactions in accordance with GAAP. The restatement of these transactions will primarily relate to timing differences that have had and will have the effect of shifting revenue and income from the date of the original transaction to the future period in which the “leases” are terminated.
 
Summary of the Cumulative Effect of Restatement Adjustments to Previously Reported Beginning Retained Earnings
 
 (in thousands)
 
For the fiscal year
beginning October
1, 2004
 
Beginning retained earnings, as reported
 
$
741,701
 
Inventory reserves
   
49,478
 
Model home sale-leasebacks
   
348
 
Other
   
(7,621
)
Provision for income taxes
   
(8,061
)
Cumulative restatement adjustments
 to beginning retained earnings
   
34,144
 
Beginning retained earnings, as restated
 
$
775,845
 
 
Summary of the Effect of the Restatement of the Company’s Financial Statements
 
The following tables set forth the effect of the restatement of the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2006 and its Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands):
 
99

 
Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
As of September 30, 2006
 
         
Adjustments
       
   
As Previously
Reported
   
Inventory
Reserves
   
Model Home
Sale-Leaseback
   
Other
   
As Restated
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 162,570     $ -     $ -     $ 5,000     $ 167,570  
Restricted cash
    9,873       -       -       (5,000 )     4,873  
Accounts receivable
    333,571       -       -       4,462       338,033  
Owned inventory
    3,048,891       50,533       92,971       (55,374 )     3,137,021  
Total inventory
    3,520,332       50,533       92,971       (55,374 )     3,608,462  
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
    122,799       -       -       2,000       124,799  
Deferred tax assets
    59,842       -       -       11,502       71,344  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    29,465       -       -       46,989       76,454  
Other assets
    107,454       -       2,158       (1 )     109,611  
Total assets
    4,559,431       50,533       95,129       9,578       4,714,671  
Trade accounts payable
    141,131       -       -       (1,123 )     140,008  
Other liabilities
    547,014       10,350       -       390       557,754  
Model home financing obligations
    -       -       117,079       -       117,079  
Total liabilties
    2,857,508       10,350       117,079       (733 )     2,984,204  
Paid in capital
    528,376       -       -       950       529,326  
Retained earnings
    1,362,958       40,183       (21,950 )     9,361       1,390,552  
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,701,923       40,183       (21,950 )     10,311       1,730,467  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
    4,559,431       50,533       95,129       9,578       4,714,671  
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations
       
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2006
       
         
Adjustments
       
   
As Previously
Reported
   
Inventory
Reserves
   
Model Home
Sale-Leaseback
   
Other
   
Provision
for tax
   
Reclass
   
As Restated
 
Total revenue
  $ 5,462,003     $ -     $ (117,079 )   $ 11,580     $ -    
-
    $ 5,356,504  
Home construction and land sales expenses
    4,201,318       27,514       (91,453 )     (32,086 )     -       (44,175 )     4,061,118  
Inventory impairments and option contract abandonments
    -       -       -       -       -       44,175       44,175  
Gross profit
    1,260,685       (27, 514 )     (25,626 )     43,666       -       -       1,251,211  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    649,010       -       (3,217 )     (6,167 )     -       (10,304 )     629,322  
Depreciation and amortization
    -       -       -       32,121       -       10,304       42,425  
Operating income
    611,675       (27,514 )     (22,409 )     17,712       -       -       579,464  
Equity in (loss) income of unconsolidated joint ventures
    (772 )     -       -       2,115       -       -       1,343  
Other income, net
    2,311       -       -       139       -       -       2,450  
Income before taxes
    613,214       (27,514 )     (22,409 )     19,966       -       -       583,257  
Provision for income taxes
    224,453                               (10,032 )             214,421  
Net income
  $ 388,761                                             $ 368,836  
                                                         
Earnings per share - basic
  $ 9.76                                             $ 9.26  
Earnings per share - diluted
  $ 8.89                                             $ 8.44  
 
100


Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2005
 
         
Adjustments
       
   
As Previously
Reported
   
Inventory
Reserves
   
Model Home
Sale-Leaseback
   
Other
   
Provision
for tax
   
Reclass
   
As Restated
 
Total revenue
  $ 4,995,353     $ -     $ 1,118     $ (3,498 )   $ -     $ -     $ 4,992,973  
Home construction and land sales expenses
    3,823,300       (18,219 )     1,025       (34,078 )     -       (5,511 )     3,766,517  
Inventory impairments and option contract abandonments
    -       -       -       -       -       5,511       5,511  
Gross profit
    1,172,053       18,219       93       30,580       -       -       1,220,945  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    554,900       -       (18 )     2,508       -       (9,229 )     548,161  
Depreciation and amortization
    -       -       -       26,839       -       9,229       36,068  
Goodwill impairment
    130,235       -       -       -       -       -       130,235  
Operating income
    486,918       18,219       111       1,233       -       -       506,481  
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures
    5,021       -       -       -       -       -       5,021  
Other income, net
    7,395       -       -       (5,683 )     -       -       1,712  
Income before taxes
    499,334       18,219       111       (4,450 )     -       -       513,214  
Provision for income taxes
    236,810                               505               237,315  
Net income
  $ 262,524                                             $ 275,899  
                                                         
Earnings per share - basic
  $ 6.49                                             $ 6.82  
Earnings per share - diluted
  $ 5.87                                             $ 6.16  
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2006
 
   
As Previously
Reported
   
Adjustments
   
As Restated
 
                   
Net income
  $ 388,761     $ (19,925 )   $ 368,836  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash used in operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    10,304       32,121       42,425  
Inventory impairments and option contract abandonments
    43,477       698       44,175  
Deferred income tax benefit
    41,487       (15,524 )     25,963  
Tax benefit from stock transactions
    -       (8,205 )     (8,205 )
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated joint ventures
    772       (2,115 )     (1,343 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Increase in accounts receivable
    (171,251 )     (10,388 )     (181,639 )
Increase in inventory
    (430,345 )     (56,382 )     (486,727 )
Increase in other assets
    (19,462 )     (1,274 )     (20,736 )
Decrease in trade accounts payable
    (492 )     (1,149 )     (1,641 )
Decrease in other liabilities
    (92,342 )     9,298       (83,044 )
Other changes
    680       (688 )     (8 )
Net cash used in operating activities
    (304,463 )     (73,533 )     (377,996 )
Capital expenditures
    (11,542 )     (43,546 )     (55,088 )
Changes in restricted cash
    (9,873 )     5,000       (4,873 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (66,218 )     (38,546 )     (104,764 )
Borrowings under model home financing obligations
    -       117,365       117,365  
Repayments of model home financing obligations
    -       (286 )     (286 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    236,153       117,079       353,232  
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (134,528 )   $ 5,000     $ (129,528 )
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 162,570     $ 5,000     $ 167,570  
                         
 
101

 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2005
 
   
As Previously
Reported
   
Adjustments
   
As Restated
 
                   
Net income
  $ 262,524     $ 13,375     $ 275,899  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash used in operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    9,229       26,839       36,068  
Deferred income tax benefit
    (54,631 )     3,445       (51,186 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Increase in accounts receivable
    (91,306 )     6,669       (84,637 )
Increase in inventory
    (572,114 )     (21,407 )     (593,521 )
Increase in other assets
    (16,775 )       (5 )     (16,780 )
Increase in other liabilities
    199,076       9,718       208,794  
Other changes
    1,333       (527 )     806  
Net cash used in operating activities
    (84,263 )     38,107       (46,156 )
Capital expenditures
    (13,448 )     (34,989 )     (48,437 )
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
    (40,619 )     (2,000 )     (42,619 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (48,470 )     (36,989 )     (85,459 )
Repayments of model home financing obligations
    -       (1,118 )     (1,118 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
  $ 108,951     $ (1,118 )   $ 107,833  
 
102

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
Atlanta, Georgia
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2007. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
As discussed in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements, the accompanying fiscal 2006 and 2005 consolidated financial statements have been restated.
 
As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, on October 1, 2005, based on the modified prospective application transition method.
 
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated May 12, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
Atlanta, Georgia
May 12, 2008
 
103

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL CONTROL
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.:
Atlanta, Georgia
 
We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Beazer Homes USA, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2007, because of the effect of the material weaknesses identified in management’s assessment based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weaknesses have been identified and included in management’s assessment:
 
Control Environment – The control environment, which is the responsibility of senior management, sets the tone of the organization, influences the actions of its employees, and is the foundation for all other components of internal control over financial reporting. The Company did not maintain an effective control environment.  The following deficiencies in the Company’s control environment as of September 30, 2007 have been identified, each of which is considered to be a material weakness.
 
 
Code of Conduct Violations
 
The operating effectiveness of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Policy (the “Code”), which governs the execution by employees of their duties and responsibilities within established procedures, was deficient.  As a result, the Code was not consistently and strictly adhered to, including by certain of the Company’s former executive officers, and violations of the Code were not promptly and appropriately reported. This deficiency led to an environment where improper and erroneous accounting information was utilized related to certain transactions and financial statement matters and inappropriate decisions could have been made, and were made, including with respect to certain model home sale-leaseback transactions and certain home closings in California, that were not in accordance with GAAP.
 
104

 
 
Compliance With Laws and Regulations
 
The design of the Company’s controls related to the Company’s mortgage origination practices was not sufficient to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, or to enable a determination of the financial statement impact of such violations to the Company’s financial statement amounts and disclosures. This resulted in the violation of certain applicable federal and/or state regulations, and could result in reimbursement of losses and payment of regulatory and/or criminal fines.
 
 
Segregation of Duties
 
The Company’s former Chief Accounting Officer had primary review and oversight responsibilities for many financial reporting activities and controls designed to ensure the accuracy of our financial statements. This lack of segregation of duties was a deficiency in the design of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that allowed for improprieties or errors in the application of accounting practices to go undetected.
 
 
Management Override and Collusion
 
Based on the results of the independent investigation by the Company’s Audit Committee, the Company believes that its former Chief Accounting Officer caused or permitted deficiencies to occur in the operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls through the override of certain documentation and financial accounting and reporting controls. In addition, the results of the investigation uncovered collusion with some of the Company’s business unit employees to inappropriately manipulate earnings.
 
Accounting Policy, Procedures, and Controls – There was a material weakness in the design of the Company’s accounting policies, procedures, and controls specifically related to the application of GAAP in accounting for (1) certain estimates involving significant management judgments. Specifically the Company’s policies did not:
 
 
Establish objective guidelines that should be applied in the determination of certain accruals;
 
 
Require detailed analyses and review of certain subjective estimates;
 
 
Require significant estimates and related assumptions to be documented and approved;
 
 
Require dual approval for material journal entries that directly impact earnings through the adjustment of accruals and reserves;
 
 
Establish consistent guidelines for the compilation of financial and operational reports; and
 
 
Provide visibility into accruals and estimates which were recorded in the consolidated financial statements in amounts that were different from the sum of such accruals recorded at a divisional level.
 
These material weaknesses resulted in the restatement of the Company’s annual financial statements for fiscal years 1998-2006. These material weaknesses had the following impacts on the Company’s financial reporting:
 
 
Inappropriate reserves and other accrued liabilities were recorded relating to land development costs, house construction costs and warranty accruals. These errors were caused by a failure to require a determination and documentation of the reasonableness of the assumptions used to develop such estimates of future expenditures for land development, house construction and warranty claims.
 
 
105

 
 
Asset impairments were misstated because certain assumptions used to calculate impairments, indirect costs and capitalized interest were improper or inaccurate.
 
 
The accounting for certain model home sale and leaseback agreements was not in compliance with GAAP. GAAP does not permit a sale of real estate to be recognized if the seller has a continuing involvement in the real estate sold. The Company's arrangement for certain sale and leaseback transactions included various forms of continuing involvement which prevented the Company from accounting for the transactions as sales.
 
 
Certain sale and leaseback agreements entered into by the former Chief Accounting Officer of the Company were not properly documented and considered in the evaluation of the accounting for the transactions.
 
 
Certain home closings in California were not reflected in the Company’s accounting records in the proper accounting periods.
 
These material weaknesses were considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2007, of the Company and this report does not affect our report on such financial statements.
 
In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2007, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, because of the effect of the material weaknesses described above on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
 
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2007 of the Company and our report dated May 12, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
 
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
Atlanta, Georgia
May 12, 2008
 
106

 
Quarterly Financial Data
 
Summarized quarterly financial information (unaudited):
 
   
Quarter Ended
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
December 31
   
March 31
   
June 30
   
September 30
 
Fiscal 2007
                       
Total revenue
  $ 802,535     $ 829,333     $ 758,146     $ 1,100,805  
Gross (loss) profit (a)
    (2,985 )     21,045       (40,052 )     (43,438 )
Goodwill impairment (b)
    -       -       29,752       23,003  
Operating loss
    (127,459 )     (91,154 )     (181,815 )     (205,473 )
Net loss
    (79,903 )     (57,191 )     (118,747 )     (155,232 )
Basic EPS
  $ (2.09 )   $ (1.49 )   $ (3.09 )   $ (4.03 )
Diluted EPS
  $ (2.09 )   $ (1.49 )   $ (3.09 )   $ (4.03 )
                                 
Fiscal 2006
                         
(c)
 
Total revenue
  $ 1,085,508     $ 1,251,175     $ 1,191,952     $ 1,827,869  
Gross profit
    276,806       343,802       285,666       344,937  
Operating income
    136,218       186,533       124,720       131,993  
Net income
    86,619       116,901       81,609       83,707  
Basic EPS
  $ 2.11     $ 2.89     $ 2.07     $ 2.18  
Diluted EPS
  $ 1.93     $ 2.62     $ 1.89     $ 1.99  
 
(a)
Gross (loss) profit in fiscal 2007 and 2006 includes inventory impairment and option contract abandonments as follows:
 
(in thousands)
 
Fiscal 2007
   
Fiscal 2006
 
1st Quarter
  $ 140,367     $ 2,927  
2nd Quarter
    105,245       6,704  
3rd Quarter
    154,244       10,721  
4th Quarter
    212,008       23,823  
    $ 611,864     $ 44,175  
 
(b)
In fiscal 2007, the Company recognized non-cash goodwill impairment charges to write off all of the goodwill allocated to certain reporting units in Florida, Nevada, Northern California, North Carolina and South Carolina.
(c)
Restated quarterly information of the quarter ended September 30, 2006 is as follows:
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
As Previously
Reported
   
Adjustments
   
As Restated
 
Total revenue
  $ 1,883,758     $ (55,889 )   $ 1,827,869  
Gross profit
    364,053       (19,116 )     344,937  
Operating income
    151,326       (19,333 )     131,993  
Net income
    91,873       (8,166 )     83,707  
Basic EPS
  $ 2.39     $ (0.21 )   $ 2.18  
Diluted EPS
  $ 2.19     $ (0.20 )   $ 1.99  
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
None.
 
107

 
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
 
Background and Results of Independent Investigation
 
In April 2007, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors initiated an independent investigation of our mortgage origination business through independent legal counsel and independent forensic accountants. During the course of this investigation, the Audit Committee determined that our mortgage origination practices related to certain loans in prior periods violated certain applicable federal and/or state origination requirements. During the course of the investigation, the Audit Committee also discovered accounting and financial reporting errors and/or irregularities that required restatement resulting primarily from (1) inappropriate accumulation of reserves and/or accrued liabilities associated with land development and house costs (“Inventory Reserves”) and the subsequent improper release of such reserves and accrued liabilities and (2) inaccurate revenue recognition with respect to certain model home sale-leaseback transactions. In conjunction with the restatement of the items above, we also made corresponding capitalized interest, capitalized indirect costs, and income tax adjustments to our consolidated financial statements as these balances were impacted by the aforementioned adjustments. We also made other adjustments to our consolidated financial statements relating to corrections of accounting and financial reporting errors and/or irregularities, some errors previously identified, but historically not considered to be material to require correction and some errors and irregularities discovered as part of the restatement process, consisting of (1) reclassifying model home furnishings and sales office leasehold improvements from owned inventory to property, plant and equipment, net in the amount of $47.0 million at September 30, 2006; (2) reclassifying depreciation and amortization of model home furnishings and sales office leasehold improvements from home construction and land sales expenses to depreciation and amortization in the amount of $32.1 million and $26.8 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively; (3) recognizing total revenue ($11.6 million) and home construction and land sales expenses ($8.7 million) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 related to inappropriate revenue recognition timing in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 for certain home closings in California; (4) reclassifying the results of operations from our fiscal 2005 title services from other income, net ($5.9 million) to total revenue ($8.1 million) and selling, general and administrative expenses ($2.2 million); (5) reclassifying $5.0 million from restricted cash at September 30, 2006 to cash and cash equivalents as such amount was determined not to be restricted; (6) recognizing the reversal of certain warranty accruals related to our captive insurance subsidiary in the fiscal years ended prior to fiscal 2005 ($8.7 million), as reflected in the prior period restatement caption in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, instead of the previously presented reversal of $8.7 million in warranty accruals through home construction and land sales expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005; (7) certain other miscellaneous immaterial adjustments; and (8) the related tax effects of the adjustments described in (1) through (7) above. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further discussion of the restatement issues.
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Management, under the supervision and with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Act), as of the end of period covered by this report. Management concluded that, as of September 30, 2007, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective primarily because of the identification of material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, which we view as an integral part of our disclosure controls and procedures. In addition, our disclosure controls and procedures not relating to internal control over financial reporting were not sufficiently documented and were not designed to require all accounting and financial employees, and other corporate employees with specific knowledge of, or responsibility for, other disclosures to complete quarterly certifications (management representations).
 
Based on a number of factors, including the completion of the Audit Committee’s investigation, our internal review that identified revisions to our previously issued financial statements, efforts to remediate the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described below, and the performance of additional procedures by management designed to ensure the reliability of our financial reporting, we believe that the consolidated financial statements in this Report fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of the dates, and for the periods, presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
 
We have reviewed and are implementing additional disclosure controls and procedures. This includes expanding the Disclosure Committee to include representatives from Operations, Compliance, and Audit and Controls. In addition, a formal Disclosure Committee charter and formal written disclosure controls and procedures will be implemented in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Further, we are implementing an enhanced quarterly certification (management representation) process that will include not just the signoff by executive management and the business unit executives, but also by managers of the corporate finance departments, senior leadership at the corporate office, and other business and finance employees who are significantly involved in the financial reporting process. These new processes will help ensure Company employees at various levels make full and complete representations concerning, and assume accountability for, the accuracy and integrity of our financial statements and other public disclosures.
 
108

 
Attached as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K are certifications of our CEO and CFO, which are required by Rule 13a-14 of the Act. This Disclosure Controls and Procedures section includes information concerning management’s evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures referred to in those certifications and, as such, should be read in conjunction with the certifications of the CEO and CFO.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officer and effected by Beazer Homes USA, Inc.’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
 
Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Management performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2007, utilizing the criteria described in the “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). The objective of this assessment was to determine whether the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2007. That assessment identified the following control deficiencies as of September 30, 2007, that constituted material weaknesses:
 
Control Environment – The control environment, which is the responsibility of senior management, sets the tone of the organization, influences the actions of its employees, and is the foundation for all other components of internal control over financial reporting. We did not maintain an effective control environment. The Company identified the following deficiencies in our control environment as of September 30, 2007, each of which is considered to be a material weakness:
 
●           Code of Conduct Violations
 
The operating effectiveness of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Policy (the “Code”), which governs the execution by employees of their duties and responsibilities within established procedures, was deficient.  As a result, the Code was not consistently and strictly adhered to, including by certain of the Company’s former executive officers, and violations of the Code were not promptly and appropriately reported. This deficiency led to an environment where improper and erroneous accounting information was utilized related to certain transactions and financial statement matters and inappropriate decisions could have been made, and were made, including with respect to certain model home sale-leaseback transactions and certain home closings in California, that were not in accordance with GAAP.
 
●           Compliance With Laws and Regulations
 
The design of the Company’s controls related to our mortgage origination practices was not sufficient to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, or to enable a determination of the financial statement impact of such violations to the Company’s financial statement amounts and disclosures. This resulted in the violation of certain applicable federal and/or state regulations, and could result in reimbursement of losses and payment of regulatory and/or criminal fines.
 
●           Segregation of Duties
 
Our former Chief Accounting Officer had primary review and oversight responsibilities for many financial reporting activities and controls designed to ensure the accuracy of our financial statements. This lack of segregation of duties was a deficiency in the design of our internal control over financial reporting that allowed for improprieties or errors in the application of accounting practices to go undetected.
 
●           Management Override and Collusion
 
Based on the results of the independent investigation by the Audit Committee, we believe that our former Chief Accounting Officer caused or permitted deficiencies to occur in the operating effectiveness of our internal controls through the override of certain documentation and financial accounting and reporting controls. In addition, the results of the investigation uncovered collusion with some of the Company’s business unit employees to inappropriately manipulate earnings.
 
109

 
Accounting Policy, Procedures, and Controls – There was a material weakness in the design of accounting policies, procedures, and controls specifically related to the application of GAAP in accounting for certain estimates involving significant management judgments. Specifically our policies did not:
 
 
 
Establish objective guidelines that should be applied in the determination of certain accruals;
 
 
Require detailed analyses and review of certain subjective estimates;
 
 
Require significant estimates and related assumptions to be documented and approved;
 
 
Require dual approval for material journal entries that directly impact earnings through the adjustment of accruals and reserves;
 
 
Establish consistent guidelines for the compilation of financial and operational reports; and
 
 
Provide visibility into accruals and estimates which were recorded in the consolidated financial statements in amounts that were different from the sum of such accruals recorded at a divisional level.
 
The material weaknesses described above resulted in the restatement of our annual financial statements for fiscal years 1998-2006 and our quarterly financial statements for the quarters ended December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007. These material weaknesses had the following impacts on the Company’s financial reporting:
 
 
Inappropriate reserves and other accrued liabilities were recorded relating to land development costs, house construction costs and warranty accruals. These errors were caused by a failure to require a determination and documentation of the reasonableness of the assumptions used to develop such estimates of future expenditures for land development, house construction and warranty claims.
 
 
Asset impairments were misstated because certain assumptions used to calculate impairments, indirect costs and capitalized interest were improper or inaccurate.
 
 
The accounting for certain model home sale and leaseback agreements was not in compliance with GAAP. GAAP does not permit a sale of real estate to be recognized if the seller has a continuing involvement in the real estate sold. The Company’s arrangement for certain sale and leaseback transactions included various forms of continuing involvement which prevented the Company from accounting for the transactions as sales.
 
 
Certain sale and leaseback agreements entered into by the former Chief Accounting Officer were not properly documented and considered in the evaluation of the accounting for the transactions.
 
 
Certain home closings in California were not reflected in the Company’s accounting records in the proper accounting periods.
 
Because of the material weaknesses described above, the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2007. The attestation report of Beazer Homes’ independent registered public accounting firm is included in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this report under the captions entitled “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.”
 
Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Remediation Steps to Address Material Weaknesses
The Company’s executive, regional and financial management are committed to achieving and maintaining a strong control environment and an overall tone within the organization that empowers all employees to act with the highest standards of ethical conduct. In addition, management remains committed to the process of developing and implementing improved corporate governance and compliance initiatives. Our current management team has been actively working on remediation efforts to address the material weaknesses, as well as other identified areas of risk as follows:
 
110

 
We appointed a Compliance Officer in November 2007. The Compliance Officer is responsible for implementing and overseeing the Company’s enhanced Compliance Program. The Compliance Officer has oversight responsibility for compliance practices across the organization and will implement programs designed to foster compliance with all laws, rules, and regulations as well as Company policies and procedures.
 
We revised, adopted, disclosed, and distributed an amended Code of Business Conduct and Ethics in March 2008. In addition, a comprehensive set of “Interpretive Guidelines” was developed and implemented in conjunction with the amended Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. These guidelines are intended to assist employees with understanding the requirements of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by setting out specific examples of potential business situations. Both the Code and the Guidelines highlight the existence of multiple lines of communication for employees to report concerns which include: their immediate supervisor, any member of management, any local or corporate officer, local or Corporate Human Resources, the Compliance Officer, the Head of Audit and Controls, the Legal Department, the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors or through the Ethics Hotline.
 
We transferred the administration of our Ethics Hotline from officers of the Company to an independent third party company in March 2008. Complaints are reported directly to the independent third party, whether via the toll-free Ethics Hotline or via an on-line form. In addition to other things, the transfer of administration of the Ethics Hotline is intended to help ensure that all employees understand that there is an independent, confidential, and if the employee chooses, anonymous method of reporting ethics concerns, including those related to accounting, financial reporting or other irregularities. An “Awareness Campaign” will be launched to introduce all employees to the new Ethics Hotline process and to encourage reporting of all concerns.
 
We launched a comprehensive training program in April 2008 that emphasizes adherence to and the vital importance of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Every employee in the Company is required to participate in the training program which was developed by an outside company that specializes in ethics and other employee training programs.
 
We withdrew from the mortgage business and voluntarily discontinued accepting mortgage applications in February 2008. Prior to our withdrawal from the mortgage business, we terminated certain employees from our mortgage subsidiary who we concluded violated certain HUD regulations.
 
We terminated the Company’s former Chief Accounting Officer and took appropriate action, including the termination of employment, against other business unit employees who violated the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Policy. While the former Chief Accounting Officer was terminated for cause, due to violations of the Company’s ethics policy stemming from attempts to destroy documents in violation of the Company’s document retention policy, we believe his termination has addressed concerns about the internal control deficiencies that we believe he caused or permitted to occur.
 
We hired a new, experienced Chief Accounting Officer in February 2008. The new Chief Accounting Officer has significant experience in the homebuilding industry, including one prior circumstance where he was retained to oversee financial controls.
 
We have reorganized our field operations to concentrate certain accounting, accounts payable, billing, and purchasing functions into Regional Accounting Centers, and we are implementing new controls and procedures. This centralization is designed to create a greater degree of control and consistency in financial reporting practices and enable trend analyses across business units.
 
We have created the position of Regional CFOs within the Regional Accounting Center finance function to minimize the lack of segregation of duties in our prior structure that placed overly concentrated control with the Corporate Chief Accounting Officer. The Regional CFOs will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity of financial information prior to submission to the Corporate office and enable these employees to assess data and identify trends across multiple markets. The risks of override and collusion are also expected to be minimized as these positions have a much wider span of control and authority.

 
The Chief Accounting Officer and Regional CFOs are taking, or plan to take in the near term, the following additional actions:
 
 
-
Conducting reviews of accounting processes to incorporate technology improvements to strengthen the design and operation of controls;
 
 
-
Formalizing the process, analytics, and documentation around the monthly analysis of actual results against budgets and forecasts conducted within the accounting and finance departments;
 
 
-
Improving quality control reviews within the accounting function to ensure account analyses and reconciliations are completed accurately, timely, and with proper management review;
 
 
-
Formalizing and expanding the documentation of the Company’s procedures for review and oversight of financial reporting.
 
111

 
We have streamlined the responsibilities of business unit financial Controllers to eliminate certain previously held responsibilities related to Budgeting & Forecasting and Land Management; Controllers are now specifically responsible solely for financial reporting, which we believe will foster a more thorough and targeted review of financial statements.
 
We are in the process of developing, and/or clarifying existing accounting policies related to estimates involving significant management judgments, as well as other financial reporting areas. The new policies will focus on ensuring appropriate review and approval, defining minimum documentation requirements, establishing objective guidelines to minimize the degree of judgment in the determination of certain accruals, enforcing consistent reporting practices, and enabling effective account reconciliation, trend analyses, and exception reporting capabilities. Specific policies and practices that have already been implemented include:
 
 
-
House construction cost accruals are now cleared at consistent intervals after the house has closed with the customer.
 
 
-
Warranty reserves are now consistent across business units according to a routine calculation based on historical trends.
 
 
-
Several system applications were developed during the restatement process to identify transactions requiring adjustment. These tools were designed so that they can, and will, be used prospectively to monitor several of the specific areas which required restatement.
 
We have allocated additional resources within our Audit and Controls department to the review of financial reporting policies, process, controls, and risks. The Audit and Controls department has also developed and is in the process of implementing additional review procedures specifically focused on period-end reporting validation.
 
We believe the measures described above, once designed and operating effectively, will remediate the material weaknesses we have identified and strengthen our internal control over financial reporting. We are committed to continuing to improve our internal control processes and will diligently and vigorously review our financial reporting controls and procedures. As we continue to evaluate and work to improve our internal control over financial reporting, we may determine to take additional remediation measures or determine to modify, or in appropriate circumstances not to complete, certain of the remediation measures described above.
 
Inherent Limitations over Internal Controls
 
Our system of controls is designed to provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance regarding the reliability and integrity of accounting and financial reporting. Management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system will be met. These inherent limitations include the following:
 
Judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and control and process breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes.
 
●           Controls can be circumvented by individuals, acting alone or in collusion with each other, or by management override.
 
The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.
 
Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with associated policies or procedures.
 
The design of a control system must reflect the fact that resources are constrained, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.
 
Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.
 
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PART III
 
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
Directors and Executive Officers
 
Set forth below is a list of our directors and executive officers as of April 25, 2008:
 
Name
 
Age
 
Position
Ian J. McCarthy
 
54
 
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Michael H. Furlow
 
57
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Allan P. Merrill
 
42
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Michael R. Douglas
 
54
 
Executive Vice President, Special Counsel
Laurent Alpert
 
61
 
Director
Katie J. Bayne
 
41
 
Director
Brian C. Beazer
 
73
 
Director
Peter G. Leemputte
 
51
 
Director
Larry T. Solari
 
65
 
Director
Stephen P. Zelnak
 
63
 
Director
 
Business Experience
 
IAN J. MCCARTHY. Mr. McCarthy is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Beazer Homes and has served as a director of Beazer Homes since the IPO. Mr. McCarthy has served as President of predecessors of Beazer Homes since January 1991 and was responsible for all United States residential homebuilding operations in that capacity. During the period May 1981 to January 1991, Mr. McCarthy was employed in Hong Kong and Thailand, becoming a director of Beazer Far East and from January 1980 to May 1981 was employed by Kier, Ltd., a company engaged in the United Kingdom construction industry which became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Beazer PLC. Mr. McCarthy is a Chartered Civil Engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree from The City University, London. Mr. McCarthy currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of HomeAid America and of Builder Homesite, Inc. He was inducted into the California Building Industry Hall of Fame in 2004, the first non-California resident to receive this honor.
 
MICHAEL H. FURLOW. Mr. Furlow joined us in October 1997 as the Executive Vice President for Operations and was named Chief Operating Officer in 1998. In this capacity, the Division Presidents report, directly or indirectly, to Mr. Furlow, and he is responsible for the performance of those operating divisions. During the 12 years prior to joining Beazer Homes, Mr. Furlow was with Pulte Home Corporation in various field and corporate roles, most recently as a Regional President. Mr. Furlow received a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Accounting from the University of West Florida and initially worked as a Certified Public Accountant for Arthur Young & Company.
 
ALLAN P. MERRILL. Mr. Merrill joined us in May 2007 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Merrill was previously with Move, Inc. where he served as Executive Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy beginning in October 2001. From April 2000 to October 2001, Mr. Merrill was president of Homebuilder.com, a division of Move, Inc. Mr. Merrill joined Move, Inc. following a 13-year tenure with the investment banking firm UBS (and its predecessor Dillon, Read & Co.), where he was a managing director and served most recently as co-head of the Global Resources Group, overseeing the construction and building materials, chemicals, forest products, mining and energy industry groups. Mr. Merrill is a member of the Policy Advisory Board of the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University and the Homebuilding Community Foundation. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School with a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
 
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MICHAEL R. DOUGLAS. Mr. Douglas joined us in May 2007 as Senior Vice President, Special Counsel and was promoted to Executive Vice President, Special Counsel in August 2007. Mr. Douglas previously served as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of Move, Inc. since October 2002. From 1997 to October 2002, Mr. Douglas was a product liability consultant. From 1987 to 1997, Mr. Douglas was senior vice president, general counsel and secretary at Fibreboard Corporation. Mr. Douglas has served as a director of law of the Asbestos Claims Facility, litigation counsel for Jim Walter Corporate and as an attorney in private practice. Mr. Douglas received his Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School in 1979. Mr. Douglas resigned his position as executive vice president effective April 25, 2008 and will cease to be an employee effective on or prior to July 15, 2008.
 
LAURENT ALPERT. Mr. Alpert, 61, has served as a director since February 2002. Mr. Alpert is a partner in the international law firm of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton. He joined Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton in 1972 and became a partner in 1980. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard College and a law degree from Harvard Law School. Mr. Alpert is also a Director of the International Rescue Committee, a non-profit organization providing relief and resettlement services to refugees.
 
KATIE J. BAYNE. Ms. Bayne, 41, has served as a director since December 2003. Ms. Bayne is Chief Marketing Officer, Coca-Cola North America for The Coca-Cola Company, responsible for portfolio strategy, knowledge and insights, consumer communication, brand programming, media, sports/entertainment, and interactive marketing. Since joining The Coca-Cola Company in 1989, she has held various marketing positions in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Sydney, Australia. Ms. Bayne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University, and a master of business administration from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. She currently sits on the board of Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta.
 
BRIAN C. BEAZER. Mr. Beazer, 72, is the Non-Executive Chairman of Beazer Homes’ Board of Directors and has served as a director of Beazer Homes since its initial public offering (the “IPO”) in 1994. From 1968 to 1983, Mr. Beazer was Chief Executive Officer of Beazer PLC, a United Kingdom company, and then was Chairman and CEO of that company from 1983 to the date of its acquisition by an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Hanson PLC (effective December 1, 1991). During that time Beazer PLC expanded its activities to include homebuilding, quarrying, contracting and real estate, and became an international group with annual revenue of approximately $3.4 billion. Mr. Beazer was educated at the Cathedral School, Wells, Somerset, England. He is a Director of Beazer Japan, Ltd; Seal Mint, Ltd; United Pacific Industries Limited; and Numerex Corp., and is a private investor.
 
PETER G. LEEMPUTTE. Mr. Leemputte, 50, has been a director since August 2005. Mr. Leemputte has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Brunswick Corporation, a publicly traded global leader in the leisure products industry, including pleasure boats, marine engines, bowling and billiards products and fitness equipment since 2003, having joined Brunswick in 2001 as Vice President and Controller. Prior to joining Brunswick Corporation, Mr. Leemputte was Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of Chicago Title Corporation, a leading publicly traded national service provider offering residential and commercial title insurance. Before joining Chicago Title Corporation, Mr. Leemputte was a Vice President with Mercer Management Consulting in Chicago where he was a partner in the firm’s global practice covering strategy and operational studies within process industries. His career also includes domestic and international financial assignments with Armco Inc., FMC Corporation and BP Amoco. He also served as a product development engineer with Procter & Gamble Company. Mr. Leemputte holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Washington University, St. Louis and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.
 
LARRY T. SOLARI. Mr. Solari, 65, has served as a director of Beazer Homes since the IPO. From 1998 to 2001, Mr. Solari was the Chairman and CEO of BSI Holdings, Inc. in Carmel, California. Mr. Solari was the Chairman and CEO of Sequentia, Inc. from 1996 to 1997 and President of the Building Materials Group of Domtar, Inc. from 1994 to 1996. Mr. Solari was President of the Construction Products Group of Owens-Corning Fiberglas from 1986 to 1994. Mr. Solari held various other positions with Owens-Corning Fiberglas since 1966. Mr. Solari earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management and a Master of Business Administration degree from San Jose State University and is a graduate of Stanford University’s Management Program. Mr. Solari is a Director of Pacific Coast Building Products, Inc., Atrium Companies, Inc., TruStile Doors, LLC, and Performance Contracting Group. Mr. Solari is a past director of the Policy Advisory Board of the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies and an Advisory Board Member of the National Home Builders Association.
 
STEPHEN P. ZELNAK, JR. Mr. Zelnak, 62, has served as a director of Beazer Homes since February 2003. He is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. Mr. Zelnak joined Martin Marietta Corporation in 1981 and prior to assuming his current position in 1993, had been the President of Martin Marietta Corporation’s Materials Group and of Martin Marietta’s Aggregates Division. Mr. Zelnak received a Bachelors degree from Georgia Institute of Technology and Masters degrees in Administrative Science and Business Administration from the University of Alabama System. He has served as Chairman of the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry, and is the past Chairman of the North Carolina Community College Foundation. He serves on the Advisory Boards of North Carolina State University and Georgia Institute of Technology.
 
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Code of Ethics
 
Beazer Homes has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for its senior financial officers, which applies to its principal financial officer and controller, other senior financial officers and Chief Executive Officer. The full text of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics can be found on the Company’s website, www.beazer.com. If at any time there is an amendment or waiver of any provision of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is required to be disclosed, information regarding such amendment or waiver will be published on our website.
 
Audit Committee
 
We have an Audit Committee of the Board of Directors that meets the definition of an audit committee as set forth in Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Alpert, Leemputte and Solari. The Board has determined that Mr. Leemputte is an “audit committee financial expert” (as defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K).
 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
 
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our executive officers and directors and persons who own more than ten percent of our stock, as well as certain affiliates of such persons, to file initial reports of ownership and changes of ownership with the SEC and the NYSE. These parties are required to furnish us with copies of forms they file. Based solely on a review of the copies of the Section 16(a) forms and amendments thereto received by us and on written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that all reports required pursuant to Section 16(a) for fiscal year 2007 were timely filed by all persons known by us to be required to file such reports with respect to our securities, with the following exceptions. A Form 4 for Michael T. Rand, former Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, has not been filed by Mr. Rand to report forfeitures of options and restricted shares pursuant to his termination of employment for cause. A Form 4 for each of Ian J. McCarthy, Brian C. Beazer, and Katie J. Bayne to report vesting of restricted stock units was inadvertently filed one day late.
 
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Item 11. Executive Compensation
 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
 
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis addresses the following:
           
  compensation governance;
  the process for determining compensation for Named Executive Officers;
 
the philosophy and objectives of our executive compensation program, including what the program is intended to reward;
  ●  composition of and rationale for the individual elements of our executive compensation program; and
 
methods for determining the level of each individual element.
 
Compensation Governance. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of Messrs. Solari and Zelnak and Ms. Bayne, each of whom the Board has determined to be independent in accordance with the NYSE listing standards. Mr. Solari has chaired the Committee since October 2002.
 
Role of the Committee
The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. A copy of the charter is available in the Investor Relations section of our website, www.beazer.com, under “Corporate Governance.”. In general, the Compensation Committee carries out the Board’s responsibilities relating to the compensation of our executives and directors. The fundamental responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include the following:
 
 
review, oversee and approve corporate performance goals, objectives and policies related to executive compensation;
 
evaluate the Chief Executive Officer’s and other executive officers’ performance in light of those performance goals and objectives;
 
based on this evaluation, either as a Committee, or together with other independent directors (as directed by the Board), determine and approve the compensation level and individual compensation elements for the CEO and, with the CEO’s input, for other executive officers;
 
administer the Company’s cash-based and equity incentive compensation plans and approve all awards under such plans for members of senior management, which includes all of the Named Executive Officers;
 
oversee corporate succession planning; and
 
review and establish compensation levels and programs for our directors.
 
The Committee has the sole authority on behalf of the Company to retain and terminate any outside compensation consultant as well as the authority to approve the fees charged by such consultant and other retention terms. In fiscal 2007, the Committee retained Tatum Partners regarding executive compensation matters, and Berkowitz, Trager & Trager and PriceWaterhouseCoopers regarding executive employment agreements. In prior years, the Committee has also retained Watson Wyatt on executive compensation matters and Sullivan and Cromwell as independent legal counsel to the Committee.
 
Annually, the Committee reviews and examines comparative cash and equity compensation data, including that extracted from the proxy statements, for a peer group of publicly-held homebuilders (the “Peer Group”). The Peer Group currently consists of Centex Corporation, D.R. Horton, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., KB Home, Lennar Corporation, M.D.C Holdings, Inc., NVR, Inc., Pulte Homes, Inc., Ryland Group, Inc., and Toll Brothers, Inc. These companies were chosen due to their similarity to us in principal business activities. This comparative compensation data is used to gauge the appropriateness and competitiveness of our executive compensation plans and programs. The Committee believes information regarding pay practices at other publicly-held homebuilders is useful to establish that our executive compensation practices are generally competitive, although the Committee does not establish compensation levels based on industry practice alone.
 
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Role of Executives
The Chief Executive Officer annually reviews the performance of each of his direct reports, which in fiscal 2007 included all other Named Executive Officers (except for Mrs. Boydston) and makes recommendations to the Committee based on this review. The Chief Financial Officer reviewed the performance of Mrs. Boydston. The Non-Executive Chairman of the Board prepares and presents an annual assessment of the performance of the Chief Executive Officer to the Committee. In its annual evaluation of executive performance, the Committee considers the reports of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board; however it has total discretion in adopting any recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. The Chief Executive Officer is present for Committee deliberations related to his direct reports, but not for himself. The Chief Executive Officer, along with the Chairman of the Compensation Committee and the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, are charged by the Compensation Committee with recommending performance guidelines, reviewing executive performance against such performance guidelines approved by the Committee, and recommending bonus awards to the Committee, including those for Named Executive Officers (other than the CEO for himself), under the Discretionary Bonus Plan which was established in September 2006 and is described below.
 
At various times during the year at the request of the Committee, the Chief Financial Officer and the Senior Vice President, Human Resources may attend Committee meetings, or portions thereof, to provide the Committee with information requested by the Committee.
 
Compensation Philosophy. The Company’s executive compensation program is designed to attract and retain highly qualified executive leadership and fully align the executives’ interests with those of stockholders by a) rewarding through cash incentive compensation both annual and long-term financial success as measured by Value Created, defined as earnings before interest and taxes (“EBIT”) in excess of cost of capital and by b) rewarding through equity incentive compensation for both relative and absolute performance of the Company’s stock and total return to stockholders.
 
The key principles of our executive compensation program that support this philosophy include:
 
1.
Base salaries should generally be comparable to the median for similar positions at companies in the Peer Group;
 
2.
Annual incentive opportunities should represent a significant portion of total cash compensation for executives, and provide both meaningful upside opportunity for current and future EBIT in excess of cost of capital and downside risk for current and future shortfalls of the same; and
 
3.
Equity incentives should include executive ownership of our equity as well as stock options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights in order to align executives’ risks and rewards directly with those of our stockholders. A portion of equity incentives should also be tied to the relative performance of the Company’s total stockholder return as compared to a defined industry peer group (“the Performance Stock Peer Group”).
 
This philosophy aims to strike an appropriate balance between annual compensation and long-term compensation so that our executives are appropriately focused on the achievement of both near-term and longer-term financial performance and total return to stockholders. We further aim to ensure management’s interests are directly aligned with those of stockholders through an appropriate balance between cash and equity compensation. Such a balance further ensures that our executives are appropriately incentivized and at the same time both conserves the Company’s working capital and prevents undue dilution of our stockholders’ holdings.
 
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Elements of Executive Compensation. Each element of executive compensation is described further below.
 
Base Salary
We pay base salaries to our executives in order to recruit and retain executives and to provide a base level of compensation in light of the executive’s qualifications, responsibilities and contributions. Base salaries are generally determined by the Compensation Committee based on comparisons of Peer Group base salary practices for positions of similar responsibilities and size, the roles and responsibilities of the executives, and on individual performance as presented to the Compensation Committee as described above. The Compensation Committee does not engage in a formulaic benchmarking process and does not assign a particular weight to any of these factors in its review. For 2007, the Compensation Committee decided not to increase the base salaries of the Named Executive Officers and has made a similar determination for 2008, with the exception of Mr. Douglas, for whom the Committee approved an increased base salary of $50,000 or 14.3% to $400,000 in accordance with the terms of his employment letter effective May 1, 2007, and Mrs. Boydston, whose base salary was increased by $7,410 or 3% to $254,410. Mr. Douglas resigned his position as executive vice president effective April 25, 2008 and will cease to be an employee effective on or prior to July 15, 2008. Mrs. Boydston resigned effective March 14, 2008.
 
Annual Incentive Compensation
 
The Executive Value Created Incentive Plan
Except as described below, we pay annual incentive compensation to our Named Executive Officers under the Amended and Restated 2005 Executive Value Created Incentive Plan or Executive VCIP. The most recent plan was approved by stockholders in 2005, although the Company has administered earlier versions of this plan since 1997. Participation in the Executive VCIP is at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and is generally available only to officers who are full time employees at the level of corporate senior vice president and above. Named Executive Officers who were participants in the plan in fiscal 2007 were Messrs. McCarthy and Furlow and Mrs. Boydston. Mr. O’Leary was also a participant in this plan until his resignation in March 2007. Mr. Merrill, who joined the Company in May 2007 was not a participant in fiscal 2007, but will be one in fiscal 2008. Mr. Douglas, who also joined the Company in May 2007, is not a participant in this plan; elements of his annual incentive compensation are further described below.
 
The awards under this Plan are made based upon the extent to which Beazer Homes realizes EBIT, defined as earnings before interest and taxes, in excess of our cost of capital. The amount of EBIT in excess of cost of capital is referred to as Value Created. Plan awards are also based on the increase in Value Created over the prior year, referred to as Incremental Value Created. The Compensation Committee believes paying annual incentive compensation based on generating returns in excess of the cost of capital encourages executives to make investment and operating decisions with a view toward both current year and long-term financial performance, particularly given the longer investment time horizons inherent in the homebuilding industry. In addition, the Committee believes an incentive plan based on return on capital further aligns the interests of executives with those of stockholders.
 
In determining award levels under Executive VCIP, each participating executive is assigned a range of percentages (in the case of Value Created) and a specific percentage (in the case of Incremental Value Created) by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee also sets a maximum award amount under the Executive VCIP for each executive by reference to a multiple of salary. The ranges, percentages and multiples are determined based on the executive’s position and with a view of providing cash incentive compensation that is competitive with those awarded to similar positions at companies in the Peer Group, if such information is available. The ranges, percentages and multiples set by the Compensation Committee for fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008 are set forth below under “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table”.
 
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The cost of capital component of these formulae consists of a capital charge for the use of capital employed in the business. The Compensation Committee sets the capital charge for the participating Named Executive Officers as a percentage of the capital employed. The capital charge, which currently ranges from 11% to 14% is determined based both on the Company’s estimated cost of capital and on the executive’s position, with a view of providing cash incentive compensation that is competitive with those awarded to similar positions at companies in the Peer Group, if such information is available. In fiscal 2007, for corporate executive vice presidents and above, including Messrs. McCarthy, Furlow and O’Leary, the capital charge was 11% and for corporate senior vice presidents, including Mrs. Boydston, was 14%. For fiscal 2008, the capital charge will remain the same for the current participants and will be 11% for Mr. Merrill.
 
Payments under the Executive VCIP are made subject to the sole discretion of the Committee and the Committee may reduce or disallow any payment or award under the Executive VCIP on a case by case basis in appropriate circumstances.
 
Based upon our fiscal 2007 financial performance, resulting in negative EBIT, compared to positive EBIT in fiscal 2006, both Value Created and Incremental Value Created for the Company were negative for fiscal 2007 and no incentive amounts were earned by or paid to the Named Executive Officers under the Executive VCIP.
 
Each year, the Committee has the right to review and revise the formula used to calculate incentive compensation payments under the Executive VCIP. Any changes approved by the Committee before the beginning of any fiscal year are applied to awards under the Executive VCIP for that fiscal year. The Compensation Committee intends to review the Executive VCIP for potential changes at least every three years and reserves the right to amend it for any fiscal year prior to the commencement of such fiscal year, subject to stockholder approval if required by law, the rules of the NYSE or in order to continue to qualify payments hereunder as “performance-based compensation” under Internal Revenue Code Section 162 (m). Payments made under this Executive VCIP are intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).
 
A description of additional terms of the Executive VCIP may be found in the “Narrative Disclosure to the Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table”.
 
Discretionary Bonus Awards and Retention Payments
On September 27, 2006, the Compensation Committee approved the establishment of a Discretionary Bonus Plan for certain of the Company’s employees, including the Named Executive Officers. Awards under this Plan may be granted to participants based in whole or in part by the achievement of performance guidelines established from time to time at the discretion of the Committee, but awards may also be made by the Compensation Committee under this Plan without reference to any specific performance guidelines. The Committee determined that establishing a separate discretionary plan alongside the Executive VCIP was appropriate in order to reward exceptional performance that supports overall Company objectives. Furthermore, the plan was designed to provide flexibility, particularly in light of current market conditions, to retain top performing executives, and to motivate executives by tying compensation to individual performance against criteria supporting specific Company objectives appropriate to the current downturn in housing. The Chairman of the Compensation Committee, the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and our Chief Executive Officer are charged with recommending performance guidelines, reviewing executive performance for purposes of the Plan and recommending bonus awards to the Committee (other than the CEO for himself). Payments under the discretionary bonus plan do not qualify as performance-based compensation under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).
 
In fiscal 2007, the Committee evaluated the possibility of implementing performance guidelines for the purposes of granting awards under this Plan, but ultimately decided not to and has not made a determination with respect to fiscal 2008 at this time. No awards under the discretionary plan were made to Named Executive Officers for fiscal 2007 with the exception of Mr. Merrill, who was awarded $200,000. The award was made in recognition of his contributions since joining the Company in May 2007, including those leading to the successful conclusion of an amended revolving credit facility agreement and consent solicitation of the Company’s senior note holders, both of which were important achievements for the Company in navigating the current downturn in the housing market.
 
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In accordance with the terms of his offer letter dated April 13, 2007, Mr. Merrill also received a guaranteed bonus of $250,000 for fiscal 2007. In accordance with the terms of his employment letter effective May 2007, Mr. Douglas received a guaranteed bonus of $145,833, representing 100% of salary, prorated for months worked in fiscal 2007.
 
The Compensation Committee also determined that is was appropriate to award retention payments to certain key members of senior management for fiscal 2007. One Named Executive Officer, Mrs. Boydston, received a retention payment of $50,000 for fiscal 2007.
 
The Corporate Management Stock Purchase Program
In order to promote ownership of our stock by key executives, we maintain the Corporate Management Stock Purchase Program or CMSPP. Under the CMSPP, certain key executives, including the Named Executive Officers, may, at their election, have a portion of their annual cash awards under the Executive VCIP and Discretionary Bonus Plan deposited into an account as Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) representing shares of our common stock. These elections are made during September preceding the fiscal year for which the elections apply. The number of RSUs deposited is determined based on a per share price calculated at a 20% discount from the closing stock price of our common stock on the date of award. Shares represented by RSUs are issuable three years from the date of award, subject to an election for further deferral by the participant. Until issued, the shares cannot be sold, assigned, pledged or encumbered, receive no dividends, have no voting rights, and may appreciate or depreciate in value from the time they are purchased to when they vest and are subsequently issued. No RSUs were issued under the CMSPP to Named Executive Officers for fiscal 2007 incentive compensation.
 
Due to low availability of shares at the beginning of fiscal 2008 under the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, from which shares under CMSPP are issued, the Compensation Committee suspended this program for fiscal 2008 and will revisit its use for fiscal 2009.
 
Long-term Incentive Compensation
Equity-based Long-term Incentives
We utilize four equity-based, long-term incentives: stock options, stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SSARs”), time-based restricted stock, and performance-based restricted stock pursuant to the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan. Grants of some combination of stock options, SSARs, restricted stock and performance-based stock are generally made annually. Interim grants are made from time to time for new executive appointments and promotions. Beginning in February 2006, the Committee adopted a practice of awarding to Named Executive Officers 50% of equity incentives in the form of stock options or SSARs and 50% in the form of restricted stock, generally half of which is in the form of time-based restricted stock and half in the form of performance-based restricted stock. The Committee believes that awarding a mix of equity incentives in these proportions appropriately balances rewarding absolute and relative performance of the Company’s stock to ensure an alignment of the interests of management with those of stockholders in order to maximize stockholder return.
 
Stock options and SSARs are granted with exercise prices equal to 100% of fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Commencing in fiscal 2007, the Company began granting SSARs in lieu of stock options. The Committee viewed this to be beneficial as SSARs are less dilutive to other stockholders than stock options since only the amount of appreciation, rather than the entire grant, is awarded in shares. At the same time, they are cost neutral to stock options for the Company since they are treated the same under FAS 123(R). The allocation of future awards of SSARs and stock options will also depend on availability of each under the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, as the plan has different sublimits for these awards. The Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan contains a prohibition on re-pricing options without stockholder approval.
 
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Grants of time-based restricted stock are restricted from sale and subject to forfeiture prior to vesting. Performance-based restricted stock vests contingent upon the ranking of the compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of total return to stockholders of Beazer Homes’ stock as compared to the compound annual growth rate of total stockholder return of the stock of the Performance Stock Peer Group over a defined time period (the “performance period”). The Performance Stock Peer Group consists of the following nine companies: Centex Corporation, D.R. Horton, Inc., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., KB Home, Lennar Corporation, M.D.C Holdings, Inc., Pulte Homes, Inc., Ryland Group, Inc., and Toll Brothers, Inc. NVR, Inc., which is included in the Peer Group used for comparative compensation analysis, was excluded from the Performance Stock Peer Group by the Compensation Committee due to a lack of comparability in terms of capital structure and stock valuation metrics. Further information on the vesting of performance-based restricted stock and other equity incentives are included in the “Narrative Disclosure to the Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table.”
 
The Compensation Committee generally reviews and approves proposed grants of all awards under the equity incentive plans in connection with the February Board of Directors meeting and Annual Meeting of Stockholders. This was done to establish consistent measurement dates across participants for the purposes of determining vesting of performance-based restricted stock. However, as a result of the pending U.S. Attorney and SEC investigations, litigation and related matters, including the restatement of the prior years’ financial statements recently conducted, the Company has not yet held its Annual Meeting and the Compensation Committee has not reviewed or approved any grants for fiscal 2008 at this time.
 
In determining the amount of equity compensation to be granted to Named Executive Officers annually, the Compensation Committee employs a defined multiple of base salary, although this is subject to the discretion of the Committee, who may alter the amount based on additional factors such as past award histories and assessment of competitive practice. The multiples of base salary are determined based on the executive’s position and with a view of providing levels of equity compensation that are competitive with those awarded to similar positions at companies in the Peer Group, if such information is available. The resulting dollar amount is converted to a unit equivalent based on the closing stock price on the grant date, and, in the case of stock options or SSARs, this closing stock price on the grant date is discounted by 60% solely for the purpose of converting the multiple of salary to a unit equivalent; as noted above the exercise price is equal to 100% of fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. As noted above, 50% of the award is granted in the form of stock options or SSARs, 25% in the form of time-based restricted stock and 25% in the form of performance-based restricted stock. Although not all Named Executive Officers received equity grants in fiscal 2007 (as discussed further below) and no grants for 2008 have been reviewed or approved at this time, salary multiples in place for the Named Executive Officers are as follows:
 
 
Ian J. McCarthy
6.0 times base salary
 
Michael H. Furlow
4.0 times base salary
 
Allan P. Merrill
4.0 times base salary
 
Michael Douglas
3.0 times base salary
 
Cory J. Boydston
0.3 times base salary
 
In February 2006, the Committee approved long-term stock incentive grants for Messrs. McCarthy, Furlow, and O’Leary. These long-term stock incentive grants were approved to ensure the retention of these executives and to more fully align their interests with those of stockholders by rewarding them for relative and absolute performance of the Company’s stock from 2006 onward. Pursuant to his voluntary resignation in March 2007, Mr. O’Leary’s unvested grants were forfeited. The grants were comprised 50% in the form of stock options and 50% in the form of restricted stock, half of which was in the form of time-based restricted stock and half in the form of performance-based restricted stock. These grants were intended to be in lieu of the typical annual grants for the subsequent three years, and as such, the multiple of salary was applied to three years’ base salary at the then current level. As such, no stock incentive grants were made to these executives in fiscal 2007. Mr. Merrill received a similar grant in May 2007, at the time he joined the Company. Salary multiples used for these grants were 6.0 times for Mr. McCarthy and 4.0 times for Messrs. Furlow, O’Leary and Merrill.
 
121

 
In accordance with the terms of Mr. Douglas’ employment letter effective May 1, 2007, he was awarded ‘phantom’ stock options and ‘phantom’ restricted stock on his employment date. Each phantom stock option and each share of phantom restricted stock is the economic equivalent to an option to purchase one share of Beazer stock and one share of Beazer stock, respectively. The form and vesting schedule (which is accelerated as compared to the vesting schedule of equity grants to other Named Executive Officers) of Mr. Douglas’ phantom equity compensation was designed differently from the other Named Executive Officers given his role as Special Counsel, where his duties include handling all litigation stemming from the recent investigation into the Company’s mortgage origination practices and accounting restatement, securities litigation and related issues. Mr. Douglas resigned his position as executive vice president effective April 25, 2008 and will cease to be an employee effective on or prior to July 15, 2008.
 
Executives who resign from Beazer, or are terminated for cause before equity-based grants are vested, forfeit such grants.
 
Stock Ownership Guidelines
In order to more closely align the interests of directors and senior corporate management with those of stockholders, the Board has adopted guidelines requiring that directors and certain senior corporate officers, including the Named Executive Officers, acquire and maintain ownership, directly or beneficially, of a meaningful amount of Company stock (“Executive and Director Stock Ownership Program”). As currently structured, within four years of appointment to covered positions, each covered individual must acquire and continue to own a minimum level of Company stock equivalent in value to a specified multiple of the executive’s annual base salary or director’s annual retainer. The required multiples vary according to the covered position and are summarized below:
       
Position
   
Value of Required Stock Ownership
 
Directors
 
5 x Annual Director Retainer
President & CEO
 
5 x Base Salary
Executive Vice President & COO
 
4 x Base Salary
Executive Vice President & CFO
 
3 x Base Salary
Certain Other Corporate Executives, including the other
Named Executive Officers
 
2 x Base Salary
 
The Board has delegated to the Compensation Committee the primary responsibility for overseeing and implementing the Executive and Director Stock Ownership Program, including interpreting, monitoring compliance with and enforcing Executive and Director Stock Ownership Program as adopted or amended by the Board from time to time. As a result of the pending U.S. Attorney and SEC investigations, litigation and related matters, including the restatement of the prior years’ financial statements recently conducted, the Company’s directors and the Named Executive Officers were subject to ongoing closed period restrictions which prohibited them from buying or selling Beazer stock through much of fiscal 2007 and to date in fiscal 2008. As such, the Compensation Committee and Board of Directors suspended the Executive and Director Stock Ownership Program for fiscal 2008 and will revisit the program, including possible modifications of required multiples, later this fiscal year.
 
Deferred Compensation Plan
Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted the Beazer Homes USA, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan to provide eligible employees the opportunity to defer receipt of current compensation. The amount of compensation deferred by participants is determined based on elections by the plan participants and paid in accordance with the terms of the Deferred Compensation Plan. Prior to the beginning of each year, Plan participants for that year may elect to defer up to 50% of their base salary and up to 75% of their annual bonus. The election is irrevocable for the year, and Plan participants must make a new election each year in which they wish to participate. At the same time deferral elections are made, Plan participants also elect when they wish to receive distributions in the future of their deferrals and any discretionary Company contributions. Plan participants may schedule a fixed payment date or dates for payment of the deferred amounts while employed or elect to have such amounts paid upon termination of employment, either in lump sum or installments. Early non-scheduled distributions (permitted only for funds deferred in plan years 2002 through 2004, under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code) can be made and incur a penalty. Distributions which qualify as ‘hardship’ distributions from any plan year incur no penalty. For fiscal 2007, we provided matching cash contributions equal to the lesser of 50% of compensation deferred under the Plan or 3% of eligible compensation, reduced by the matching contributions credited to the participant under our 401(k) Plan. In the case of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the Compensation Committee has historically, in lieu of matching contributions, made discretionary lump sum deferred compensation payments on behalf of these executives in annual amounts of $200,000, $100,000, $50,000, respectively, with a view of providing an attractive and competitive element of deferred, post-employment or supplemental retirement benefit. These amounts are paid on a pro-rata basis each pay period. As such, in the case of Messrs. McCarthy, Furlow, Merrill and O’Leary, in fiscal 2007, the Compensation Committee made discretionary lump sum deferred compensation payments on behalf of these Named Executive Officers of $200,000, $100,000, $20,833 and $24,013, respectively.
 
122

 
Other Benefits
Our Named Executive Officers participate in employee benefit plans generally available to all employees on the same terms, including a 401(k) Plan that provides for a Company match on contributions. We do not have a defined benefit pension plan or supplemental executive retirement plan. Our Named Executive Officers are eligible, as are other senior managers, to use a company car or to receive a car allowance. In addition, they are granted vacation at the beginning of the year (as opposed to accruing it during the course of the fiscal year as is generally the case with other employees), and may elect to participate in the Executive Long-Term Disability Plan.
 
Employment and Change of Control Agreements. On September 1, 2004, Beazer Homes entered into amended and restated employment agreements (the “Employment Agreements”) with each of the following Named Executive Officers: Ian J. McCarthy, Michael H. Furlow, and James O’Leary. These agreements were subsequently amended on February 3, 2006. Effective May 1, 2007, Beazer Homes entered into an employment agreement with Allan P. Merrill. The Employment Agreements set forth the basic terms of employment for each executive, including base salary, bonus and benefits, including benefits to which each executive is entitled if employment is terminated for various reasons. The basic terms of employment for Mr. Douglas, including base salary, bonus and benefits are outlined in his employment letter effective May 1, 2007, when he joined the Company. Mr. Douglas resigned his position as executive vice president effective April 25, 2008 and will cease to be an employee effective on or prior to July 15, 2008.
 
The Board of Directors of the Company, at the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication of the Named Executive Officers, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control of the Company. The Board believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of an executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened Change of Control and to encourage the executive’s full attention and dedication to the Company currently and in the event of any threatened or pending Change of Control, and to provide the executive with compensation and benefits arrangements upon a Change of Control which ensure that the compensation and benefits expectations of the executive will be satisfied and which are competitive. As such, the Compensation Committee has approved Supplemental Employment (Change of Control) Agreements for the Named Executive Officers. These Supplemental Employment Agreements provide for continued employment of the Named Executive Officer for two years following a Change of Control or stated benefits if the Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated without cause, or he or she leaves with Good Reason, within two years of a Change of Control (a “double-trigger”). The Change of Control provisions in these agreements supersede any similar provisions in the Named Executive Officer’s Employment Agreement.
 
A description of additional terms of the employment and change of control agreements may be found in the “Narrative Disclosure to the Post-Employment Compensation Table.”
 
123

 
Tax Deductibility of Compensation. It is the Committee’s general policy to consider whether particular payments and awards are deductible to Beazer Homes for Federal income tax purposes, along with other factors, which may be relevant in setting executive compensation practices. The Internal Revenue Service limits the deductibility for Federal income tax purposes of compensation payments to certain executive officers in excess of $1 million subject to certain exemptions and exceptions.
 
Report of the Compensation Committee
 
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402 (b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s Proxy Statement.
 
 
Larry T. Solari
 
Katie J. Bayne
 
Stephen P. Zelnak, Jr.
   
 
The Members of the Committee
 
Summary Compensation Table
 
Set forth below is summary compensation information for each person who was (1) at any time during fiscal 2007 our Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer and (2) at September 30, 2007, one of our three most highly compensated executive officers, other than the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”).
 
Name and
Principal Position
 
Year
 
Salary ($)
(2)
 
Bonus
($) (3)
 
Stock
Awards
($) (4)
 
Option
Awards
($) (4)
 
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
 
Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
 
All Other
Compensation
($) (5)
 
Total
 
Ian J. McCarthy -
                                                     
President and Chief
 
2007
 
$
1,200,000
 
$
0
 
$
3,168,413
 
$
2,947,523
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
219,522
 
$
7,535,458
 
Executive Officer
                                                     
                                                       
Michael H.
                                                     
Furlow - Executive
 
2007
 
$
800,000
 
$
0
 
$
1,495,010
 
$
1,395,412
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
111,011
 
$
3,801,433
 
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
                                                     
                                                       
Allan P. Merrill -
                                                     
Executive Vice
 
2007
 
$
250,000
 
$
450,000
 
$
303,870
 
$
405,368
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
30,040
 
$
1,439,278
 
President and Chief Financial Officer(1)
                                                     
                                                       
Michael Douglas -
                                                     
Special Counsel
 
2007
 
$
145,833
 
$
145,833
 
$
26,692
 
$
15,378
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
6,625
 
$
340,361
 
and former Executive Vice President (1)
                                                     
                                                       
Cory J. Boydston -
                                                     
Former Senior Vice
 
2007
 
$
247,000
 
$
50,000
 
$
30,080
 
$
34,251
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
15,000
 
$
376,331
 
President and Treasurer (1)
                                                     
                                                       
James O’Leary -
                                                     
Former Executive
 
2007
 
$
269,590
 
$
944,892
 
$
0
 
$
28,529
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
81,563
 
$
1,324,574
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (1)
                                                     
 
124

 
(1)
Mr. O’Leary resigned from the Company effective March 23, 2007. Messrs. Merrill and Douglas joined the Company effective May 1, 2007. Mr. Douglas resigned his position as executive vice president effective April 25, 2008 and will cease to be an employee effective on or prior to July 15, 2008. Mrs. Boydston resigned from the Company effective March 14, 2008.
(2)
Includes $3,000 and $51,042, respectively for Messrs. Merrill and Douglas which were deferred by the executive under the Deferred Compensation Plan
(3)
For Mr. Merrill, includes $250,000 guaranteed bonus in accordance with his offer letter and $200,000 discretionary bonus awarded by the Compensation Committee. Mr. Douglas received a guaranteed bonus of $145,833, equal to his base salary prorated for months worked in fiscal 2007, in accordance with his employment letter. Mrs. Boydston received a retention payment of $50,000. For Mr. O’Leary, represents his prorated average annual bonus that he became entitled to upon his resignation in accordance with his employment agreement.
(4)
Amounts reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 in accordance with FAS 123(R) except that estimated forfeitures have been disregarded for these purposes. These columns include amounts from awards of restricted stock, RSUs, stock options and SSARs granted both in and prior to fiscal 2007. Messrs. McCarthy, Furlow and O’Leary received no grants in fiscal 2007, with the exception of RSUs to Mr. McCarthy representing his election to defer a portion of his fiscal 2006 annual cash bonus compensation. See “Grants of Plan Based Awards Table” for information pertaining to grants made to Messrs. McCarthy, Merrill and Douglas and Mrs. Boydston in fiscal 2007. Further information regarding the valuation of stock and option awards can be found in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2007. Mrs. Boydston resigned from the Company effective March 14, 2008; all unvested equity awards were forfeited. Mr. O’Leary resigned from the Company effective March 23, 2007; all unvested equity awards were forfeited. Mr. Douglas resigned from his position as executive vice president of the Company effective April 25, 2008. Upon his termination of employment, which will be effective on or prior to July 15, 2008, all unvested equity awards will be forfeited.
(5)
“All Other Compensation” consists of the following:

Name and Principal Position
 
Deferred
Compensation
Match or
Discretionary
Lump Sum
Contributions
 
401 K
Company
Match
 
Car
Allowance/
Company
Car
 
Accrued
Vacation
Paid
at
Termination
 
Total
 
Ian J. McCarthy - President and Chief
 
$
200,000
 
$
6,750
 
$
12,772
   
N/A
 
$
219,522
 
Executive Officer
                               
                                 
Michael H. Furlow - Executive Vice
 
$
100,000
 
$
6,750
 
$
4,261
   
N/A
 
$
111,011
 
President and Chief Operating Officer
                               
                                 
Allan P. Merrill - Executive Vice
 
$
20,833
 
$
4,870
 
$
4,337
   
N/A
 
$
30,040
 
President and Chief Financial Officer
                               
                                 
Michael Douglas - Special Counsel and
 
$
2,625
 
$
0
 
$
4,000
   
N/A
 
$
6,625
 
former Executive Vice President
                               
                                 
Cory J. Boydston - Former Senior Vice
 
$
0
 
$
6,600
 
$
8,400
   
N/A
 
$
15,000
 
President and Treasurer
                               
                                 
James O’Leary - Former Executive Vice
 
$
24,013
 
$
3,945
 
$
1,913
 
$
51,692
 
$
81,563
 
President and Chief
                               
Financial Officer
                               
 
125

 
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
 
The following table shows information about eligible or granted plan-based awards for fiscal 2007 to the Named Executive Officers.
 
         
Estimated Future Payouts
Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards
 
Estimated Future Payouts
Under
Equity Incentive Plan
Awards
                           
Name
 
Grant
Date
 
Threshold ($)
 
Target
($)
 
Maximum
($) (1)
 
Threshold
(#) (2)
 
Target
(#) (2)
 
Maximum
(#) (2)
 
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#)
 
All Other Option Awards:
Number of Securities Underlying Options (#)
 
Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/sh)
 
Grant Date
Fair Value of Stock and
Option Awards
($)
   
Ian J.
McCarthy
         
(1)
   
(1)
 
$
10,560,000
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
     
11/15/2006
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
40,103
(3)
 
-
   
-
 
$
1,783,380
(3)
 
Michael
H. Furlow
         
(1)
   
(1)
 
$
4,488,000
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
Allan P.
   
5/1/2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
26,471
   
52,941
   
79,412
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
$
1,808,818
   
Merrill
                                                                     
     
5/1/2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
52,941
(4)
 
-
   
-
 
$
1,799,994
   
     
5/1/2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
264,706
 
$
34.00
 
$
4,864,413
   
Michael
Douglas
   
5/1/2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
15,441
(4)
 
-
   
-
 
$
524,994
   
     
5/1/2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
38,603
(5)
$
34.00
 
$
686,361
   
Cory J.
Boydston
         
(1)
   
(1)
 
$
339,625
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
     
11/15/2006
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,765
(3)
 
-
   
-
 
$
78,490
(3)
 
     
2/6/2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
237
   
473
   
710
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
$
13,031
   
     
2/6/2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
473
(4)
 
-
   
-
 
$
20,386
   
     
2/6/2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
2,364
 
$
43.10
 
$
53,261
   
James
O’Leary
         
(1)
   
(1)
 
$
2,618,000
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
                                                                       
 
 
(1)As discussed in “Compensation Discussion & Analysis” and in “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table”, awards under the Executive VCIP are made based upon the extent to which Beazer Homes realizes EBIT in excess of cost of capital, referred to as Value Created. Executives participating in the Executive VCIP each year are paid a set percentage of Value Created (if positive) and a set percentage of the increase in Value Created over the prior year (if positive), referred to as Incremental Value Created. As such, there are no threshold or target levels of estimated future payout under the Executive VCIP. The maximum total amount which may be awarded to a participant in any one year under the Executive VCIP is subject to a maximum bonus salary multiple determined by the participants position, prior to any performance factor adjustment, and in any case, may not exceed $11 million including any performance factor adjustment. (see “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table”). No awards were earned under the Executive VCIP for fiscal 2007.
 
(2)Represents grants of performance-based restricted stock which vests contingent upon the ranking of the compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of total return to stockholders of Beazer Homes’ stock as compared to the compound annual growth rate of total stockholder return of the stock of the Performance Stock Peer Group (which currently consist of nine companies) over a defined time period (the “performance period”). See “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table” and “Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” for further detail. Amounts shown assume a threshold level of achievement at a 50% vesting percentage assuming that our CAGR peer ranking achieved is equal to or above the 7th ranked peer during the performance period, a target level of achievement at a 100% vesting percentage assuming that our CAGR peer ranking achieved is equal to or above the 5th ranked peer during the performance period, and a maximum level of achievement at a 150% vesting percentage, assuming that our CAGR peer ranking achieved is above the 3rd ranked peer during the performance period.
 
(3)Represents portion of executive’s fiscal 2006 annual cash bonus compensation deferred under the CMSPP. Deferred amounts are deposited into an account as RSUs representing shares of our common stock. As such, the annual cash bonus compensation was earned and reported in fiscal 2006, although the grant took place in fiscal 2007. The number of RSUs deposited is determined based on a per share price calculated at a 20% discount from the closing stock price of our common stock on the date of award. Shares represented by RSUs vest three years from the date of award. Until vested, such shares cannot be sold, assigned, pledged or encumbered, do not receive dividends and do not have voting rights and may appreciate or depreciate in value from the time they are purchased to when they vest and are subsequently issued. The grant date fair value amount shown reflects the total number of RSUs granted, although only the 20% discount is amortized and expensed under FAS 123R.
 
(4)In the case of Mr. Merrill and Mrs. Boydston, represents grants of time-based restricted stock. In the case of Mr. Douglas, represents the grant of ‘phantom’ restricted stock.
 
(5)Award in the form of ‘phantom’ stock options.
 
126

 
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table
 
The Executive Value Created Incentive Plan
Grants of awards under our Executive Value Created Incentive Plan are disclosed in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table in the year they are granted. The value of the award is disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table in the year when the performance criteria under the plan are satisfied and the compensation earned.
 
The awards under this Plan are made based upon the extent to which Beazer Homes realizes EBIT in excess of our cost of capital. This amount of EBIT in excess of cost of capital is referred to as Value Created. Executives participating in the Executive VCIP each year are paid a set percentage of Value Created (if positive) and a set percentage of the increase in Value Created over the prior year (if positive), referred to as Incremental Value Created. Elements for determining Value Created and Incremental Value Created are defined as follows:
 
EBIT - Earnings Before Interest and Taxes.
 
Value Created (VC) - EBIT less a Capital Charge.
 
Incremental Value Created (IVC) - Increase or decrease in Value Created compared to the prior year.
 
Capital Employed - Total Assets, excluding cash, less Total Liabilities (other than debt). Also equal to total debt plus total equity, less cash on hand. This represents the total book value of the investment in the business. Capital Employed is determined daily.
 
Capital Charge – A charge for the use of capital employed in the business. The Capital Charge for the participating Named Executive Officers is currently in the range of 11% to 14% of the Capital Employed. In fiscal 2007, the Capital Charge was 11% for corporate executive vice presidents and above, including Messrs. McCarthy, Furlow and O’Leary and 14% for corporate senior vice presidents, including Mrs. Boydston. For fiscal 2008, the Capital Charge will remain the same for current participants and will be 11% for Mr. Merrill. The Capital Charge for purposes of this Plan is determined from time to time by, and may be adjusted individually or for the participants as a whole, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee in connection with its review of the Executive VCIP. The Compensation Committee, at its sole discretion, may approve objectively measurable adjustments to the Capital Charge, and therefore to VC and IVC, in recognition of special circumstances or to provide special incentives in the long-term interests of value creation. As an example, credit to the Capital Charge may be granted for purchases of land in advance of the immediate need for development, thereby encouraging commitments for future land development.
 
The percentage of Value Created paid is determined on a graduated scale which decreases as Value Created increases. The percentage of Incremental Value Created is fixed regardless of the level of Value Created. Each participating executive is assigned a range of percentages (in the case of Value Created) and a specific percentage (in the case of Incremental Value Created) by the Compensation Committee.
 
In addition, each year, pursuant to the Executive VCIP, the same percentages of Value Created and Incremental Value Created (whether positive or negative) are deemed to be put into a bank, which represents future bonus potential based upon a combination of both past and future performance, further encouraging a long-term view to decision-making. The bank is always at risk, and can be reduced by future negative performance.
 
Each year, after adding or subtracting the current year’s amounts to the bank, one third of the bank is paid out. The maximum balance of the bank, after current year additions and payments, is equal to one times the current year’s maximum cash payment, defined below. Twenty-five percent of any amount over this limit will be awarded in a combination of restricted stock and/or deferred compensation, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The remaining 75% of the excess is forfeited. At the end of each fiscal year, 10% of any positive ending bank, after current year adjustments, cash payments and any reduction for excess over the maximum limit specified in the Plan will be awarded as deferred compensation. This deferred compensation or restricted stock vests three years after the grant date and is forfeited upon termination for any reason other than a Change in Control. Upon a Change in Control, all such deferred compensation or restricted stock vests immediately.
 
In September 2006, the Committee established a minimum of one-half of an employee’s salary for purposes of annual opening bank balances under the Executive VCIP for fiscal year 2007 and future years.
 
The maximum total amount which may be awarded to any participant in any one year under the Executive VCIP is $10.0 million excluding any performance factor adjustment (described below) and $11.0 million including any performance factor adjustment, subject to a maximum bonus salary multiple which is determined by the participant’s position.
 
For fiscal 2007 and 2008, the percentages and maximum bonus salary multiples for the participating Named Executive Officers were and are as follows:
 
Name and Principal Position
 
Value Created (000’s)
                   
   
From
 
To
 
Value Created
Percentage
Incremental
Value
Created
Percentage
Maximum
Bonus
Salary
Multiple
Ian J. McCarthy - President and Chief Executive Officer
   
<
 
$
0
   
2.50
%
 
2.50
%
 
2.55
 
   
$
1
 
$
5,000
   
2.50
%
 
2.50
%
 
3.83
 
   
$
5,001
 
$
10,000
   
1.50
%
 
2.50
%
 
4.25
 
   
$
10,001
 
$
20,000
   
1.00
%
 
2.50
%
 
4.68
 
   
$
20,001
 
$
60,000
   
0.85
%
 
2.50
%
 
6.50
 
   
$
60,000
   
>
   
0.63
%
 
2.50
%
 
8.00
 
Michael H. Furlow - Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
   
<
 
$
0
   
1.50
%
 
1.50
%
 
2.19
 
   
$
1
 
$
5,000
   
1.50
%
 
1.50
%
 
3.28
 
   
$
5,001
 
$
10,000
   
0.90
%
 
1.50
%
 
3.64
 
   
$
10,001
 
$
20,000
   
0.60
%
 
1.50
%
 
4.01
 
   
$
20,001
 
$
60,000
   
0.30
%
 
1.50
%
 
4.37
 
   
$
60,000
   
>
   
0.20
%
 
1.50
%
 
5.10
 
                                 
Allan P. Merrill - Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
<
 
$
0
   
0.83
%
 
0.83
%
 
1.82
 
   
$
1
 
$
5,000
   
0.83
%
 
0.83
%
 
2.73
 
   
$
5,001
 
$
10,000
   
0.50
%
 
0.83
%
 
3.04
 
   
$
10,001
 
$
20,000
   
0.33
%
 
0.83
%
 
3.34
 
   
$
20,001
 
$
60,000
   
0.17
%
 
0.83
%
 
3.64
 
   
$
60,000
   
>
   
0.10
%
 
0.83
%
 
4.25
 
                                 
Cory J. Boydston - Former Senior Vice President and Treasurer
   
<
 
$
0
   
0.20
%
 
0.20
%
 
0.54
 
   
$
1
 
$
5,000
   
0.20
%
 
0.20
%
 
0.80
 
   
$
5,001
 
$
10,000
   
0.12
%
 
0.20
%
 
0.89
 
   
$
10,001
 
$
20,000
   
0.08
%
 
0.20
%
 
0.98
 
   
$
20,001
 
$
60,000
   
0.04
%
 
0.20
%
 
1.07
 
   
$
60,000
   
>
   
0.02
%
 
0.20
%
 
1.25
 
James O’Leary - Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
<
 
$
0
   
0.83
%
 
0.83
%
 
1.82
 
   
$
1
 
$
5,000
   
0.83
%
 
0.83
%
 
2.73
 
   
$
5,001
 
$
10,000
   
0.50
%
 
0.83
%
 
3.04
 
   
$
10,001
 
$
20,000
   
0.33
%
 
0.83
%
 
3.34
 
   
$
20,001
 
$
60,000
   
0.17
%
 
0.83
%
 
3.64
 
   
$
60,000
   
>
   
0.10
%
 
0.83
%
 
4.25
 
 
Percentages and Maximum Bonus Salary Multiples for Value Created less than $0 are for the purposes of calculating reductions in the bank and maximum payments from the bank, if positive.
 
127

 
Actual incentive payments funded may be adjusted by additional performance factors and percentages, subject to the determination by the Compensation Committee prior to the beginning of any fiscal year that such additional adjustments shall not apply. The Compensation Committee adopts from time to time a schedule showing the percentage adjustments based on scores or other elements achieved with respect to the additional performance factors. For fiscal 2007, the following performance factor adjustments were in place:
 
         
 
(a)
Profitable Growth:
 
   0% to +10%
 
(b)
Customer Satisfaction:
 
-10% to +0%
 
As such, actual incentive payments adjustments for fiscal 2007 could vary from -10% to +10% of the amount that would have been payable under the Executive VCIP before application of the performance factor adjustments.
 
As discussed above, based upon our fiscal 2007 financial performance both Value Created and Incremental Value Created for the Company were negative and no incentive amounts were earned by or paid to the Named Executive Officers under the Executive VCIP.
 
Equity-based Incentives
Grants of equity incentive plan awards and the full grant date fair value (determined in accordance with FAS 123(R)) of such awards are disclosed in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” in the year they are granted. The amount recorded as compensation expense in our income statement in accordance with FAS 123(R) relating to any such awards is disclosed in the “Summary Compensation Table” in the year when the compensation expense is recorded.
 
We utilize four equity-based, longer-term incentives: stock options, stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SSARs”), time-based restricted stock, and performance-based restricted stock pursuant to the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
Except in the case of the grants made to Messrs. McCarthy, Furlow, and O’Leary in February 2006 and to Mr. Merrill in May 2007, equity incentives vest as follows:
 
 
Stock options and SSARs vest after three years from the date of grant and expire seven years after grant (ten years for stock options granted prior to May 2003).
 
Time-based restricted stock vests five years from the date of grant.
 
Performance-based restricted stock vests after three years from grant contingent upon the ranking of the compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of total return to stockholders of Beazer Homes’ stock as compared to the compound annual growth rate of total stockholder return of the stock of the Performance Stock Peer Group over a defined time period (the “performance period”).
 
The performance criteria and corresponding vesting percentages for achieving such for performance-based restricted stock are defined as follows:
 
CAGR Peer Ranking
 
Vesting Percentage
Above 3rd Ranked Peer
 
150%
Equal to 3rd Ranked Peer
 
130%
Equal to or Above 4th Ranked Peer
 
115%
Equal to or Above 5th Ranked Peer
 
100%
Equal to or Above 6th Ranked Peer
 
75%
Equal to or Above 7th Ranked Peer
 
50%
Below 7th Ranked Peer
 
0%
 
Total stockholder return is defined as ending stock price plus dividends paid, divided by beginning stock price. Beginning stock price is defined as the average of the closing stock prices for the 20 trading days ending on the last trading day prior to the first trading day of the applicable performance period. Ending stock price is defined as the average of the closing stock prices for the 20 trading days ending on the last trading day of the performance period.
 
128

 
In February 2006, the Committee approved long-term stock incentive grants for Messrs. McCarthy, Furlow, and O’Leary. Mr. Merrill received a similar grant in May 2007, at the time he joined the Company. The vesting schedule for these grants differed from those described above as follows:
 
Performance-based restricted stock: One-third each of the aggregate number of performance-based restricted shares is eligible to vest depending on performance three, four and five years respectively after the beginning of the performance period, as defined in the award agreement. Depending on the level of performance achieved, as measured by the performance criteria described above, between 0% and 150% of shares then eligible for vesting on the performance date will vest. Upon termination of employment other than for cause or voluntary resignation, a portion of the performance-based restricted stock will vest, depending on length of service since the grant date.
 
Time-based restricted stock: Beginning five years after the date of grant, the restrictions on one-third of the time-based restricted stock will lapse each year for three years subject to continued employment. Upon termination of employment other than for cause or voluntary resignation, a portion of the restricted stock will vest, depending on length of service since the grant date.
 
Stock options or SSARs: Beginning three years after the date of grant, the stock options or SSARs vest one third each year for three years and will expire seven years after the date of grant. Upon termination of employment other than for cause or voluntary resignation, a portion of the stock options or SSARs will vest, depending on length of service since the grant date.
 
In accordance with the terms of Mr. Douglas’ employment letter effective May 2007, he was awarded ‘phantom’ stock options and ‘phantom’ restricted stock on his employment date. These phantom stock options were scheduled to vest over three years with one third vesting on the first anniversary of employment. The remaining two thirds were scheduled to vest in ratable increments each quarter over the following eight quarters. The phantom shares of restricted stock were scheduled to vest over five years, with 20% vesting on the first anniversary of employment with the remaining 80% vesting in ratable increments each quarter over the following 16 quarters. As a result of his termination of employment, which will be effective on or prior to July 15, 2008, all of the unvested ‘phantom’ stock options and restricted stock will be forfeited on the date of termination.
 
129

 
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
 
The following table provides information with respect to the common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options and other awards under our existing equity incentive plans as of September 30, 2007.
 
       
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards
                                         
Equity Incentive Plan
Awards
       
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options (#)
                                 
Name
 
Grant
Date
 
Exercisable
 
Unexercisable
 
Option
Exercise
Price ($)
 
Option
Expiration
Date
 
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not Vested
(#)
 
Market
Value
of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
($) (11)
 
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights that
Have Not
Vested (#)
(12)
 
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested ($)
(11)
Ian J.
                                               
McCarthy
 
4/16/2002
 
73,824
 
-
   
$
26.55
   
4/16/2012
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
4/16/2002
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
24,362
 (6)
 
$
200,987
 
-
   
-
   
11/15/2002
 
114,279
 
-
   
$
20.83
   
11/15/2012
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
2/10/2004
 
45,129
 
-
   
$
32.96
   
2/10/2011
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
2/10/2004
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
36,105
 (7)
 
$
297,866
 
-
   
-
   
11/4/2004
 
41,379
 
-
   
$
38.06
   
11/4/2011
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
11/4/2004
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
33,102
 (7)
 
$
273,092
 
-
   
-
   
11/15/2005
 
-
 
33,860
 (2)
 
$
62.02
   
11/15/2012
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
11/15/2005
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
27,088
 (7)
 
$
223,476
 
-
   
-
   
2/2/2006
 
-
 
393,816
 (3)
 
$
68.56
   
2/2/2013
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
2/2/2006
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
78,763
 (8)
 
$
649,795
 
-
   
-
   
2/2/2006
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
-
     
-
 
39,382
 
$
324,897
   
11/15/2006
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
40,103
 (10)
 
$
330,850
 
-
   
-
                                                 
Michael
                                               
H. Furlow
 
4/16/2002
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
12,977
 (6)
 
$
107,060
 
-
   
-
   
2/10/2004
 
27,306
 
-
   
$
32.96
   
2/10/2011
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
2/10/2004
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
21,846
 (7)
 
$
180,230
 
-
   
-
   
11/4/2004
 
25,614
 
-
   
$
38.06
   
11/14/2011
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
11/4/2004
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
20,493
 (7)
 
$
169,067
 
-
   
-
   
11/15/2005
 
-
 
19,349
 (2)
 
$
62.02
   
11/15/2012
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
11/15/2005
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
15,479
 (7)
 
$
127,702
 
-
   
-
   
2/2/2006
 
-
 
175,029
 (3)
 
$
68.56
   
2/2/2013
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
2/2/2006
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
35,007
 (8)
 
$
288,808
 
-
   
-
   
2/2/2006
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
-
     
-
 
17,504
 
$
144,404
                                                 
                                                 
Allan P.
                                               
Merrill
 
5/1/2007
 
-
 
264,706
 (3)(4)
 
$
34.00
   
5/1/2014
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
5/1/2007
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
52,941
 (8)
 
$
436,763
 
-
   
-
   
5/1/2007
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
-
     
-
 
26,471
 
$
218,382
                                                 
                                                 
Michael
                                               
Douglas
 
5/1/2007
 
-
 
38,603
 (5)
 
$
34.00
   
5/1/2014
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
5/1/2007
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
15,441
 (9)
 
$
127,388
 
-
   
-
                                                 
Cory J.
                                               
Boydston (1)
 
11/15/2002
 
4,803
 
-
   
$
20.83
   
11/15/2012
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
2/10/2004
 
3,450
 
-
   
$
32.96
   
2/10/2011
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
11/4/2004
 
1,590
 
-
   
$
38.06
   
11/4/2011
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
11/15/2005
 
-
 
1,042
 (2)
 
$
62.02
   
11/15/2012
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
11/15/2006
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
1,765
 (10)
 
$
14,561
 
-
   
-
   
2/6/2007
 
-
 
2,364
 (2)(4)
 
$
43.10
   
2/6/2014
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
   
2/6/2007
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
473
 (7)
 
$
3,902
 
-
   
-
   
2/6/2007
 
-
 
-
     
-
   
-
 
-
     
-
 
237
 
$
1,951
James
                                               
O’Leary (1)
     
-
         
-
   
-
 
-
     
-
 
-
   
-
 
(1)
Mrs. Boydston resigned from the Company effective March 14, 2008; all unvested equity awards were forfeited. Mr. O’Leary resigned from the Company effective March 23, 2007; all unvested equity awards were forfeited.
(2)
Award vests three years following grant.
(3)
Award vests ratably over a three year period beginning three years following grant.
(4)
Award in the form of stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SSARs”).
(5)
Award in the form of ‘phantom’ stock options. One-third of these vested on May 1, 2008, the first anniversary of employment. The remaining two-thirds will be forfeited on the effective date of Mr. Douglas’ termination of employment, which will be on or prior to July 15, 2008.
 
130

 
(6)           Award vests seven years following grant.
(7)
Award vests five years following grant.
(8)
Beginning five years after the date of grant, the restrictions on one-third of the award will lapse each year for three years subject to continued employment.
(9)
Award in the form of ‘phantom’ shares of restricted stock. 20% of these vested on May 1, 2008, the first anniversary of employment. The remaining 80% will be forfeited on the effective date of Mr. Douglas’ termination of employment, which will be on or prior to July 15, 2008.
(10)
Represents portion of executive’s annual cash bonus compensation deposited into an account as Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) representing shares of our common stock. The number of RSUs deposited is determined based on a per share price calculated at a 20% discount from the closing stock price of our common stock on the date of award. Shares represented by RSUs vest three years from the date of award. Until vested, such shares cannot be sold, assigned, pledged or encumbered, do not receive dividends and do not have voting rights and may appreciate or depreciate in value from the time they are purchased to when they vest and are subsequently issued.
(11)
Reflects the value using the closing share price of Beazer stock of $8.25 on the last trading day of fiscal 2007 (September 28, 2007).
(12)
Performance-based restricted stock vests contingent upon the ranking of the compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of total return to stockholders of Beazer Homes’ stock as compared to the compound annual growth rate of total stockholder return of the stock of the Performance Stock Peer Group over a defined time period (the “performance period”). See “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” for further detail. Amounts shown assumes a threshold level of achievement at a 50% vesting percentage which assumes that our CAGR peer ranking achieved is equal to or above the 7th ranked peer during the performance period.
 
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
 
The following table provides information with respect to the number and value of shares acquired during fiscal 2007 from the exercise of vested stock options and the vesting of restricted stock and RSUs.
 
   
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards
 
Name
 
Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)
 
Value Realized
Upon Exercise ($)
(4)
 
Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting (#)
 
Value Realized
Upon Vesting ($)
 
Ian J. McCarthy
   
179,535
(1)
$
6,292,552
   
19,254
(5)
$
163,659
 
                           
Michael H. Furlow
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
                           
Allan P. Merrill
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
                           
Michael Douglas
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
                           
Cory J. Boydston
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
                           
James O’Leary
   
23,049
(2)
$
507,766
   
-
   
-
 
     
10,500
(2)
$
189,768
             
     
17,394
(3)
$
14,220
             
 
(1)
Exercise of 179,535 stock options on November 14, 2006 at an option exercise price of $8.02 from a grant dated September 14, 2000.
(2)
Exercise of 23,049 and 10,500 stock options on November 13, 2006 at an option exercise price of $20.83 from a grant dated November 15, 2002 and $24.78 from a grant dated July 10, 2002, respectively.
(3)
Exercise of 17,394 stock options on March 23, 2007 at an option exercise price of $32.96 from a grant dated February 10, 2004.
(4)
Value realized upon exercise based on the difference between the market price of Beazer Homes common stock at the time of exercise of the option and the exercise price of the option.
(5)
Vesting of RSUs on September 25, 2007, representing previously deferred portion of executive’s annual cash bonus compensation three years prior. The per share market value of the vested RSUs was $8.50, which was the closing price of Beazer Homes common stock on that date.
 
131

 
Pension Benefits
 
We do not have a defined benefit pension plan or supplemental executive retirement plan or any other plans that are required to be disclosed in a pension benefits table.
 
Non-qualified Deferred Compensation
 
As discussed above, we maintain the Beazer Homes USA, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan to provide eligible employees the opportunity to defer receipt of current compensation. The following table sets forth the non-qualified deferred compensation of each Named Executive Officer in fiscal 2007.
 
Name
 
Executive
Contributions in
Last FY ($)
   
Registrant
Contributions
in
Last FY ($)(1)(2)
   
Aggregate
Earnings in Last
FY ($)(3)
 
Aggregate
Withdrawals /
Distributions ($)
   
Aggregate Balance
at Last FYE ($)(4)
 
Ian J. McCarthy
  $ 0     $ 786,208     $ 605,497       $ 0     $ 5,372,609  
Michael H. Furlow
  $ 0     $ 377,798     $ 1,225,080       $ 0     $ 10,277,388  
Allan P. Merrill
  $ 3,000     $ 20,833     $ 206       $ 0     $ 24,039  
Michael Douglas
  $ 51,042     $ 2,625     $ 518       $ 0     $ 54,185  
Cory J. Boydston
  $ 0     $ 28,218     $ 7,855       $ 0     $ 127,518  
James O’Leary
  $ 0     $ 172,283     $ 93,159  
($
    13,369 )   $ 2,072,973  
 
(1)
Includes discretionary lump sum or matching contributions by the Company of $200,000, $100,000, $20,833, $2,625 and $24,013 for Messrs. McCarthy, Furlow, Merrill, Douglas and O’Leary, respectively. These amounts are also reported under the “Summary Compensation Table – All Other Compensation”.
(2)
Includes amounts awarded of 10% of ending bank balance for fiscal 2006 under the Executive VCIP of $586,208, $277,798 and $148,270 for Messrs. McCarthy, Furlow and O’Leary, respectively. These amounts were awarded and therefore reported in the “Summary Compensation Table – All Other Compensation” in fiscal 2006, but were contributed by the Company in fiscal 2007. As such, they are not reported under the “Summary Compensation Table – All Other Compensation” for fiscal 2007.
(3)
Represents amounts of earnings on the balance of the participants’ accounts that are attributable to the performance of independently managed funds available to and selected by each participant under the Deferred Compensation Plan and in which deferred amounts are deemed to be invested. There is no guaranteed rate of return on these funds and the rate of return depends on the participants’ investment selections and on the market performance of the funds. None of the earnings in this column are included in the “Summary Compensation Table” because they were not preferential or above-market.
(4)
Aggregate balances include unvested amounts of Company contributions.
 
Narrative Disclosure to Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Table
 
In fiscal 2007, discretionary lump sum deferred compensation payments, in lieu of matching contributions, totaled $200,000, $100,000, $20,833 and $24,013, for Messrs. McCarthy, Furlow, Merrill and O’Leary, respectively. In addition, contributions, which vest after three years, are made to the Plan under the Executive VCIP as described above, if applicable. Under the Plan, participants select from a menu of investment options which track a variety of independently managed benchmark funds in which the funds are deemed to be invested. The return on the underlying investments determines the amount of earnings and losses that are credited or debited to the participants’ account. There is no guaranteed rate of return on these funds and the rate of return depends on the participants’ deemed investment option elections and on the market performance of the underlying funds. Deferred amounts and Company contributions are deposited in a trust that qualifies as a grantor trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and are invested in Company-owned variable life insurance contracts. We own these contracts and are the sole beneficiary. Our obligations under the Plan are unsecured general obligations and rank equally with our other unsecured general creditors. Amounts deferred by participants and earnings and losses thereon are 100% vested. With the exception of contributions made under the Executive VCIP, the Company contributions and earnings and losses thereon vest on the same schedule as our 401(k) Plan.
 
132

 
Potential Post-employment Compensation
 
We have entered into Employment Agreements with certain of the Named Executive Officers and Supplemental Employment Agreements in the event of a Change of Control with each of the Named Executive Officers. Under the terms of these agreements, the Named Executive Officers are entitled to severance payments and other benefits in the event termination of employment under certain circumstances. These benefits may include cash payments, continuation of benefits and the acceleration of vesting outstanding equity-based incentives.
 
Employment Agreements
On September 1, 2004, Beazer Homes entered into amended and restated employment agreements (the “Employment Agreements”) with each of the following Named Executive Officers: Ian J. McCarthy, Michael H. Furlow, and James O’Leary. These agreements were subsequently amended on February 3, 2006. On May 1, 2007, Beazer Homes entered into an employment agreement with Allan P. Merrill. The Employment Agreements set forth the basic terms of employment for each executive, including base salary, bonus and benefits, including benefits to which each executive is entitled if employment is terminated for various reasons.
 
The Employment Agreement between the Company and Mr. McCarthy is effective for a three year period. The Employment Agreements between the Company and Messrs. Furlow and Merrill are each effective for a two year period, as was the employment agreement between Mr. O’Leary and the Company prior to his resignation in March 2007. Each Employment Agreement will be extended for successive one year periods unless earlier terminated by the Company or the executive or otherwise terminated in accordance with the respective Employment Agreement.
 
In the event an executive’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for “cause”, as defined below (or, in the case of Mr. McCarthy, terminated by the executive for “good reason”, generally defined as the assignment of the Executive to any duties materially inconsistent with his position as contemplated under the Employment Agreement or to any office or location other than as provided in the Employment Agreement, or certain other failures or breaches by the Company with respect to certain provisions under the Employment Agreement), the Company will pay to the executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after the date of termination the following amounts: (1) the executive’s annual base salary through the date of termination to the extent not already paid, (2) any accrued but unpaid annual bonus for any completed fiscal year ending prior to the date of termination, (3) the arithmetic average of the executive’s bonuses under the Company’s annual incentive plans in which the executive participates during the last three full fiscal years prior to the date of termination or for such lesser period as the executive has been employed by the Company (annualized in the event that the Executive was not employed by the Company for the whole of any such fiscal year) (“Average Annual Bonus”), pro-rated to the date of termination and (4) any deferred compensation (subject to payment election previously made by the executive) and accrued vacation pay. The sum of these amounts are referred to as “Accrued Obligations.”
 
In addition, the executive will be entitled to receive an amount equal to the sum of (1) executive’s annual base salary, and (2) the Average Annual Bonus, for the severance period. The sum of these amounts are referred to as “Severance”. The severance periods are three years from the date of termination for Mr. McCarthy, and two years from the date of termination for Messrs. Furlow and Merrill. Executives also continue to participate in the Company’s benefit plans during the severance period. These amounts will be paid at the same time that payments of annual base salary and bonus would otherwise have become due and payable absent termination. The Severance payments and the continuation of the benefits are subject to the compliance by the executive with the non-compete, non-solicitation and confidentiality provisions in the applicable Employment Agreement.
 
If an executive voluntarily terminates his employment, he will be entitled to receive an amount equal to the Accrued Obligations. 
 
133

 
If the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for “cause”, or as a result of the executive’s death or disability, the executive will be entitled to receive an amount equal to his base salary through the effective date of termination, and all other amounts to which the executive may be entitled under his Employment Agreement to the effective date of termination, including, in the case of termination for death or disability only, bonus amounts under the incentive plans in which the executive participates, which will be prorated to the date of termination. For the purposes of the Employment Agreements, “cause” is generally defined as (1) any act or failure to act by the Named Executive Officer done with the intent to harm in any material respect the financial interests or reputation of the Company; (2) Named Executive Officer being convicted of (or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to) a felony; (3) Named Executive’s dishonesty, misappropriation or fraud to the Company, (4) a grossly negligent act or failure to act by Named Executive Officer which has a material adverse affect on the Company; (5) the material breach by Named Executive Officer of his agreements or obligations under the Employment Agreement which has a material adverse effect on the Company; or (6) the continued refusal to follow the directives of the Board or its designees which are consistent with Executive’s duties and responsibilities.
 
The timing of payment by the Company of any deferred compensation shall remain subject to the terms and conditions of the Deferred Compensation Plan and any payment election previously made by the executive; provided, however, that, if at the time of termination, the executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, then payments shall not be made before the date which is six (6) months after the date of separation from service with the Company.
 
Upon his voluntary resignation from the Company in March 2007, Mr. O’Leary received an amount equal to his base salary through the effective date of termination and accrued vacation pay. Mr. O’Leary’s compensation deferred under the Deferred Compensation Plan was paid in accordance with the Plan and his elections beginning in March 2008. In addition in March 2008 he received $944,892 representing his prorated average annual bonus that he became entitled to upon his resignation.
 
Under the Employment Agreement, a Named Executive Officer is subject to certain non-compete and non-solicitation restrictions at all times that the Executive is employed by the Company and for a period of time after the Executive’s employment under the Employment Agreement is terminated for any reason equal to the greater of 180 days or such longer period of time that the Executive is entitled to receive payments under the Employment Agreement.
 
On May 1, 2007, the Company extended an employment letter to Mr. Douglas which set forth the basic terms of his employment, including base salary and benefits, a guaranteed bonus, and long-term incentive compensation. Upon the termination of his employment for any reason (which will occur on or prior to July 15, 2008), the Company’s obligations are as follows: to pay a lump sum in cash within 30 days after the date of termination equal to the sum of (1) base salary through the date of termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (2) except in the case of termination for cause, any accrued but unpaid annual bonus respecting any completed fiscal year ending prior to the date of termination, and (3) any compensation previously deferred (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and any vacation pay, in each case to the extent not theretofore paid.
 
Supplemental Employment (Change of Control) Agreements
On September 1, 2004, each of Mr. McCarthy, Mr. Furlow, Mr. O’Leary, and Mrs. Boydston entered into a supplemental employment agreement (the “Supplemental Employment Agreements”), each of which were amended in February 2006. These Supplemental Employment Agreements provide for continued employment of a Named Executive Officer for two years following a Change of Control or stated benefits if the Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated without cause, or he or she leaves with good reason within two years of a Change of Control (a “double-trigger”). A “Change of Control” is defined generally as:

 
The acquisition by any individual, entity or group of beneficial ownership of 25% or more of either the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company or the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors; or
 
Individuals who, as of the date of the Supplemental Employment Agreement, constitute the Board of Directors (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided however, that any individual subsequently becoming a director whose election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board; or
 
134

 
 
Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; or
 
Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
 
The Change of Control provisions in these agreements supersede any similar provisions in the Named Executive Officer’s Employment Agreement. Mr. Merrill and Mr. Douglas entered into similar agreements in May 2007 when they joined the Company.
 
Pursuant to the Supplemental Employment Agreements, the Company will continue to employ the executive for a period of two years from the date the Change of Control occurs (the “Effective Date”). In the event a Change of Control occurs and an executive terminates his or her employment for good reason or is terminated by the Company other than for cause, then the executive will be entitled to an amount, payable in a lump sum, equal to the sum of (1) the Accrued Obligations; (2) the product of (A) a stated multiple ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 and (B) the sum of the executive’s annual base salary and the highest annual bonus paid to the executive during the preceding three full fiscal years or for such lesser period as the executive has been employed by the Company (annualized in the event that the Executive was not employed by the Company for the whole of any such fiscal year) (“Highest Annual Bonus”); and (3) all other amounts to which the Executive may be entitled under his or her Supplemental Employment Agreement. In addition, the Company must provide the Executive and his or her family benefits similar to those in place prior to the Effective Date for a period of one year times the applicable stated multiple following the effective date of termination.
 
The stated multiple for Mr. McCarthy is 3.0, for Messrs. Furlow and Merrill, 2.0 and for Mr. Douglas and Mrs. Boydston, 1.5.
 
The Supplemental Employment Agreements also provide that the executive may terminate his or her employment during the 30-day period following the six-month anniversary of a Change of Control, and such termination will be deemed to be termination for good reason. If the executive terminates his or her employment pursuant to the good reason termination provision, then the executive will be subject to certain non-compete and non-solicitation restrictions for a period of one year following the termination of the executive’s employment. 
 
Subsequent to a Change of Control, if the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for cause, the executive will be entitled to receive an amount equal to the portion of his or her annual base salary accrued through the effective date of termination and any compensation previously deferred and all other payments to which the executive may be entitled under his or her Supplemental Employment Agreement.
 
The Supplemental Employment Agreements provide that if any payment or distribution by the Company to the Named Executive Officer would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company will pay the Named Executive Officer an additional amount sufficient to cover the excise tax, as well as any applicable federal, state income and employment taxes or other payments that may apply to the additional amounts paid.
 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Berkowitz, Trager & Trager, and Sullivan and Cromwell served as advisors to the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors in establishing the terms of the Employment Agreements, the Supplemental Employment Agreements and amendments thereof. PricewaterhouseCoopers concluded that the agreements are reasonable in terms of both comparability to competitive practice and advancement of stockholder interests.
 
Disposition of Outstanding Equity Awards at Termination
Under the Company’s equity incentive plans, executives who resign from Beazer, or are terminated for cause, before equity-based grants are vested, forfeit such grants, except as described below with respect to grants of RSUs.
 
135

 
Our equity incentive plans provide for accelerated vesting of all outstanding equity-based grants in the event of a Change of Control. In the event that an executive’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for cause or due to death or disability, vested grants of most stock options and SSARs are exercisable for a period of 3 to 12 months following termination, depending on the reason for termination, and (except as noted in the next sentence) unvested grants are forfeited. Certain grants of stock options or SSARs made to Messrs. McCarthy, Furlow and Merrill and grants of restricted stock or performance-based restricted stock are subject to pro-rata vesting based on the number of whole months worked since the date of grant up to the date of termination (except in the case of termination for cause or voluntary resignation).
 
Under the CMSPP, executives who resign from Beazer, or are terminated for cause, prior to the vesting of RSUs receive the lesser of the amount originally deferred by the executive or the current value of the equivalent number of shares of stock represented by the RSUs. In the event of a Change of Control or termination of employment due to death or disability, RSUs vest in full. Executives whose employment is otherwise terminated by the Company other than for cause receive shares represented by RSUs on a pro-rata basis based on the number of whole months worked since the date of grant up to the date of termination. For RSUs that do not convert to shares as described above, executives receive the lesser of the amount originally deferred by the executive or the current value of the remaining RSUs that did not convert.
 
Potential Post-employment Compensation Table
The following table summarizes the payments and benefits that each executive would be entitled to receive in the event termination of employment under certain circumstances as of the last day of the Company’s fiscal year, September 30, 2007, and is based on each executive’s compensation and a closing stock price of $8.25 as of that date.
 
Information is not included for James O’Leary, our former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer as Mr. O’Leary’s termination benefits were triggered on his effected date of resignation in March 2007 and are included in the Summary Compensation Table above.
 
136

 

                                           
       
Type of Termination
 
   
Payment or Benefit Type
 
Change in
Control (1)
 
Death or
Disability
 
Voluntarily
by
Executive
 
Voluntarily
by Executive
for Good
Reason
 
By the
Company
for Cause
 
By the
Company
Other Than
for
Cause
 
Ian J. McCarthy
 
Severance
 
$
28,152,300
(2)
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
25,687,269
(3)
$
0
 
$
25,687,269
(2)
   
Accrued Obligations (4)
 
$
7,394,731
 
$
7,394,731
 
$
7,394,731
 
$
7,394,731
 
$
32,308
 
$
7,394,731
 
   
Continuation of Benefits (5)
 
$
72,334
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
72,334
 
$
0
 
$
72,334
 
   
Stock Option/SSAR Vesting
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Restricted Stock Vesting
 
$
1,645,223
 
$
752,697
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
752,697
 
   
Restricted Stock Unit Vesting/Payout
 
$
330,850
 
$
330,850
 
$
330,850
 
$
330,850
 
$
330,850
 
$
330,850
 
   
Performance Restricted Stock Vesting
 
$
704,921
 
$
205,772
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
205,772
 
   
Gross-up Payment
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Total
 
$
38,300,359
 
$
8,684,050
 
$
7,725,581
 
$
33,485,184
 
$
363,158
 
$
34,443,653
 
                                           
Michael H. Furlow
 
Severance
 
$
9,519,582
(2)
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
9,084,042
(2)
   
Accrued Obligations (4)
 
$
3,772,790
 
$
3,772,790
 
$
3,772,790
   
N/A
 
$
30,769
 
$
3,772,790
 
   
Continuation of Benefits (5)
 
$
50,840
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
50,840
 
   
Stock Option/SSAR Vesting
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Restricted Stock Vesting
 
$
872,858
 
$
419,991
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
419,991
 
   
Restricted Stock Unit Vesting/Payout
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Performance Restricted Stock Vesting
 
$
313,312
 
$
91,460
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
91,460
 
   
Gross-up Payment
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Total
 
$
14,529,382
 
$
4,284,241
 
$
3,772,790
   
N/A
 
$
30,769
 
$
13,419,123
 
                                           
Allan P. Merrill
 
Severance
 
$
3,600,000
(2)
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
3,600,000
(2)
   
Accrued Obligations (4)
 
$
1,224,038
 
$
1,224,038
 
$
1,224,038
   
N/A
 
$
24,038
 
$
1,224,038
 
   
Continuation of Benefits (5)
 
$
30,183
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
30,183
 
   
Stock Option/SSAR Vesting
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Restricted Stock Vesting
 
$
436,763
 
$
20,815
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
20,815
 
   
Restricted Stock Unit Vesting/Payout
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Performance Restricted Stock Vesting
 
$
447,357
 
$
29,123
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
29,123
 
   
Gross-up Payment (6)
 
$
2,365,860
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Total
 
$
8,104,201
 
$
1,273,976
 
$
1,224,038
   
N/A
 
$
24,038
 
$
4,904,159
 
                                           
Michael Douglas (7)
 
Severance
 
$
1,050,000
(2)
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
20,192
(2)
   
Accrued Obligations (4)
 
$
376,923
 
$
26,923
 
$
26,923
   
N/A
 
$
26,923
 
$
26,923
 
   
Continuation of Benefits (5)
 
$
21,640
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Phantom Stock Option Vesting
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Phantom Restricted Stock Vesting
 
$
127,388
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Restricted Stock Unit Vesting/Payout
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Gross-up Payment (6)
 
$
592,733
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Total
 
$
2,168,684
 
$
26,923
 
$
26,923
   
N/A
 
$
26,923
 
$
47,115
 
                                           
Cory J. Boydston (8)
 
Severance
 
$
891,734
(2)
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
57,000
(2)
   
Accrued Obligations (4)
 
$
340,391
 
$
14,102
 
$
14,102
   
N/A
 
$
14,102
 
$
14,102
 
   
Continuation of Benefits (5)
 
$
18,125
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Stock Option/SSAR Vesting
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Restricted Stock Vesting
 
$
3,902
 
$
462
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Restricted Stock Unit Vesting/Payout
 
$
14,561
 
$
14,561
 
$
14,561
   
N/A
 
$
14,561
 
$
14,561
 
   
Performance Restricted Stock Vesting
 
$
4,044
 
$
462
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Gross-up Payment
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
   
N/A
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
   
Total
 
$
1,272,757
 
$
29,587
 
$
28,663
   
N/A
 
$
28,663
 
$
85,663
 
 
(1)
Amounts set forth in this column are payable following a Change in Control only upon a termination by the Company other than for cause or a termination by the executive for good reason.
(2)
Severance in the event of a Change of Control equals the executive’s stated multiple times the sum of the executive’s annual base salary and the Highest Annual Bonus. Mr. Merrill’s Supplemental Employment Agreement, which he entered into in May 2007 upon joining the company, stipulates for the purpose solely of calculating his Highest Annual Bonus that his fiscal 2007 bonus was deemed to be equal to two times his annual salary, or $1,200,000.
(3)
For Messrs. McCarthy, Furlow and Merrill, severance in the event of a termination of employment by the Company other than for cause (or for good reason in the case of Mr. McCarthy) equals the executive’s stated multiple times the sum of the executive’s annual base salary and the Average Annual Bonus. Mr. Merrill’s Supplemental Employment Agreement, which he entered into in May 2007 upon joining the company, stipulates for the purpose solely of calculating his Average Annual Bonus that his fiscal 2007 bonus was deemed to be equal to two times his annual salary, or $1,200,000. For Mr. Douglas and Ms. Boydston, who were not subject to an employment agreement, severance would be paid at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, but is assumed for purposes of this table to be based on severance arrangements provided to other employees, which is 2 weeks salary per year of service, with a minimum of 3 weeks salary and a maximum of 12 weeks salary.
(4)
At September 30, 2007, Accrued Obligations would have equaled one times Average Annual Bonus plus accrued vacation for termination other than for cause, and accrued vacation for termination for cause.
(5)
Continuation of benefits during the severance period include car allowance or use of company-owned automobile and medical, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage.
(6)
In the event of a termination due to a Change of Control effective September 30, 2007, it is estimated that Messrs. Merrill’s and Douglas’ payments under their Supplemental Employment Agreements would be subject to an excise tax. Under their Supplemental Employment Agreements, the Company will pay them an additional amount sufficient to cover the excise tax, as well as any applicable federal, state income and employment taxes or other payments that may apply to the additional amounts paid. This amount is represented by ‘Gross-up Payment’ in the table.
(7)
Mr. Douglas resigned his position as executive vice president effective April 25, 2008 and will cease to be an employee effective on or prior to July 15, 2008.
(8)
Mrs. Boydston resigned effective March 14, 2008.
 
137

 
Director Compensation
 
The following table sets forth the compensation of each non-employee Director in fiscal 2007.
                                 
Name (1)
 
Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash (3)(4)(5) ($)
 
Stock Awards
($) (6) (7)
 
Option Awards
($) (6) (8)
 
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
 
Total ($)
 
Laurent Alpert
 
$
155,750
 
$
48,317
 
$
30,326
 
$
0
 
$
234,393
 
Katie J. Bayne
 
$
66,500
 
$
51,046
 
$
56,392
 
$
0
 
$
173,938
 
Brian C. Beazer
 
$
225,000
 
$
86,554
 
$
74,313
 
$
0
 
$
385,867
 
Peter G. Leemputte
 
$
152,315
 
$
93,834
 
$
61,829
 
$
0
 
$
307,978
 
Maureen O’Connell (2)
 
$
23,185
 
$
135,434
 
$
38,342
 
$
0
 
$
196,961
 
Larry T. Solari
 
$
160,750
 
$
51,046
 
$
30,326
 
$
0
 
$
242,122
 
Stephen P. Zelnak, Jr.
 
$
86,750
 
$
52,293
 
$
30,326
 
$
0
 
$
169,369
 
 
(1)
Ian J. McCarthy is a member of the Board of Directors, as well as President and Chief Executive Officer of Beazer Homes. His compensation is disclosed in the preceding executive compensation tables. Since he does not receive compensation separately for his duties as a Director, he is not included in the Director Compensation table.
 
(2)
Ms. O’Connell retired from the Board of Directors effective with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in February 2007.
 
(3)
For Mr. Beazer, includes annual retainer fee of $225,000 only. For other directors, includes annual retainer fee, paid quarterly, of $35,000 (pro-rated for Ms. O’Connell), $1,500 fee per meeting attended, $5,000 in additional payments to Mr. Solari for meetings with the Non-Executive Chairman for additional work in furtherance of his duties as Compensation Committee Chair as approved by the Non-Executive Chairman and $5,000 chair fee for Messrs. Alpert, Leemputte (pro-rated), Solari and Zelnak and Ms. O’Connell (pro-rated).
 
(4)
Fees for Messrs. Alpert, Leemputte and Solari reflect 55 meetings held by the Audit Committee in fiscal 2007. Payment for each meeting at the per meeting fee was approved by the Compensation Committee in recognition of the significant amount of time and work performed by the Audit Committee in conducting the independent investigation.
 
(5)
For Messrs. Beazer, Leemputte, Solari, and Zelnak and Ms. Bayne, includes portion of annual retainer deferred under the Director Stock Purchase Program and represented by RSUs which vest over three years.
 
(6)
Amounts reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 in accordance with FAS 123(R) except that estimated forfeitures have been disregarded for these purposes. These columns include amounts from awards of restricted stock, RSUs, stock options and SSARs granted both in and prior to fiscal 2007. For fiscal 2007, 491 RSUs were granted each to Messrs. Beazer, Leemputte, Solari, and Zelnak and Ms. Bayne. The RSUs represents a portion of the director’s fiscal 2006 annual retainer deferred under the DSPP. Deferred amounts are deposited into an account as RSUs representing shares of our common stock. As such, the annual retainer was earned and reported in fiscal 2006, although the grant took place in fiscal 2007. The number of RSUs deposited is determined based on a per share price calculated at a 20% discount from the closing stock price of our common stock on the date of award. Shares represented by RSUs vest three years from the date of award. Until vested, such shares cannot be sold, assigned, pledged or encumbered, do not receive dividends and do not have voting rights and may appreciate or depreciate in value from the time they are purchased to when they vest and are subsequently issued. Additionally, 1,500 SSARs and 1,500 time-based restricted shares were granted to each non-employee director, except for Ms. O’Connell and Mr. Beazer. Mr. Beazer received a grant of 5,374 SSARs, 1,075 time-based restricted shares, and 1,075 performance-based restricted shares in fiscal 2007. Ms. O’Connell received no grants of SSARs or time-based restricted shares in fiscal 2007 due to her retirement from the Board of Directors. The grant date fair value of the award of RSUs to each non-employee director was $21,835. This amount reflects the total number of RSUs granted, although only the 20% discount is amortized and expensed under FAS 123R. The grant date fair value of the award of SSAR’s and time-based restricted shares to each non-employee director except for Mr Beazer was $33,795 and $64,650, respectively. The grant date fair value of the award of SSAR’s and restricted shares to Mr Beazer was $121,076 and $75,949, respectively. Further information regarding the valuation of stock and option awards can be found in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2007.
 
(7)
The non-employee directors held the following amounts of restricted stock and restricted stock units at September 30, 2007: Mr. Alpert – 6,000; Ms. Bayne – 6,863; Mr. Beazer – 11,611; Mr. Leemputte – 8,491; Mr. Solari –6,863; and Mr. Zelnak – 7,388. See “Security Ownership of Management” in Item 12 of this Form 10-K for complete beneficial ownership information of Beazer Homes stock for each of our directors.
 
(8)
The non-employee directors held the following amounts of stock options and SSARs at September 30, 2007: Mr. Alpert – 24,000; Ms. Bayne – 36,000; Mr. Beazer – 64,567; Mr. Leemputte – 8,000; Mr. Solari – 41,115; and Mr. Zelnak – 36,000. See “Security Ownership of Management” in Item 12 of this Form 10-K for complete beneficial ownership information of Beazer Homes stock for each of our directors.
 
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Narrative Disclosure to Director Compensation Table
 
Non-employee Directors (excluding Brian C. Beazer): Non-employee directors receive an annual retainer of $35,000 for services to Beazer Homes as members of the Board of Directors. In addition, directors receive $1,500 for each meeting or teleconference of the Board of Directors or any of its committees attended as well as for attendance at the annual meeting of stockholders and separate meetings of the independent directors. In addition, all Committee Chairs receive an annual fee of $5,000 relating to their role as Chair. Committee Chairs, in addition to the payments described above, may also receive additional payments for meetings with the Non-Executive Chairman or other work in furtherance of their duties as Chair as approved from time to time by the Non-Executive Chairman.
 
Directors may elect to defer receipt of up to 50% of their annual retainer under Beazer Homes’ Director Stock Purchase Program or DSPP. Deferred fees are represented by restricted stock units (“RSUs”) which vest after three years. For fiscal 2007, the number of RSU’s received was determined based on a 20% discount from the actual closing stock price of Beazer Homes’ common stock on the date of grant. Due to low availability of shares under the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan at the beginning of fiscal 2008, from which shares under DSPP are issued, the Compensation Committee suspended this program for fiscal 2008 and will revisit its use for fiscal 2009.
 
In addition, directors are eligible to receive grants of stock options, SSARs and time-based restricted shares pursuant to the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee’s rationale for equity grants to directors is, similar to that for the Named Executive Officers, with an aim to align their interests with those of stockholders. For fiscal 2007, the Compensation Committee approved grants of 1,500 SSARs and 1,500 time-based restricted shares to each non-employee director except for Mr. Beazer. The amount of the director grant is determined in consultation with the Committee’s retained compensation consultants. Stock options and SSARs granted to directors fully vest after three years and expire seven years after grant. Shares of time-based restricted stock are restricted for use or sale for five years from grant. All directors receive reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with participating in meetings of the Board of Directors and any committees thereof.
 
Brian C. Beazer: For fiscal 2007, we paid our Non-Executive Chairman of the Board a retainer of $225,000 for services rendered. This amount will remain the same for fiscal 2008. Similar to the other directors, Mr. Beazer may elect to defer receipt of a portion of his annual retainer up to the amount equal to the eligible deferral amount for the other directors under Beazer Homes’ Director Stock Purchase Program (suspended for fiscal 2008 as described above). In addition, Mr. Beazer is eligible to receive grants of stock options, SSARs, and both performance-based and time-based restricted shares pursuant to the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. In determining the amount of equity compensation to be granted to Mr. Beazer, the Compensation Committee currently employs a defined multiple of approximately 0.8 of his annual retainer (which was set in light of his position of Non-Executive Chairman of the Board) although this is subject to the discretion of the Committee. The resulting dollar amount is converted to a unit equivalent based on the closing stock price on the grant date, and, in the case of stock options or SSARs,, this closing stock price on the grant date is discounted by 60% solely for the purpose of converting the multiple of salary to a unit equivalent; as noted above the exercise price is equal to 100% of fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. As in the case of the Named Executive Officers, 50% of the award is granted in the form of stock options or SSARs, 25% in the form of time-based restricted stock and 25% in the form of performance-based restricted stock. Vesting and expiration of such grants of stock options, SSARs and time-based restricted shares are the same as those for the other directors. Grants of performance-based shares vest after three years, contingent upon the ranking of the compound annual growth rate of total return to stockholders of Beazer Homes’ stock as compared to the compound annual growth rate of total stockholder return of the stock of the Performance Stock Peer Group over a defined time period (the “performance period”) as described above.
 
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In addition, Mr. Beazer is eligible to receive cash incentive compensation, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee based on predetermined criteria relating to 1) the performance of the market price of Beazer Homes’ common stock and the total return to Beazer Homes’ stockholders relative to the Peer Group and 2) relating to the Company’s financial performance under the Executive Value Created Incentive Plan. Mr. Beazer’s annual incentive compensation may not exceed two times his annual retainer, and no more than 50% of his incentive compensation may be derived from either of the two categories described above. Mr. Beazer did not receive any incentive compensation for fiscal year 2007.
 
The Compensation Committee’s rationale for Mr. Beazer’s eligibility for incentive compensation is similar to that for the Named Executive Officers with an aim to align his interests with those of stockholders by (1) rewarding through cash incentive compensation both annual and long-term financial success as measured by Value Created, defined as EBIT in excess of cost of capital and by (2) rewarding through equity incentive compensation for both relative and absolute performance of the Company’s stock and total return to stockholders.
 
Other than described above, no director receives any compensation from Beazer Homes for services rendered as a director.
 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
The members of our Compensation Committee during fiscal 2007 were Messrs. Solari and Zelnak and Ms. Bayne. None of the members of our Compensation Committee has ever been an officer or employee of Beazer or any of its subsidiaries. None of the members of our Compensation Committee had any relationship requiring disclosure under “Transactions with Related Persons” below. During fiscal 2007, none of our executive officers served as a Director or member of the Compensation Committee (or other Board committee performing equivalent functions) of another entity an executive officer of which served on our Board of Directors.
 
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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information as of September 30, 2007 with respect to our shares of common stock that may be issued under our existing equity compensation plans, all of which have been approved by our stockholders:
 
Plan Category
 
Number of Common
Shares to be Issued
Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options
 
Weighted
Average Exercise
Price of
Outstanding
Options
 
Number of Common Shares
Remaining Available for Future
Issuance Under Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding Common Shares
Reflected in Column (a))
 
   
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans
approved by stockholders
    2,052,379     $45.01     853,333  
 
Security Ownership of Management
The following table sets forth information as of April 25, 2008 with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock by each Director, each Named Executive Officer, and all directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, each beneficial owner possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares.
 
Name of Beneficial Owner
 
Number of Common
Shares Beneficially
Owned (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)
 
Percent of
Outstanding
 
Laurent Alpert
   
34,500
   
*
 
Katie J. Bayne
   
39,429
   
*
 
Brian C. Beazer
   
136,313
   
*
 
Peter G. Leemputte
   
8,000
   
*
 
Ian J. McCarthy
   
1,093,565
   
2.79
%
Larry T. Solari
   
48,615
   
*
 
Stephen P. Zelnak, Jr.
   
39,000
   
*
 
Michael H. Furlow
   
210,508
   
*
 
Allan P. Merrill
   
105,882
   
*
 
Michael R. Douglas
   
-
   
*
 
Cory J. Boydston, Former Senior Vice President and Treasurer
   
305
   
*
 
James O’Leary, Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
2,189
   
*
 
               
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (12 persons)
   
1,718,306
   
4.38
%
 
* Less than 1%
(1)
Beneficial ownership includes restricted stock as follows: Mr. Alpert – 6,000, Ms. Bayne – 6,000, Mr. Beazer – 9,673, Mr. Leemputte – 8,000, Mr. McCarthy – 199,420, Mr. Solari – 6,000, Mr. Zelnak – 6,000, Mr. Furlow – 105,802 and Mr. Merrill – 52,941. Such shares of restricted stock were awarded under the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1999 Plan”) and will vest unconditionally from five to eight years from the date of grant.
(2)
Beneficial ownership includes performance-based restricted stock as follows: Mr. Beazer – 1,075, Mr. McCarthy – 78,763, Mr. Furlow – 35,007 and Mr. Merrill – 52,941. Such shares of restricted stock were awarded under the 1999 Plan, and will vest contingent upon the achievement of performance criteria based on the Company’s total shareholder return as compared to the total shareholder return of the Performance Stock Peer Group.
 
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(3)
Beneficial ownership includes shares of the Company’s common stock held through the Company’s 401(k) Plan as follows: Mr. McCarthy – 5,097, Mr. Furlow – 4,565, Ms. Boydston – 305, and Mr. O’Leary 2,189.
(4)
Beneficial ownership includes shares underlying stock options, respectively, which were fully vested and exercisable at, or will vest within 60 days of, April 25, 2008 as follows: Mr. Alpert – 21,000; Ms. Bayne – 33,000, Mr. Beazer – 56,703, Mr. McCarthy – 274,611, Mr. Solari – 38,115, Mr. Zelnak – 33,000, and Mr. Furlow – 52,920.
(5)
Beneficial ownership does not include Mr. McCarthy’s right to receive 40,103 shares of common stock, currently represented by restricted stock units, which he is entitled to receive three years from the award date in lieu of a portion of his fiscal year 2006 annual cash bonus compensation.
(6)
Beneficial ownership does not include the right to receive shares of common stock, currently represented by restricted stock units, which director is entitled to receive three years from the award date in lieu of a portion of their annual retainer as follows: Ms. Bayne – 863, Mr. Beazer – 863, Mr. Leemputte – 491, Mr. Solari – 863, and Mr. Zelnak – 1,388.
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Holders
 
The following table sets forth information as of April 25, 2008 with respect to the beneficial ownership of Beazer Homes’ common stock by all persons known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock.
 
Name and Address
Of Beneficial Owner
Amount and Nature
of Beneficial
Ownership
Percent
of Class (1)
Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc.
100 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
6,580,171 (2)
16.77%
Capital Group International, Inc.
 11100 Santa Monica Blvd.
 Los Angeles, CA 90025
5,292,800 (3)
13.49%
FMR LLC
 82 Devonshire Street
 Boston, MA 02109
4,919,231 (4)
12.54%
Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC
 725 S. Figueroa Street 39th Floor
 Los Angeles, CA 90017
3,876,608 (5)
9.88%
Deutsche Bank AG
 Theodor-Heuss-Allee 70
 60468 Frankfurt am Main
 Federal Republic of Germany
3,605,138 (6)
9.19%
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC
 101 John F. Kennedy Parkway
 Short Hills, NJ 07078
3,162,578 (7)
8.06%
Jeffrey L. Gendell
 55 Railroad Ave., 3rd Floor
 Greenwich, CT 06830
3,061,683 (8)
7.80%
Ziff Asset Management, L.P.
 283 Greenwich Avenue
 Greenwich, CT 06830
2,995,800 (9)
7.64%
Barclays Global Investors NA
 45 Fremont Street
 San Francisco, CA 94105
2,655,221 (10)
6.77%
State Street Bank and Trust Company
 One Lincoln Street
 Boston, MA 02111
2,521,779 (11)
6.43%
Citigroup, Inc.
 399 Park Avenue
 New York, NY 10043
2,322,751 (12)
5.92%
Canyon Capital Advisors LLC
 9665 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 200
 Beverly Hills, CA 90212
2,062,152 (13)
5.26%
 
 
(1)
Based upon 39,234,305 shares of outstanding Common Stock as of April 18, 2008. The beneficial ownership information regarding principal stockholders is based upon the most recently available Form 13G or amendment thereto filed by each respective holder.
 
(2)
Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc., LMM LLC and Legg Mason Opportunity Trust jointly filed a Schedule 13G/A on February 14, 2008. According to the Schedule 13G/A, (a) Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc. had shared voting power and shared dispositive power as to all of its reported beneficially owned shares (2,980,171 shares); (b) LMM LLC had shared voting power and shared dispositive power as to all of its reported beneficially owned shares (3,600,000 shares); and (c) Legg Mason Opportunity Trust had shared voting power and shared dispositive power as to all of its reported beneficially owned shares (3,600,000 shares). Each of the reporting entities has the same address.
 
(3)
Capital Group International, Inc and Capital International Limited jointly filed a Schedule 13G/A on February 1, 2008. According to the Schedule 13G/A, (a) Capital Group International, Inc. had sole voting power as to 4,538,270 shares and sole dispositive power as to 5,292,800 shares; (b) Capital International Limited had sole voting power as to 2,909,270 shares and sole dispositive power as to 3,139,570 shares; (c) Capital Group International, Inc. (“CGII”) is the parent holding company of a group of investment management companies that hold investment power and, in some cases, voting power over the securities reported on the Schedule 13G; and (d) CGII does not have investment power or voting power over any of the securities reported on the Schedule 13G; however CGII may be deemed to beneficially own 5,292,800 shares.
 
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(4)
FMR LLC and Edward C. Johnson 3d jointly filed a Schedule 13G/A on February 14, 2008. According to the Schedule 13G/A, (a) FMR LLC had sole voting power on 2,000 of its beneficially owned shares and sole dispositive power as to all of its beneficially owned shares (4,919,231 shares); (b) Fidelity Management & Research Company (“Fidelity”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR LLC and an investment adviser registered under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, is the beneficial owner of 4,919,231 shares as a result of acting as investment adviser to various investment companies registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940; and (c) Edward C. Johnson 3d and FMR LLC, through its control of Fidelity, and the funds each has sole power to dispose of 4,919,231 shares. Each of the reporting entities has the same address.
 
(5)
Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC filed a Schedule 13G/A on February 14, 2008. According to the Schedule 13/GA, Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC had sole voting power as to 2,899,508 shares and sole dispositive power as to all of its beneficially owned shares.
 
(6)
Deutsche Bank AG, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, jointly filed a Schedule 13G on February 7, 2008. According to the Schedule 13G, (a) the reporting entities had sole voting power and sole dispositive power as to all of the reported beneficially owned shares (3,605,138 shares); (b) Deutsche Bank AG had sole voting power and sole dispositive power as to all of its beneficially owned shares (2,993,688 shares); (c) Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. had sole voting power and sole dispositive power as to all of its beneficially owned shares (611,450 shares); and (d) Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, had sole voting power and sole dispositive power as to all of its beneficially owned shares (2,993,688 shares). Each of the reporting entities has the same address.
 
(7)
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC filed a Schedule 13G on January 30, 2008. According to the Schedule 13G, Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC had sole voting power and sole dispositive power as to all of the reported beneficially owned shares (3,162,578 shares).
 
(8)
Mr. Gendell, Tontine Partners, L.P., Tontine Management, L.L.C., Tontine Capital Partners, L.P., Tontine Capital Management, L.L.C., and Tontine Overseas Associates, L.L.C. jointly filed a Schedule 13G/A on February 8, 2008. According to the Schedule 13G/A, (a) Mr. Gendell had sole voting and dispositive power as to 205,135 shares, shared voting and dispositive power as to 2,856,548 and aggregate beneficial ownership of 3,061,683 shares; (b) Tontine Partners, L.P. and Tontine Management, L.L.C. each had shared voting and dispositive power as to the 726,272 shares they beneficially owned; (c) Tontine Overseas Associates, L.L.C. had shared voting and dispositive power as to the 2,011,776 shares it beneficially owned; (d) Tontine Capital Partners, L.P. had shared voting and dispositive power as to the 118,500 shares they beneficially owned; and (e) Tontine Capital Management, L.L.C. had shared voting and dispositive power as to the 317,706 shares it beneficially owned. The Schedule 13G/A indicates that Mr. Gendell is the managing member of (a) Tontine Management, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, which is the general partner of Tontine Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and has the power to direct its affairs; (b) Tontine Capital Management, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, which is the general partner of Tontine Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and has the power to direct its affairs; and (c) Tontine Overseas Associates, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, and in that capacity Mr. Gendell directs their operations. Each of the reporting entities has the same address.
 
(9)
Ziff Asset Management, L.P., PBK Holdings, Inc., Philip B. Korsant and ZBI Equities LLC jointly filed a Schedule 13G/A on February 13, 2008. According to the Schedule 13G/A, (a) Ziff Asset Management, L.P. had shared voting and dispositive power as to the 2,763,750 shares it beneficially owned; (b) each of PBK Holdings, Inc., Philip B. Korsant and ZBI Equities LLC had shared voting and dispositive power as to the 2,995,800 shares it beneficially owned; and (c) partnerships of which PBK Holdings, Inc. is the general partner, including (9) Ziff Asset Management, L.P., are the owners of record of the shares reported on the Schedule 13G/A and each of PBK Holdings, Inc., Philip B. Korsant, and ZBI Equities, L.L.C. may be deemed to beneficially own all or a portion of the shares reported on the Schedule 13G/A as a result of the direct or indirect power to vote or dispose of such stock. Each of the reporting entities has the same address.
  (10)
Barclays Global Investors, NA and Barclays Global Fund Advisors jointly filed a Schedule 13G on February 5, 2008. According to the Schedule 13G, (a) Barclays Global Investors, NA had sole voting power as to 744,587 shares and sole dispositive power as to the 869,247 shares it beneficially owned; and (c) Barclays Global Fund Advisors had sole voting and dispositive power as to the 1,785,974 shares it beneficially owned. Each of the reporting entities has the same address.
  (11)
State Street Bank and Trust Company filed a Schedule 13G on February 12, 2008. According to the Schedule 13G, State Street Bank and Trust Company had sole voting power and shared dispositive power as to the 2,521,779 shares it beneficially owned.
  (12)
Citigroup Inc., Citigroup Financial Products Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. jointly filed a Schedule 13G on February 8, 2008. According to the Schedule 13G, each of Citigroup Inc., Citigroup Financial Products Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. has shared voting and dispositive power as to the 2,322,751 shares it beneficially owns. The address of the principal office of each of Citigroup Financial Products Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. is 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013.
  (13)
Canyon Capital Advisors LLC, Mitchell R. Julis, Joshua S. Friedman and K. Robert Turner jointly filed a Schedule 13G on February 14, 2008. According to the Schedule 13G, (a) Canyon Capital Advisors LLC had sole voting and dispositive power as to the 2,062,152 shares it beneficially owned; (b) each of Messrs. Julis, Friedman and Turner had shared voting and dispositive power as to the 2,062,152 shares he beneficially owned; (c) Canyon Capital Advisors LLC is an investment advisor to various managed accounts with the right to receive, or the power to direct the receipt, of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of the securities held by, such managed accounts; and (d) Messrs. Julis, Friedman, and Turner control entities which own 100% of Canyon Capital Advisors LLC. Each of the reporting entities has the same address.
 
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Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
 
Transactions with Related Persons
 
There were no reportable transactions with related persons during fiscal 2007.
 
Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons
 
The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee Charter provides that the committee will conduct an appropriate review of all proposed related party transactions to identify potential conflict of interest situations and the committee will submit the related party transactions to the Board for its approval and implementation of appropriate action to protect the Company from potential conflicts of interest. The committee has not adopted any specific procedures for conducting such reviews and considers each transaction in light of the specific facts and circumstances presented. Also, as described below, a portion of the review authority, in the case of transactions with employees, is delegated to supervising employees pursuant to the terms of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
 
Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which applies to all directors, officers and employees, directs each individual to avoid any actual or apparent conflict of interest. Under this code, each director is required to notify the Chair of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee, in writing, as soon as such director or any immediate family member becomes involved with or affiliated with, any activity, business or other entity which has a business, charitable or other relationship with the Company. In addition, the code requires each employee, including all executive officers, to promptly disclose to his or her immediate supervisor, in writing, before the employee or any immediate family member becomes actively involved with, or affiliated with, any activity, business or other entity which has a business, charitable or other relationship with the Company. In determining whether a conflict exists, the supervisor shall seek further guidance as is appropriate (which may include discussions with more senior officers or the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee).
 
Each director, officer and employee is required to provide an annual certification that he or she has received and reviewed the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and disclose any related person transactions.
 
Director Independence
 
Listing standards relating to corporate governance promulgated by the NYSE require that the Board of Directors be comprised of a majority of independent directors. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and rules of the SEC require that the Audit Committee be comprised solely of independent directors. The NYSE standards further require that the Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committees also be comprised solely of independent directors. On the basis of information solicited from each director, and upon the advice and recommendation of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee, the Board of Directors has determined that five of its current seven directors have no material relationship with Beazer Homes other than their relationship as members of the Board and are independent within the meaning of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the NYSE standards. Those directors serving during fiscal 2007 determined to be independent were Messrs. Alpert, Leemputte, Solari, and Zelnak and Ms. Bayne.
 
In making these determinations, at the request of the Board, the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee, with assistance from the Company’s General Counsel, evaluated responses to an independence and qualification questionnaire completed annually by each director and follow up inquiries made to certain directors. The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee made a recommendation that five directors be considered independent, which recommendation the Board subsequently discussed and adopted. The Board concluded that four of those five directors, Messrs. Alpert, Leemputte and Zelnak, and Ms. Bayne, had no relationship with Beazer Homes other than their relationship as members of the Board. In the case of Mr. Solari, the responses to the questionnaire indicated a potential relationship with two companies that provided some goods or services to Beazer Homes. In this case, based upon the most recent information available, the amount paid for goods and services represented less than one half of one percent of both the providing companies’ and Beazer Homes annual gross revenues. Accordingly, based upon the amount paid for the goods and services, the Board affirmatively determined that the relationship was not material either to Beazer Homes or to the other companies. Based on the foregoing, the Board of Directors of Beazer Homes had a majority of independent directors and each of the Audit, Nominating/Corporate Governance and Compensation committees of the Board during fiscal 2007 were comprised entirely of independent directors and it is expected that the majority of directors and all committee members in fiscal 2008, other than one member of the Finance Committee, as to which independence is not required for membership, will be independent as well. Accordingly, Beazer Homes was, in fiscal 2007, and continues to be in compliance with the requirements of the NYSE and the SEC for Board independence.
 
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Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, professional services were performed by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective affiliates (collectively, “Deloitte & Touche”).
 
Audit Fees: The aggregate fees billed for the audit of our annual financial statements for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 and for reviews of the financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q were $3,098,351 and $1,110,310, respectively and include fees for Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 attestation procedures. 
 
Audit-Related Fees: The aggregate fees billed for audit-related services for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $84,800 and $130,300, respectively. These fees relate to assurance and related services performed by Deloitte & Touche that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements. These services include: employee benefit and compensation plan audits, attestations by Deloitte that are not required by statute or regulation, and consulting on financial accounting/reporting standards.
 
Tax Fees: The aggregate fees billed for tax services for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $448,492 and $352,400, respectively. These fees relate to professional services performed by Deloitte & Touche with respect to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. These services include preparation of original and amended tax returns for the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, refund claims, payment planning, tax audit assistance, and tax work stemming from “Audit-Related” items. The aggregate fees billed for tax compliance and advice services for fiscal years ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $259,600 and $352,400, respectively. The aggregate fees billed for tax planning services for fiscal years ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $188,892 and $0, respectively.
 
All Other Fees: No other fees were paid to Deloitte & Touche in either fiscal year 2007 or fiscal year 2006.
 
The Audit Committee annually approves each year’s engagement for audit services in advance. The Audit Committee has also established complementary procedures to require pre-approval of all permitted non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent auditors. All non-audit services described above were pre-approved by the Audit Committee in fiscal 2007.
 
PART IV
 
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
(a)
1. Financial Statements
 
 
Page
herein
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
59
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2007 and 2006.
60
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
61
 
 
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
62
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
63
 
 
2.
Financial Statement Schedules
 
None required.
 
 
3.
Exhibits
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Description
3.1
--
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed on March 12, 2002
3.2
--
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2004 (File No. 001-12822)
4.1
--
Indenture dated as of May 21, 2001 among the Company and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee, related to the Company’s 8 ⅝% Senior Notes due 2011 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2001 (File No. 001-12822)
4.2
--
Supplemental Indenture (8 ⅝% Notes) dated as of May 21, 2001 among the Company, its subsidiaries party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2001 (File No. 001-12822)
4.3
--
Form of 8 ⅝% Senior Notes due 2011 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2001 (File No. 001-12822)
4.4
--
Specimen of Common Stock Certificate – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 initially filed on December 6, 1993
4.5
--
Indenture dated as of April 17, 2002 among Beazer, the Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee, related to the Company’s 8 ⅜% Senior Notes due 2012 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on July 16, 2002
4.6
--
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 17, 2002 among Beazer, the Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee, related to the Company’s 8 ⅜% Senior Notes due 2012 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.12 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on July 16, 2002
4.7
--
Form of 8 ⅜% Senior Notes due 2012 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.14 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on July 16, 2002
4.8
--
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 13, 2003 among Beazer, the Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee, related to the Company’s 6 ½% Senior Notes due 2013 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2003 (File No. 001-12822)
4.9
--
Form of 6 ½% Senior Notes due 2013 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.12 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2003 (File No. 001-12822)
4.10
--
Indenture dated as of June 8, 2004 among Beazer, the Guarantors party thereto and SunTrust Bank, as trustee, related to the 4 ⅝% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 (File No. 001-12822)
4.11
--
Form of 4 ⅝% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 (File No. 001-12822)
4.12
--
Form of 6 ⅞% Senior Notes due 2015 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 13, 2005
4.13
--
Form of Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 8, 2005, by and among Beazer, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 13, 2005
4.14
--
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 9, 2006, to the Trust Indenture dated as of May 21, 2001 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 17, 2006 (File No. 001-12822)
 
146

 
4.15
--
Seventh Supplement Indenture, dated as of January 9, 2006, to the Trust Indenture dated as of April 17, 2002 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 17, 2006 (File No. 001-12822)
4.16
--
Form of Senior Note due 2016 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 8, 2006 (File No. 001-12822)
4.17
--
Form of Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated June 6, 2006, by and among Beazer Homes USA, Inc., the guarantors named therein and UBS Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp. and Greenwich Capital Markets – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 8, 2006 (File No. 001-12822)
4.18
--
Form of Junior Subordinated indenture between Beazer Homes USA, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, dated June 15, 2006 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 21, 2006 (File No. 001-12822)
4.19
--
Form of the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement among Beazer Homes USA, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Chase Bank USA, National Association and certain individuals named therein as Administrative Trustees, dated June 15, 2006 - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 21, 2006 (File No. 001-12822)
4.20
--
Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated October 26, 2007, amending and supplementing the Indenture, dated May 21, 2001, among the Company, US Bank National Association, as trustee, and the subsidiary guarantors party thereto – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2007 (File No. 001-12822)
4.21
--
Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated October 26, 2007, amending and supplementing the Indenture, dated April 17, 2002, among the Company, US Bank National Association, as trustee, and the subsidiary guarantors party thereto – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2007 (File No. 001-12822)
4.22
--
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated October 26, 2007, amending and supplementing the Indenture, dated June 8, 2004, among the Company, SunTrust Bank, as trustee, and the subsidiary guarantors party thereto – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2007 (File No. 001-12822)
10.1*
--
Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Incentive Plan – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2005 (File No. 001-12822)
10.2*
--
Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2001 (File No. 001-12822)
10.3*
--
Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form S-8 filed on June 17, 2004
10.4*
--
2005 Value Created Incentive Plan – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2004 (File No. 001-12822)
10.5*
--
Second Amended and Restated Corporate Management Stock Purchase Program
10.6*
--
Customer Survey Incentive Plan – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2004 (File No. 001-12822)
10.7*
--
Director Stock Purchase Program – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2004 (File No. 001-12822)
10.8*
--
Form of Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Agreement – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2004 (File No. 001-12822)
10.9*
--
Form of Stock Option Award Agreement – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2004 (File No. 001-12822)
10.10*
--
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Ian J. McCarthy dated as of September 1, 2004 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.01 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on September 1, 2004 (File No. 001-12822)
10.11*
--
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Ian J. McCarthy dated as of February 3, 2006 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (File No. 001-12822)
10.12*
--
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Michael H. Furlow dated as of September 1, 2004 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.02 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on September 1, 2004 (File No. 001-12822)
 
147

 
10.13*
--
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Michael H. Furlow dated as of February 3, 2006 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (File No. 001-12822)
10.14*
--
Employment Agreement effective May 1, 2007 for Allan P. Merrill - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.01 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2007 (File No. 001-12822)
10.15*
--
Employment Letter for Michael Douglas, effective May 1, 2007 and as amended on August 24, 2007 and November 12, 2007
10.16*
--
Amended and Restated Supplemental Employment Agreement of Ian J. McCarthy dated as of February 3, 2006 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (File No. 001-12822)
10.17*
--
Amended and Restated Supplemental Employment Agreement of Michael H. Furlow dated as of February 3, 2006 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (File No. 001-12822)
10.18*
--
Change of Control Employment Agreement effective May 1, 2007 for Allan P. Merrill – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.02 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2007 (File No. 001-12822)
10.19*
--
Amended and Restated Supplemental Employment Agreement of Cory J. Boydston dated as of February 3, 2006 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (File No. 001-12822)
10.20*
--
Change of Control Employment Agreement effective May 1, 2007 for Michael R. Douglas
10.21*
--
Form of Performance Shares Award Agreement dated as of February 2, 2006 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (File No. 001-12822)
10.22*
--
Form of Award Agreement dated as of February 2, 2006 – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (File No. 001-12822)
10.23*
--
2005 Executive Value Created Incentive Plan – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2005 (File No. 001-12822)
10.24
--
Credit Agreement dated as of July 25, 2007 between the Company, the lenders thereto, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, BNP Paribas, The Royal Bank of Scotland, and Guaranty Bank, as Documentation Agents, Regions Bank, as Senior Managing Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Managing Agent – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on July 26, 2007 (File No. 001-12822)
10.25
--
Waiver and First Amendment, dated as of October 10, 2007, to and under the Credit Agreement, dated as of July 15, 2007, among the Company, the lenders thereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 11, 2007 (File No. 001-12822)
10.26
--
Second Amendment, dated October 26, 2007, to and under the Credit Agreement, dated as of July 15, 2007, among the Company, the lenders thereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent – incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2007 (File No. 001-12822)
10.27*
--
2008 Beazer Homes USA, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, adopted effective January 1, 2008
10.28*
--
Discretionary Employee Bonus Plan
21
--
Subsidiaries of the Company
31.1
--
Certification pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14 promulgated under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
--
Certification pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14 promulgated under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
--
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
--
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
   
* Represents a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
 
148

 
(c)           Exhibits
 
Reference is made to Item 15(a)3 above. The following is a list of exhibits, included in item 15(a)3 above, that are filed concurrently with this report.
 

10.5*
--
Second Amended and Restated Corporate Management Stock Purchase Program
10.15*
--
Employment Letter for Michael Douglas, effective May 1, 2007 and as amended on August 24, 2007 and November 12, 2007
10.20*
--
Change of Control Employment Agreement effective May 1, 2007 for Michael R. Douglas
10.27*
--
2008 Beazer Homes USA, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, adopted effective January 1, 2008
10.28*
--
Discretionary Employee Bonus Plan
21
---
Subsidiaries of the Company
31.1
---
Certification pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14 promulgated under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
---
Certification pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14 promulgated under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
---
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
---
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
(d)
Financial Statement Schedules
 
Reference is made to Item 15(a)2 above.
 
149

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
   
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
 
       
 
By:
/s/ Ian J. McCarthy
 
   
Name: Ian J. McCarthy
 
   
Title: President and Chief
 
   
Executive Officer
 
   
Date: May 12, 2008
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
May 12, 2008
 
By:
/s/ Brian C. Beazer
 
Date
   
Brian C. Beazer, Director and Non-
Executive Chairman of the Board
 
         
May 12, 2008
 
By:
/s/ Ian J. McCarthy
 
Date
   
Ian J. McCarthy, Director, President
and Chief Executive Officer
 
     
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
         
May 12, 2008
 
By:
/s/ Laurent Alpert
 
Date
   
Laurent Alpert, Director
 
         
May 12, 2008
 
By:
/s/ Katie J. Bayne
 
Date
   
Katie J. Bayne, Director
 
         
May 12, 2008
 
By:
/s/ Peter G. Leemputte
 
Date
   
Peter G. Leemputte, Director
 
         
May 12, 2008
 
By:
/s/ Larry T. Solari
 
Date
   
Larry T. Solari, Director
 
         
May 12, 2008
 
By:
/s/ Stephen P. Zelnak
 
Date
   
Stephen P. Zelnak, Jr., Director
 
         
May 12, 2008
 
By:
/s/ Allan P. Merrill
 
Date
   
Allan P. Merrill, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial
 
     
Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
         
May 12, 2008
 
By:
/s/ Robert Salomon
 
Date
   
Robert Salomon, Senior Vice
President, Chief Accounting Officer
 
     
and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
150

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ex10_5.htm

Exhibit 10.5

BEAZER HOMES USA, INC.
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
CORPORATE MANAGEMENT STOCK PURCHASE PROGRAM

Article 1 – Introduction

The Beazer Homes USA, Inc. Corporate Management Stock Purchase Program, originally adopted pursuant to the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, is hereby amended and restated as set forth herein.  The Amended and Restated Corporate Management Stock Purchase Program is adopted pursuant to the 1994 and 1999 Stock Incentive Plans and is governed by the terms of the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, provided that Awards hereunder originally made pursuant to the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan will continue to be governed by the terms thereof.  The purpose of the Program is to provide a mechanism in accordance with the terms of the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan for Beazer executives to acquire Company stock.  This is accomplished by the Beazer executives deferring for a minimum of three years a portion or all of any annual cash bonus to which they are entitled and receiving an award of Restricted Stock Units at a discount in lieu thereof, thus aligning executives’ and shareholders’ interest in the Company as well as providing the executives with incentives of a discount on the stock and a tax deferral.

Article 2 - Definitions

2.1
Award - shall mean Restricted Stock Units and Cash Settled Award Units granted under the Program.
2.2
Award Date - shall mean any date as determined by the Committee (e.g., November 15).
2.3
Beneficiary - shall mean a beneficiary or beneficiaries designated by Participant under Article 7.
2.4
Board - shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.5
Bonus - shall mean any annual bonus awarded for services performed during a Fiscal Year, whether discretionary or from an incentive plan in place for Beazer executives of which no amount is paid or payable during the Fiscal Year.
2.6
Cash Settled Award Units – shall mean a bookkeeping entry representing the right to receive cash based on the value of a share of Common Stock at some future date, as described in Section 5.5 hereof.  The fair market value of a Cash Settled Award Unit on any date shall be deemed to be the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on that date.
2.7
Cause - shall mean any of the following: (i) any act or failure to act (or series or combination thereof) by the Participant done with the intent to harm in any material respect the interests of the Company or any affiliate thereof; (ii) the commission by Participant of a felony; (iii) the perpetration by Participant of a dishonest act or common law fraud against the Company or any affiliate thereof; (iv) a grossly negligent act or failure to act (or series or combination thereof) by Participant detrimental in any material respect to the interests of the Company or any affiliate thereof; (v) the material breach by Participant of his or her agreements or obligations under his or her employment agreement; or (vi) the continued refusal to follow directives which are consistent with Participant’s duties and responsibilities.
 

 
2.8
Change in Control – shall mean any of the following:
   (i)           the acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d) (3) or 14(d) (2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act)) (a ”Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of either (A) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that for purposes of this paragraph (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control:  (1) any acquisition directly from the Company, (2) any acquisition by the Company, (3) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company or (4) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C) of paragraph (iii) of this Section 2.8; or
   (ii)             individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of any actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or
   (iii)                      consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or
 
2

 
   (iv)                      Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
2.9
Committee - shall mean the Compensation Committee or any other Committee of the Board designated by the Board to administer the Plan which shall consist of at least two members appointed from time to time by the Board.  Each Committee member must qualify as an “outside director” as defined in the Treasury Regulation §1.162-27(e)(3) (or any successor rule) and, to the extent necessary to qualify Awards hereunder for exemption from the liability provisions of Rule 16b-3, a “non-employee director” as defined in Reg. §240.16b-3(b)(3) (or any successor rule) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
2.10
Company - shall mean Beazer Homes USA, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
2.11
Cost - shall mean the amount actually paid for a Restricted Stock Unit.
2.12
Deferral Period - shall mean a period of time (expressed in whole months) of not less than thirty-six months and not greater than 119 months in length beginning on an Award Date specified with respect to Restricted Stock Units awarded on that Award Date.  A Participant may elect on his/her Election Form delivered to the Company as required in Section 5.2, any Deferral Period with respect to Restricted Stock Units awarded to the corresponding day as the Award Date of any month which is more than thirty six months after the Award Date, but less than 120 months after the Award Date.
2.13
Discounted Cost - shall mean 80% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Award Date.
2.14
Election Form - shall mean the form on which the Participant irrevocably elects to defer a portion of his/her Bonus and receive an Award.
2.15
Fair Market Value - shall mean the fair market value of any property (including but not limited to shares of Common Stock or other security) determined by a valuation method as established by the Committee from time to time.  However, for purposes of the Program, the Fair Market Value of shares of Common Stock on any day on which shares of Common Stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or any other nationally recognized stock exchange or automated quotation system shall be the closing price of such shares of Common Stock as reported by the NYSE or such other exchange or quotation system.
2.16
Fiscal Year - shall mean the fiscal year of the Company.
2.17
Incapacity – shall mean a Participant’s condition such that he or she is (a) unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or (b) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident or health plan covering employees of the Participant’s employer.
 
3

 
2.18
Participant - shall mean an executive participating in this Program.
2.19
Plan - shall mean the Beazer Homes USA, Inc. 1999 Stock Incentive Plan.
2.20
Program - shall mean this Beazer Homes USA, Inc. Second Amended and Restated Corporate Management Stock Purchase Program.
2.21
Restricted Stock Unit or RSU - shall mean a bookkeeping entry representing the right to receive a share of Common Stock at some future date.  A holder of RSUs shall not be entitled to voting rights on any Shares to which the RSUs relate.  The fair market value of an RSU on any date shall be deemed to be the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on that date.
2.22
Retirement – shall mean a voluntary termination of employment by an employee aged 65 years or older with at least five (5) years of Company service.  A Participant may request approval for retirement treatment if between the ages of 62 and 65 with at least five (5) years of Company service.  At the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, such requests can be approved or denied.
2.23
Subsidiary - shall mean a company at least 50% of whose issued and outstanding stock is owned directly or indirectly by the Company.

All capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Plan.

Article 3 – Administration

3.1
Power and Authority of the Committee.  The Program shall be administered by the Committee.  Subject to the express provisions of this Program, the Plan and applicable law, the Committee shall have complete discretion and authority with respect to the Program and its interpretation and application.  Determination by the Committee shall be final and binding on all parties with respect to all matters relating to the Program.
3.2
Delegation.  The Committee may delegate its powers and duties under the Program to one or more officers of the Company or any Affiliate or a committee of such officers, subject to such terms, conditions and limitations as the Committee may establish in its sole discretion and subject to the requirements of the Plan.

Article 4 – Eligibility

All employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries who participate in the incentive plan in place for Beazer executives shall be eligible to participate in the Program.

4

 
Article 5 – Purchases

5.1
General.  Each Participant shall be entitled to elect to defer all or a portion of his/her Bonus on a pre-tax basis and receive an award of RSUs at some future date.  The number of RSUs to be awarded to Participants shall be determined using the Discounted Cost of the Common Stock on the Award Date.
5.2
Purchases.  For each Fiscal Year, each Participant may elect to receive all or a portion (in whole percentages) of his/her Bonus for that Fiscal Year as an award of RSUs (the “Discretionary Amount” and “Credited Amount”) by completing an Election Form.  The Election Form shall provide that the Participant elects to receive RSUs in lieu of a specified portion of his/her Bonus.  Each Election Form shall specify a Deferral Period with respect to the RSUs to which it pertains.  Election Forms must be received by the Company no later than the last business day of the Fiscal Year immediately preceding the Fiscal Year in which are performed any services for which such Bonus is payable.
5.3
Award of RSUs.  The Company shall award RSUs to each Participant on the Award Date, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 5.5 below.  Each Participant shall be credited with a whole number of RSUs determined by dividing (a) the amount of the Discretionary Amount to be received as an award of RSUs under paragraph 5.2 by (b) the Discounted Cost of a share of Common Stock on the Award Date.  No fractional RSU will be credited and the amount equivalent in value to the fractional RSU will be paid out to the Participant currently in cash.
5.4
Termination Prior to Award Date.  If an eligible employee terminates employment for any reason prior to an Award Date, such employee shall not receive an award of RSUs and shall cease to be a Participant under this Program.  Any Bonus then subject to deferral under this Program shall be paid to the employee in cash in accordance with the terms of any plan or other program governing the payment of such Bonus.  Any RSUs previously awarded to such employee under this Program will be settled as set forth in Article 6 hereof.
5.5
Cash Settled Awards.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, at any time that there are not a sufficient number of RSUs available for use under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan or any successor plan upon an Award Date to satisfy the issuance to all Participants of RSUs in the amount required to cover all Credited Amounts, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, reduce the number of RSUs to be awarded to each Participant pro rata such that the aggregate number of RSUs awarded on such Award Date shall not exceed the number then available.  Any additional Credit Amounts as to which a deferral election has been made by Participants shall be credited to an account representing Cash Settled Award Units.  A Participant’s Cash Settled Award Unit account shall be credited with that number of Cash Settled Award Units as is determined by dividing the Credited Amount to be allocated to such account by the Discounted Cost.  Upon vesting and payment in accordance with Article 6, a holder of Cash Settled Award Units shall receive an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of such Cash Settled Award Units on the date of payment.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall have the right in its sole discretion to provide for the conversion of outstanding Cash Settled Award Units to an equal number of RSUs at such later date as the Committee shall determine that a sufficient number of RSUs is again available under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan or any successor plan for use pursuant to this Program provided that the conversion of such Cash Settled Award Units to RSUs under the Program has been approved by the stockholders of the Company.
 
5

 
Article 6 - Vesting and Payment of RSUs

6.1
Vesting.  A Participant shall be fully vested in each RSU or Cash Settled Award Unit 36 months after the Award Date pertaining to that RSU provided that the Participant has remained an employee for that entire 36-month period.
6.2
Payment after Vesting.  With respect to each vested RSU, the Company shall issue to the Participant one share of Common Stock (“Deferred Compensation Share”) as soon as practicable after the end of the Deferral Period specified in the Participant’s Election Form.  With respect to each vested Cash Settled Award Unit, the Company shall pay to the Participant an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of such Cash Settled Award Unit as soon as practical after the end of the Deferral Period specified in the Participant’s Election Form.
6.3
Payment Prior to Vesting.  In the event the Participant does not remain an employee until the end of the 36-month period due to:
 
(a)
Termination by the Company for Cause, the Participant shall be entitled to receive from the Company payment in an aggregate amount equal to the lesser of (x) the Credited Amount, or (y) the Fair Market Value of the number of shares of Common Stock represented by or related to the RSUs or Cash Settled Award Units on the date of termination of the Participant;
 
(b) Voluntary resignation or otherwise voluntarily terminating his/her employment with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries for any reason other than as the result of his death, Incapacity or Retirement, the Participant shall receive from the Company payment in an aggregate amount equal to the lesser of (x) the Credited Amount, or (y) the Fair Market Value of the number of shares of Common Stock represented by or related to the RSUs or Cash Settled Award Units on the date of resignation or termination by Participant.
 
(c)
Termination by the Company for any reason other than “Cause”, Participant shall be entitled to receive from the Company:  (i) the pro rata portion (the “Issuable Shares”) of the Deferred Compensation Shares which is the product of (x) the aggregate number of Deferred Compensation Shares into which the Credited Amount would be convertible at the end of the Deferral Period in accordance with the provisions of Article 6.2 hereof and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of whole months elapsed since the Award Date and the denominator of which is thirty-six (36) (the “Fraction”); and (ii) in respect of the pro rata portion of the Credited Amount represented by RSUs which are not converted into Issuable Shares (the “Remaining Credit”), payment is an aggregate amount equal to the lesser of (xx) the Remaining Credit, or (yy) the Fair Market Value, on the date of termination of Participant, of that number of Deferred Compensation Shares into which the Remaining Credit would have been converted in accordance with the provisions of Article 6.2 hereof.  Further, upon such termination for any reason other than “Cause”, with respect to Cash Settled Award Units, Participant shall be entitled to receive from the Company:  cash in an amount equal to (i) the pro rata portion of the fair market value of such Cash Settled Award Units equal to the product of (x) the aggregate number of unvested Cash Settled Award Units held in the Program on behalf of Participant and (y) the Fraction and (ii) in respect to the pro rata portion of the Credited Amount which is represented by Cash Settled Award Untis that are not paid out in accordance with the foregoing (the “Cash Remaining Credit”), payment in an aggregate amount equal to the lesser of (x) the Cash Remaining Credit or (y) the fair market value, on the date of termination of the Participant, of such Cash Settled Award Units.
 
6

 
 
(d)
Termination as the result of death, Incapacity or Retirement, the Credited Amount related to RSUs shall be automatically converted, as of the date of such termination of Participant, into Deferred Compensation Shares and related to Cash Settled Award Units shall be paid in cash, as of the date of such termination of Participant, in an amount equal to the fair market value of such Cash Settled Award Units in accordance with the provisions of Article 6.2 hereof.
 
(e)
Change of Control of the Company, the Credited Amount shall be automatically converted into Deferred Compensation Shares and the Credited Amount related to Cash Settled Award Units shall be paid in cash in accordance with the provisions of Article 6.2 hereof.
 
(f)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, at the time of a Participant’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), a Participant is a "specified employee" (within the meaning of Code Section 409A), any Plan benefit as to which Section 409A penalties could be assessed that becomes payable to the Participant on account of the Participant’s separation from service will not be paid or otherwise settled until after the end of the sixth calendar month beginning after the Participant’s separation from service (the "409A Suspension Period"). Within 14 calendar days after the end of the 409A Suspension Period, the Participant shall be paid a lump sum payment in cash (or shares of Common Stock, as the case may be) equal to any payments delayed because of the preceding sentence, without interest. Thereafter, the Participant shall receive any remaining payments or other benefits as if there had not been an earlier delay. 
  (g) Fair Market Value determinations of Common Stock represented by RSUs shall be valued at of the date of payment rather than the date of termination of employment.
6.4
Compensation Committee Waiver and Modification.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 6.1 and 6.3 above, the Compensation Committee shall have the right in its sole discretion to waive or alter the payment provisions of Section 6.3.
 
Article 7 - Designation of Beneficiary

A Participant may designate one or more Beneficiaries to receive payments or shares of Common Stock in the event of his/her death.  A designation of Beneficiary shall apply to a specified percentage of a Participant’s entire interest in the Program.  Such designation, or any change therein, must be in writing and shall be effective upon receipt by the Company.  If there is no effective designation of Beneficiary, or if no Beneficiary survives the Participant, the Participant’s estate shall be deemed to be the Beneficiary.

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Article 8 - Amendment or Termination of Program

Subject to the requirements of the Plan, the Company reserves the right to amend or terminate the Program at any time, by action of the Board or a Committee delegated by the Board, provided that no such action shall adversely affect a Participant’s rights under the Program with respect to RSUs awarded and vested before the date of such action.  If the Program is terminated, the payment of Deferred Compensation Shares may only be accelerated if the requirements set forth in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(j)(4) are met.

Article 9 - Miscellaneous Provisions

9.1
No Distribution; Compliance with Legal Requirements.  The Committee may require each person acquiring shares of Common Stock under the Program to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that such person is acquiring the shares without a view to distribution thereof.  No shares of Common Stock shall be issued until all applicable securities law and other legal and stock exchange requirements have been satisfied.  The Committee may require the placing of such stop-orders and restrictive legends on certificates for Common Stock as it deems appropriate.
9.2
Notices; Delivery of Stock Certificates.  Any notice required or permitted to be given by the Company or the Committee pursuant to the Program shall be deemed given when personally delivered or deposited in the United States mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid, addressed to the Participant at the last address shown for the Participant on the records of the Company.  Delivery of stock certificates to persons entitled to receive them under the Program shall be deemed effected for all purposes when the Company or a share transfer agent of the Company shall have deposited such certificates in the United States mail, addressed to such person at his/her last known address on file with the Company.
9.3
Nontransferability of Rights.  During a Participant’s lifetime, any payment or issuance of shares under the Program shall be made to him/her.  No RSU or other interest under the Program shall be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge, and any attempt by a Participant or any Beneficiary under the Program to do so shall be void.  No interest under the Program shall in any manner be liable for or subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements or torts of a Participant or Beneficiary entitled thereto.
9.4
Obligations Unfunded and Unsecured.  The Program shall at all times be entirely unfunded, and no provision shall at any time be made with respect to segregating assets of the Company (including Common Stock) for payment of any amounts or issuance of any shares of Company Stock hereunder.  No Participant or other person shall have any interest in any particular assets of the Company (including Common Stock) by reason of the right to receive payment under the Program, and any Participant or other person shall have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to any rights under the Program.
 
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9.5
No Guarantee of Tax Consequences.  While the Program is intended to provide tax deferral for Participants, the Program is not a guarantee that the intended tax deferral will be achieved.  Participants are solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may arise in connection with this Program (including any taxes arising under Section 409A of the Code).  Neither the Company nor its affiliates nor any of their directors, officers or employees shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold any Participant harmless from any such taxes. The Committee reserves the right (including the right to delegate such right) to unilaterally amend this Plan without the consent of any Participant in order to accurately reflect its correct interpretation and operation, as well as to maintain an exclusion from the application of, or to establish compliance with, Code Section 409A.  A Participant’s participation in the Plan constitutes acknowledgement and consent to such rights of the Committee.
9.6
Effective Date of Amended and Restated Program.  The Program, as amended and restated, shall become effective as of the date of its approval by the Board.
9.7
Incorporation of Plan.  This Program description is qualified in its entirety by the Plan.  Should there be any discrepancy between this description and the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall govern, excluding definitions that are specifically provided herein.
 
 
9
ex10_15.htm
`
Exhibit 10.15
Effective as of May 1, 2007

Michael R. Douglas                            Dear Mike:
171 Chapman Road
Greenville, SC 29605                           Re:       BEAZER HOMES USA, INC. (the "Company")

I am pleased to extend the Company’s offer of employment to you on the following amended terms based on you working from your home office in Greenville, South Carolina with periodic trips to Atlanta or other locations as required.

You will be initially appointed Special Counsel reporting to me.  Your duties will include, but not be limited to, handling all litigation stemming from the investigation into our mortgage practices, securities litigation and related issues.

Your first day of employment is May 1, 2007.

Your base salary will be $350,000 per year, paid semi-monthly.  You will be eligible to receive an annual bonus of up to 100% of base salary.  For Fiscal Year 2007 (October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007), you will be guaranteed a 100% bonus, prorated for months worked.  For Fiscal Year 2008 (and thereafter, if applicable), the formula for bonus eligibility will be agreed before the applicable Fiscal Year commences.

On your date of employment, May 1, 2007, a “phantom” LTIP package with a factor of three (3) times initial base salary was granted.  At a stock price of $34 (the closing stock price on the first day of employment), this equated to 38,603 phantom stock options and 15,441 phantom shares of restricted stock.  The phantom stock options will vest over three (3) years with 33.3% vesting on the first anniversary of employment.  The remaining 66.7% will vest in 8.33% increments each quarter over the following eight (8) quarters on the day of the month corresponding to your date of employment.  The phantom shares of restricted stock will vest over five (5) years with 20% vesting on the first anniversary of employment.  The remaining 80% will vest in 5% increments each quarter over the following 16 quarters on the day of the month corresponding to your date of employment.  The specific terms will be set forth in an award agreement which will be provided shortly after the grant.
 

 
Salaries are reviewed periodically.  Your first salary review will be January 1, 2008.  At that time your base salary will be increased to $400,000 with corresponding increases to your bonus potential and phantom LTIP package to reflect this increased salary.  As an indication, at a stock price of $30, this would equate to approximately 6,250 phantom stock options and 2,500 shares of phantom restricted stock.  This will be calculated at the closing price on January 1, 2008.

You will receive a car allowance of $9,600 per year, paid semi-monthly, which will cover transportation expenses when driving on Beazer business including, but not limited to, trips to Atlanta.  You will also be reimbursed for reasonable non-driving transportation expenses and other reasonable expenses incurred in performing your duties under this agreement.

Your employment by the Company will continue until terminated as follows:  (i) upon your death; (ii) upon termination of your employment by the Company for cause (as defined below);  or (iii) by either party, without cause, upon at least 90 days advance written notice to the other party.

For purposes hereof, "cause" shall mean: (a)  any act or failure to act by you done with the intent to harm in any material respect the financial interests or reputation of the Company or any affiliated companies; (b) your being convicted of (or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to) a felony; (c) your dishonesty, misappropriation or fraud with regard to the Company or any affiliated companies (other than good faith expense account disputes); (d)  a grossly negligent act or failure to act by you which has a material adverse affect on the Company or any affiliated companies; (e) the material breach by you of your agreements or obligations under this or any other agreement to which you are a party with the Company which has a material adverse effect on the Company, which breach, if curable, is not cured by you within fifteen (15) days after written notice from the Company; or (f) your continued refusal to follow the directives of the President and CEO or the Board of the Company or their designees which are consistent with your duties and responsibilities.
 

 
Upon the termination of your employment for any reason, the Company’s obligations to you shall be as follows:
 
(a)           to pay to you in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after the date of termination (1) your base salary through the date of termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (2)  except in the case of termination of your employment by the Company for cause, any accrued but unpaid annual bonus respecting any completed fiscal year ending prior to the date of termination, and (3) any compensation previously deferred by you (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and any vacation pay, in each case to the extent not theretofore paid.  The timing of payment by the Company of any deferred compensation shall remain subject to any payment election previously made by you; and

(b)           to timely pay or provide to you any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided to you (or which you are eligible to receive) under any applicable plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement of the Company and its affiliated companies.

If elected, medical, dental, vision and life insurance will begin on the first of the month following 30 days of employment.  You have 30 days from your date of hire to enroll.  Life insurance coverage is one times base annual salary and will be paid by the Company.  Medical and dental coverage are at a cost supplemented by the Company.  Vision, supplemental life and AD&D coverage are at employee expense.  Complete details will be provided upon employment.

On the first of the month following 30 days of employment, you will automatically be enrolled in our 401(k) Plan at a deferral rate of 2%.  You may call Fidelity or go on-line to elect any other percentage or to stop this automatic enrollment once you receive Plan information from Fidelity.

Upon your date of employment, you will be granted four (4) weeks of vacation per 12 months of service.

You will be eligible to participate in the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP).  Upon hire, materials will be sent to you by MullinTBG, our plan administrator.
 

 
You shall devote your full business time and attention to your services to the Company and shall not be employed by, render services to, engage in, or have any interest in, any other business without the prior written consent of the Company.

You agree that all secret, proprietary and/or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its affiliated companies, and their respective businesses (collectively “Confidential Information”) shall be the sole property of the Company.  You shall not, during your employment by the Company nor thereafter, (i) use for your benefit or the benefit of others, or (ii) except as may be required by law or legal process, disclose at any time Confidential Information or (iii) take with you upon termination of your employment any records, papers, reports, lists, computer tapes or disks or any other materials of any nature that contain any Confidential Information.

The Company agrees to indemnify and defend you (in your capacity as Special Counsel of the Company) to the fullest extent provided by the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws for executive officers, which indemnification and defense obligations shall survive the termination of your employment. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, include you under any directors and officers’ liability insurance policy maintained for the Company.

This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. Any legal action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this agreement shall be instituted in the state or federal courts in the State of Delaware and the parties agree not to assert, in any action, suit or proceeding by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise, any claim that either party is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of such court, or that such action, suit or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, or that the venue is improper or that the subject matter hereof cannot be enforced in such court.  The parties hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of any such court in any such action, suit or proceeding.
 

 
This letter sets forth the entire agreement between you and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements and understandings, written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof.  Reference is hereby made to that certain Change Of Control Employment Agreement dated as of May 1, 2007 (the “COC Agreement”) between the Company and you.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, (i) this agreement shall not supersede the COC Agreement, and (ii) upon the “Effective Date” occurring under the COC Agreement, this agreement shall be superseded by the COC Agreement. This agreement may not be changed, modified or waived, in whole or in part, except by a written instrument signed by you and the Company.

In anticipation of your acceptance of these terms and conditions, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Beazer Homes for what I trust will be a happy and mutually rewarding relationship. Please signify your agreement to the terms hereof by signing below where indicated.

Sincerely yours,

/s/ Ian J. McCarthy

Ian J. McCarthy
President and
Chief Executive Officer

IJM/kkh:

Enclosures

ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:


________________________________
MICHAEL R. DOUGLAS
 

 
August 24, 2007




Michael R. Douglas                             Dear Mike:
171 Chapman Road
Greenville, SC 29605                             I am pleased to inform you that as of yesterday, August 23, 2007, you have been appointed Executive Vice President, Special Counsel responsible for
                                                                the Securities Litigation and Special Investigations Group.

All other terms and conditions of your Employment Letter effective May 1, 2007 remain in force.

In anticipation of your acceptance of these terms and conditions, I would like to commend your efforts to date and look forward to working together to investigate
and resolve issues impacting our Company.

Sincerely yours,

/s/ Ian. J. McCarthy

Ian J. McCarthy
President and
Chief Executive Officer

IJM/kkh:


 
November 12, 2007
 

Michael R. Douglas                             Dear Mike:
Executive Vice President
  and Special Counsel                          I am pleased to inform you that for Fiscal Year 2008, you will be
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.                    eligible for a guaranteed bonus of 100% of your base salary in
330 E. Coffee Street                             effect on January 1, 2008.  
Suite 5025                                                      
Greenville, SC 29601                            All other terms and conditions of your Employment Letters dated May 1, 2007 and August 24, 2007 remain in force.

With kind regards,

/s/ Ian J. McCarthy

Ian J. McCarthy
President and
Chief Executive Officer

IJM/kkh:
 
ex10_20.htm

Exhibit 10.20

CHANGE OF CONTROL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT by and between Beazer Homes USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and MICHAEL R. DOUGLAS (the "Executive"), dated as of the 1st day of May, 2007.

The Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"), has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below) of the Company. The Board believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened Change of Control and to encourage the Executive's full attention and dedication to the Company currently and in the event of any threatened or pending Change of Control, and to provide the Executive with compensation and benefits arrangements upon a Change of Control which ensure that the compensation and benefits expectations of the Executive will be satisfied and which are competitive with those of other corporations. Therefore, in order to accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused the Company to enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

1.             Certain Definitions.

(a)           The "Effective Date" shall mean the first date during the Change of Control Period (as defined in Section 1(b)) on which a Change of Control (as defined in Section 2) occurs. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if a Change of Control occurs and if the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated prior to the date on which the Change of Control occurs, and if it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change of Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change of Control, then for all purposes of this Agreement the "Effective Date" shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such termination of employment.

(b)           The "Change of Control Period" shall mean the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the second anniversary of the date hereof; provided, however, that commencing on the date one year after the date hereof, and on each annual anniversary of such date (such date and each annual anniversary thereof shall be hereinafter referred to as the "Renewal Date"), unless previously terminated, the Change of Control Period shall be automatically extended so as to terminate two years from such Renewal Date, unless at least 60 days prior to the Renewal Date the Company shall give notice to the Executive that the Change of Control Period shall not be so extended.

                2.             Change of Control. For the purpose of this Agreement, a "Change of Control" shall mean:

(a)           The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) (a "Person") of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 25% or more of either (i) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities"); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company or (iv) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of subsection (c) of this Section 2; or

(b)           Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

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(c)           Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a "Business Combination"), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company's assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (ii) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or

(d)           Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

3.             Employment Period. The Company hereby agrees to continue the Executive in its employ, and the Executive hereby agrees to remain in the employ of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the second anniversary of such date (the "Employment Period").

4.             Terms of Employment.

(a)            Position and Duties.

 
(i)  During the Employment Period, (A) the Executive's position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120 day period immediately preceding the Effective Date and (B) the Executive's services shall be performed at the location where the Executive was employed immediately preceding the Effective Date or any office or location less than 35 miles from such location.

(ii) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees to devote reasonable attention and time during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to the Executive hereunder, to use the Executive's reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully such responsibilities. During the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (A) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (B) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions and (C) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities as an employee of the Company in accordance with this Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed that to the extent that any such activities have been conducted by the Executive prior to the Effective Date, the continued conduct of such activities (or the conduct of activities similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Effective Date shall not thereafter be deemed to interfere with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities to the Company.

2

 
(b)           Compensation.

(i)           Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive an annual base salary ("Annual Base Salary"), which shall be paid at a monthly rate, at least equal to twelve times the highest monthly base salary paid or payable, including any base salary which has been earned but deferred, to the Executive by the Company and its affiliated companies in respect of the twelve month period immediately preceding the month in which the Effective Date occurs. Annual Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices (but not less frequently than monthly). During the Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed (for purposes of increase only) no more than 12 months after the last salary increase awarded to the Executive prior to the Effective Date and thereafter at least annually. Any increase in Annual Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Executive under this Agreement. Annual Base Salary shall not be reduced after any such increase and the term Annual Base Salary as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to Annual Base Salary as so increased. As used in this Agreement, the term "affiliated companies" shall include any company controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company.

(ii)           Annual Bonus. In addition to Annual Base Salary, the Executive shall be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the Employment Period, an annual bonus (the "Annual Bonus") in cash at least equal to the arithmetic average of the Executive’s bonuses (whether paid or deferred) under the Company's or its predecessor’s annual incentive plans during the last three full fiscal years prior to the Effective Date or for such lesser period as the Executive has been employed by the Company or its predecessor (annualized in the event that the Executive was not employed by the Company for the whole of any such fiscal year), (the “Average Annual Bonus”).  Each such Annual Bonus shall be paid no later than the end of the third month of the fiscal year next following the fiscal year for which the Annual Bonus is awarded, unless the Executive shall elect to defer the receipt of such Annual Bonus. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing definition, the “Average Annual Bonus” shall include any deferred bonus under the Executive’s bonus program which is invested in stock under the Company’s Corporate Management Stock Purchase Program, at full face value of said bonus (which shall, for purposes hereof, be deemed to be fully vested).

(iii)           Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Executive with incentive opportunities (measured with respect to both regular and special incentive opportunities, to the extent, if any, that such distinction is applicable), savings opportunities and retirement benefit opportunities, in each case, less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of those provided by the Company and its affiliated companies for the Executive under such plans, practices, policies and programs as in effect at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or if more favorable to the Executive, those provided generally at any time after the Effective Date to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.

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(iv)           Welfare Benefit Plans. During the Employment Period, the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its affiliated companies (including, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Executive with benefits which are less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of such plans, practices, policies and programs in effect for the Executive at any time during the 120 day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, those provided generally at any time after the Effective Date to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.

(v)           Expenses. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the most favorable policies, practices and procedures of the Company and its affiliated companies in effect for the Executive at any time during the 120 day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.

(vi)           Fringe Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits, including, without limitation, tax and financial planning services, payment of club dues, and, if applicable, use of an automobile and payment of related expenses, in accordance with the most favorable plans, practices, programs and policies of the Company and its affiliated companies in effect for the Executive at any time during the 120 day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.

(vii)           Office and Support Staff. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to exclusive personal secretarial and other assistance, at least equal to the most favorable of the foregoing provided to the Executive by the Company and its affiliated companies at any time during the 120 day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as provided generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.

(viii)           Vacation. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company and its affiliated companies as in effect for the Executive at any time during the 120 day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.

5.             Termination of Employment.

(a)           Death or Disability. The Executive's employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive's death during the Employment Period. If the Disability of the Executive occurs during the Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of Disability set forth below), the Company may give to the Executive written notice in accordance with Section 12(c) of this Agreement of its intention to terminate the Executive's employment. In such event, the Executive's employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (the "Disability Effective Date"), provided that, within the 30 days after such receipt, the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of the Executive's duties. For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall mean the absence of the Executive from the Executive's duties with the Company on a full-time basis for 180 consecutive business days as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness which is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executive's legal representative.

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(b)           Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean:

(i)           the willful and continued failure of the Executive to perform substantially the Executive's duties with the Company or one of its affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), for more than 15 days after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board or Chief Executive Officer believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive's duties, or

(ii)           the willful engaging by the Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company.

For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Executive, shall be considered "willful" unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive's action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or upon the instructions of the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of employment of the Executive shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in subparagraph (i) or (ii) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

(c)           Good Reason. The Executive's employment may be terminated by the Executive for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean:

(i)           the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with the Executive's position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 4(a) of this Agreement, or any other action by the Company which results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company within 15 days after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

(ii)           any failure by the Company to comply with any of the provisions of Section 4(b) of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company within 15 days after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

(iii)           the Company's requiring the Executive to be based at any office or location other than as provided in Section 4(a)(i)(B) hereof or the Company's requiring the Executive to travel on Company business to a substantially greater extent than required immediately prior to the Effective Date, which is not remedied by the Company within 15 days after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

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(iv)           any purported termination by the Company of the Executive's employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or

(v)           any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Section 11(c) of this Agreement, which is not remedied by the Company within 15 days after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive.

(d)           Notice of Termination.  Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or by the Executive shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 12(c) of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall be not more than thirty days after the giving of such notice). The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executive's or the Company's rights hereunder.

(e)           Date of Termination. "Date of Termination" means (i) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or, subject to applicable cure periods, any later date specified therein, as the case may be, (ii) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the Company notifies the Executive of such termination and (iii) if the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case may be.

6.             Obligations of the Company upon Termination.

(a)           Good Reason; Other Than for Cause. If, during the Employment Period, the Company shall terminate the Executive's employment other than for Cause or the Executive shall terminate employment for Good Reason :

(i)           the Company shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after the Date of Termination the aggregate of the following amounts:
 
                                              A.           the sum of (1) the Executive's Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (2)  any accrued but unpaid Annual Bonus respecting any completed fiscal year ending prior to the Date of Termination, (3) the product of (x) the Average Annual Bonus and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the current fiscal year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365 and (4) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) shall be hereinafter referred to as the "Accrued Obligations").  Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the timing of payment by the Company of any deferred compensation shall remain subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable deferred compensation plan and any payment election previously made by the Executive; provided, however, that, if at the time of Termination, Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, then payments shall not be made before the date which is six (6) months after the date of separation from service with the Company (or, if earlier, the date of the Executive’s death); and

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                                              B.           the amount equal to the product of (1) one and one-half (1.50), and (2) the sum of (x) the Executive's Annual Base Salary and (y) the Highest Annual Bonus (as hereinafter defined); and

(ii)           for eighteen (18) months after the Executive's Date of Termination, or such longer period as may be provided by the terms of the appropriate plan, program, practice or policy, the Company shall continue benefits to the Executive and/or the Executive's family at least equal to those which would have been provided to them in accordance with the plans, programs, practices and policies described in Section 4(b)(iv) of this Agreement if the Executive's employment had not been terminated or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies and their families, provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or other welfare benefits under another employer provided plan, the medical and other welfare benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility. For purposes of determining eligibility (but not the time of commencement of benefits) of the Executive for retiree benefits pursuant to such plans, practices, programs and policies, the Executive shall be considered to have remained employed until eighteen (18) months after the Date of Termination and to have retired on the last day of such period;

(iii)           the Company shall, at its sole expense as incurred, provide the Executive with outplacement services in accordance with the Company’s policies with regard to outplacement then in effect; and

(iv)           to the extent not theretofore paid or provided, the Company shall timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Executive is eligible to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement of the Company and its affiliated companies (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as the "Other Benefits").

For purposes hereof, the term “Highest Annual Bonus” shall mean the highest of the Executive’s bonuses (whether paid or deferred) under the Company's or its predecessor’s annual incentive plans during the last three full fiscal years prior to the Effective Date or for such lesser period as the Executive has been employed by the Company or its predecessor (annualized in the event that the Executive was not employed by the Company for the whole of any such fiscal year).

(b)           Death. If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of the Executive's death during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive's legal representatives under this Agreement, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or provision of Other Benefits. Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive's estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. With respect to the provision of Other Benefits, the term Other Benefits as utilized in this Section 6(b) shall include, without limitation, and the Executive's estate and/or beneficiaries shall be entitled to receive, benefits at least equal to the most favorable benefits provided by the Company and affiliated companies to the estates and beneficiaries of peer executives of the Company and such affiliated companies under such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to death benefits, if any, as in effect with respect to other peer executives and their beneficiaries at any time during the 120 day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive's estate and/or the Executive's beneficiaries, as in effect on the date of the Executive's death with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies and their beneficiaries.

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                (c)            Disability. If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of the Executive's Disability during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or provision of Other Benefits. Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive or the Executive’s legal representative in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. With respect to the provision of Other Benefits, the term Other Benefits as utilized in this Section 6(c) shall include, and the Executive shall be entitled after the Disability Effective Date to receive, disability and other benefits at least equal to the most favorable of those generally provided by the Company and its affiliated companies to disabled executives and/or their families in accordance with such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to disability, if any, as in effect generally with respect to other peer executives and their families at any time during the 120 day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as in effect at any time thereafter generally with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies and their families.

(d)           Cause; Other than for Good Reason. If the Executive's employment shall be terminated for Cause during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive other than the obligation to pay to the Executive (x) his Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination, (y) the amount of any compensation previously deferred by the Executive, and (z) Other Benefits, in each case to the extent theretofore unpaid. If the Executive voluntarily terminates employment during the Employment Period, excluding a termination for Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or provision of Other Benefits. In such case, all Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination.

7.             Non-exclusivity of Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and for which the Executive may qualify, nor, subject to Section 12(f), shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies. Amounts which are vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.

8.             Full Settlement. The Company's obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against the Executive or others. Each and every payment made hereunder by the Company shall be final, and the Company shall not seek to recover all or any part of such payment from the Executive or from whomsoever may be entitled thereto, for any reasons whatsoever. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment. The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which the Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any contest by (i) the Company, provided that the Executive prevails in at least one material issue, (ii) the Executive or (iii) others, of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including, without limitation, as a result of any contest by the Executive about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f) (2) (A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
 
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9.             Certain Additional Payments by the Company.

(a)           Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding and except as set forth below, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive (whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, but determined without regard to any additional payments required under this Section 9) (a "Payment") would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto) and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 9(a), if it shall be determined that the Executive is entitled to a Gross-Up Payment, but that the Payments do not exceed 110% of the greatest amount (the "Reduced Amount") that could be paid to the Executive such that the receipt of Payments would not give rise to any Excise Tax, then no Gross-Up Payment shall be made to the Executive and the Payments, in the aggregate, shall be reduced to the Reduced Amount.

(b)           Subject to the provisions of Section 9(c), all determinations required to be made under this Section 9, including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by such certified public accounting firm as may be designated by the Company (the "Accounting Firm") which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and the Executive within 15 business days of the receipt of notice from the Executive that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. In the event that the Accounting Firm is serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change of Control, the Company shall appoint another nationally recognized accounting firm to make the determinations required hereunder (which accounting firm shall then be referred to as the Accounting Firm hereunder). All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this Section 9, shall be paid by the Company to the Executive within five days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm's determination. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made ("Underpayment"), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to Section 9(c) and the Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive.

(c)           The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the Company of the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later than ten business days after the Executive is informed in writing of such claim and shall apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. The Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the 30-day period following the date on which it gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the Executive shall:

(i)           give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to such claim,

(ii)           take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company,

(iii)           cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to contest such claim, and

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(iv)           permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim;

provided, however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of this Section 9(c), the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct the Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; provided, however, that if the Company directs the Executive to pay such claim and sue for a refund, the Company shall advance the amount of such payment to the Executive, on an interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest or penalties with respect thereto) imposed with respect to such advance or with respect to any imputed income with respect to such advance; and further provided that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of the Executive with respect to which such contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the Company's control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and the Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.

(d)           If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 9(c), the Executive becomes entitled to receive any refund with respect to such claim, the Executive shall (subject to the Company's complying with the requirements of Section 9(c)) promptly pay to the Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 9(c), a determination is made that the Executive shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify the Executive in writing of its intent to contest such denial of refund prior to the expiration of 30 days after such determination, then such advance shall be forgiven and shall not be required to be repaid and the amount of such advance shall offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid.

10.           Confidential Information. The Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its affiliated companies, and their respective businesses, which shall have been obtained by the Executive during the Executive's employment by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and which shall not be or become public knowledge (other than by acts by the Executive or representatives of the Executive in violation of this Agreement). After termination of the Executive's employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Company and those designated by it. In no event shall an asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 10 constitute a basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive under this Agreement.

11.           Successors.

(a)           This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's legal representatives.

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(b)           This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.

(c)           The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.

12.           Miscellaneous.

(a)           This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. Any legal action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be instituted in the state or federal courts in the State of Delaware and the parties agree not to assert, in any action, suit or proceeding by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise, any claim that either party is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of such court, or that such action, suit or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, or that the venue is improper or that the subject matter hereof cannot be enforced in such court.  The parties hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of any such court in any such action, suit or proceeding.

(b)           The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.

(c)           All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party, by UPS or other commercial overnight courier or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

If to the Executive:

171 Chapman Road
Greenville, SC 29605

If to the Company:

1000 Abernathy Road
Suite 1200
Atlanta, Georgia 30328
Attention: Company Secretary

or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.

(d)           The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

(e)           The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state, local or foreign taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

(f)           The Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 5(c)(i) through (v) of this Agreement, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.

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(g)           Except as may otherwise be provided under any other written agreement between the Executive and the Company, the Executive and the Company acknowledge that the employment of the Executive by the Company is "at will" and, subject to Section 1 hereof, prior to the Effective Date, the Executive's employment and/or this Agreement may be terminated by either the Executive or the Company at any time prior to the Effective Date, in which case the Executive shall have no further rights under this Agreement. From and after the Effective Date, this Agreement shall supersede any other agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and, upon the Effective Date, any such other agreement shall be null, void and of no further force or effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive's hand and, pursuant to the authorization from its Board of Directors, the Company has caused these presents to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.

 
  /s/ Michael R. Douglas  
    MICHAEL R. DOUGLAS  
       
    BEAZER HOMES USA, INC.  
       
       
By:
  /s/ Ian J. McCarthy  
    Ian J. McCarthy  
    President and Chief Executive Officer  
 
 
 
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ex10_27.htm

Exhibit 10.27


 
BEAZER HOMES USA, INC.
2008 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
(Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2008)
 
 
WHEREAS, the Company has set forth its desire to establish this Deferred Compensation Plan for a select group of management or highly compensated employees; and
 
WHEREAS, the Company desires to amend and restate this Plan in order to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”);
 
NOW, THEREFORE, as of the effective date set forth herein, this Plan is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows, provided that (i) no provision of this Plan shall cause the loss of grandfathering treatment under Code section 409A for any amounts that are attributable to compensation that was vested and deferred on or before December 31, 2004, and (ii) the Company shall have complete discretion to interpret and construe the Plan and any associated documents in any manner that establishes an exemption from or otherwise conforms to the requirements of Section 409A.
 
ARTICLE I
 
DEFINITIONS
 
1.1           Definitions.
 
Whenever the following words and phrases are used in this Plan, with the first letter capitalized, they shall have the meanings specified below.
 
(a)           "Account" or "Accounts" shall mean all of such accounts as are specifically authorized for inclusion in this Plan.
 
(b)           "Base Salary" shall mean a Participant's annual base salary, including Severance Pay and refunded 401(k) contributions, but excluding bonus, commissions, incentive and all other remuneration for services rendered to Company and prior to reduction for any salary contributions to a plan established pursuant to Section 125 of the Code or qualified pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Code.
 
(c)           "Beneficiary" or "Beneficiaries" shall mean the person or persons, including a trustee, personal representative or other fiduciary, last designated in writing by a Participant in accordance with procedures established by the Committee to receive the benefits specified hereunder in the event of the Participant's death.  No beneficiary designation shall become effective until it is filed with the Committee; provided that a designation that the Committee receives shall be honored and given effect unless the Committee sends the Participant a written notice of its rejection within 10 business days after receipt of the designation.  Any designation shall be revocable at any time through a written instrument filed by the Participant with the Committee with or without the consent of the previous Beneficiary. If a Participant has not made an effective beneficiary designation or the designated beneficiary predeceases the Participant, the duly appointed and currently acting personal representative of the Participant's estate (which shall include either the Participant's probate estate or living trust) shall be the Beneficiary.  In any case where there is no such personal representative of the Participant's estate duly appointed and acting in that capacity within 90 days after the Participant's death (or such extended period as the Committee determines is reasonably necessary to allow such personal representative to be appointed, but not to exceed 180 days after the Participant's death), then Beneficiary shall mean the person or persons who can verify by affidavit or court order to the satisfaction of the Committee that they are legally entitled to receive the benefits specified hereunder.  In the event any amount is payable under the Plan to a minor, payment shall not be made to the minor, but instead be paid (a) to that person's living parent(s) to act as custodian, (b) if that person's parents are then divorced, and one parent is the sole custodial parent, to such custodial parent, or (c) if no parent of that person is then living, to a custodian selected by the Committee to hold the funds for the minor under the Uniform Transfers of Gifts to Minors Act in effect in the jurisdiction in which the minor resides.  If no parent is living and the Committee decides not to select another custodian to hold the funds for the minor, then payment shall be made to the duly appointed and currently acting guardian of the estate for the minor or, if no guardian of the estate for the minor is duly appointed and currently acting within 60 days after the date the amount becomes payable, payment shall be deposited with the court having jurisdiction over the estate of the minor.  Payment by Company pursuant to any unrevoked Beneficiary designation, or to the Participant's estate if no such designation exists, of all benefits owed hereunder shall terminate any and all liability of Company.
 

 
(d)           "Board of Directors" or "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of Company.
 
(e)           "Bonuses" shall mean the annual or periodic bonuses payable in cash during the Plan Year excepting any cash distributed from the Corporate Management Stock Purchase Program.
 
(f)           "Change in Control" shall have the following meaning, subject to the Committee’s interpretation of this definition in a manner that conforms with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and associated regulations:
 
(i)  The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) more than 50% of either (x) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Com­mon Stock”) or (y) the total voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”);
 
(ii)  The acquisition by a Person of stock possessing 30% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company;
 
(iii)  A majority of individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) are replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the Incumbent Board before the date of the appointment or election. or
 
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                                                (iv)  Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, resulting in the acquisition assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 40 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately before the acquisition.
 
(g)           "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
(h)           "Committee" shall mean the Committee appointed by the Board to administer the Plan in accordance with Article VII.
 
(i)           "Company" shall mean Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
 
(j)           "Company Contribution Account" shall mean the bookkeeping account maintained by Company for each Participant that is credited with an amount equal to the Company Discretionary Contribution Amount, if any, and Company Matching Contribution Amount, if any, and earnings and losses on such amounts pursuant to Section 4.2.
 
(k)           "Company Discretionary Contribution Amount" shall mean such discretionary amount if contributed by the Company for each Participant for a Plan Year.  Such amount may differ from Participant to Participant both in amount, including no contribution, and as a percentage of Compensation.
 
(l)           "Company Matching Contribution Amount" shall mean such amount if contributed by the Company for each Participant for a Plan Year. Such amount may differ from Participant to Participant both in amount, including no contribution, and as a percentage of Compensation.
 
(m)           "Compensation" shall be Base Salary and Bonuses.
 
(n)           "Deferral Account" shall mean the bookkeeping account maintained by the Committee for each Participant that is credited with amounts equal to (1) the portion of the Participant's Compensation that he or she elects to defer, and (2) earnings and losses pursuant to Section 4.1.
 
(o)           "Disability" shall mean a Participant’s condition such that he or she is (a) unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or (b) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident or health plan covering employees of the Participant’s employer.
 
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(p)           "Distributable Amount" shall mean the vested accumulated balance in the Participant's Deferral Account and Company Contribution Account.
 
(q)           "Early Distribution" shall mean an election by Participant in accordance with Section 6.2 to receive a withdrawal of vested amounts from his or her Deferral Account and Company Contribution Account prior to the time at which such Participant would otherwise be entitled to such amounts.
 
(r)           "Effective Date" shall be January 1, 2008 with respect to this amendment and restatement, with the Plan being initially effective January 1, 2002.
 
(s)           "Eligible Employee" shall include only Employees designated by the Committee to participate in the Plan.
 
(t)           “Employee” shall mean any person whom the Company or any member of its controlled group (within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code) treats as an employee for purposes of federal income tax withholding, regardless of whether or not the person would be treated as an employee under applicable common law.
 
(u)           "Fund" or "Funds" shall mean one or more of the investment funds selected by the Committee pursuant to Section 3.2(b).
 
(v)           “Grandfathered Amounts” shall mean the portion of a Participant’s Account that is attributable to amounts deferred and vested before January 1, 2005.
 
(w)           "Hardship Distribution" shall mean a severe financial hardship to the Participant resulting from an illness or accident of the Participant, the Participant’s spouse, the Participant’s beneficiary, or the Participant’s Dependent (as defined in Section 152, without regard to section 152(b)(1), (b)(2), and (d)(1)(B)) of the Code); loss of a Participant's property due to casualty (including the need to rebuild a home following damage to a home not otherwise covered by insurance, for example, not as a result of a natural disaster); or other similar or extraordinary and unforseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant.  For example, the imminent foreclosure of or eviction from the Participant’s primary residence may constitute an unforeseeable emergency.  In addition, the need to pay for medical expenses, including non-refundable deductibles, as well as for the costs of prescription drug medication, may constitute an unforeseeable emergency.  Finally, the need to pay for the funeral expenses of a spouse, a beneficiary, or a dependent (as defined in section 152, without regard to section 152(b)(1), (b)(2), and (d)(1)(B)) may also constitute an unforeseeable emergency.  Except as otherwise provided herein, the purchase of a home and the payment of college tuition are not unforeseeable emergencies.  The circumstances that would constitute an unforseeable emergency will depend upon the facts of each case, but, in any case, a Hardship Distribution may not be made to the extent that such hardship is or may be relieved (i) through reimbursement or compensation by insurance or otherwise, (ii) by liquidation of the Participant's assets, to the extent the liquidation of assets would not itself cause severe financial hardship, or (iii) by cessation of deferrals under this Plan.
 
(x)           "Initial Election Period" shall mean the 30-day period following the time an employee shall be designated by the Company as an Eligible Employee.
 
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(y)           "Interest Rate" shall mean, for each Fund, an amount equal to the net gain or loss on the assets of such Fund during each month.
 
(z)           "Participant" shall mean any Eligible Employee who becomes a Participant in this Plan in accordance with Article II.
 
(aa)           "Payment Date" shall be a date as soon as possible after the end of the Plan Year, but not later than the March 31st following the end of the Plan Year.  A Hardship Distribution shall be paid as soon as administratively practicable.
 
(bb)           "Plan" shall be this Beazer Homes USA, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan.
 
(cc)           "Plan Year" shall be the calendar year.
 
(dd)           "Scheduled Withdrawal Date" shall mean the distribution date elected by the Participant for an in-service withdrawal of vested amounts from such Accounts deferred in a given Plan Year, and earnings and losses attributable thereto, as set forth on the election form for such Plan Year executed by a Participant in accordance with Article III of the Plan.
 
(ee)           “Separation from Service” means the Participant’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(h)) from the Company and all affiliates for any reason; however, for purposes of this paragraph, the definition of affiliate shall be modified by substituting 50 percent for 80 percent each place it appears in Code Section 1563(a)(1), (2) and (3), for purposes of Code Section 414(b), and each plan it appears in Treasury Regulation § 1.414(c)-2, for purposes of Code Section 414(c).  A Separation of Service will be deemed to occur if the Company and the Participant reasonably anticipate that the Participant shall perform no further services for the Company (whether an employee or an independent contractor) or that the level of bona fide services the Participant will perform in the future (whether as an employee or an independent contractor) will permanently decrease to no more than 20 percent of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or independent contractor) over the immediately preceding 36-month period.  A Participant on an authorized, bona fide leave of absence shall experience a Separation from Service on the first day of the seventh (7th) month of such leave, unless the Participant’s right to reemployment with an Employer is provided either by statute or contract.  A leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that the Participant will return to perform services for the Company or any of its affiliates.  For purposes of the 36-month period described above, (a) a Participant who is on a paid bona fide leave of absence is treated as providing bona fide services at a level equal to the level of services that the Participant would have been required to perform to receive the compensation paid during the leave of absence, and (b) unpaid bona fide leaves of absence are disregarded.
 
(ff)           “Severance Pay” shall mean any cash payments that a Participant may become entitled to receive in connection with terminating status as an Employee.
 
(gg)           “Specified Employee” shall mean a Specified Employee as defined in Section 416(i) of the Code (without regard to paragraph (5) thereof), of the Company or any affiliate during any period when the stock of the Company or its affiliate, as the case may be, is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise.  The Committee shall designate in writing any Participant as a Specified Employee prior to the suspension of any payments due a Participant pursuant to Article VI of the Plan.
 
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(hh)           "Trust" shall mean the Beazer Homes USA, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Trust.
 
(ii)           "Trustee" shall mean the trustee of the Trust, and shall refer to the successor of any trustee who resigns or is removed in accordance with the terms of the Trust.

ARTICLE II
 
PARTICIPATION
 
An Eligible Employee shall become a Participant in the Plan by completing all election forms that the Committee may require.  Newly hired or promoted employees who are eligible to participate in the Plan will have 30 calendar days from their notification of eligibility date to complete the forms.  Participation in the Plan in one year does not entitle an Eligible Employee to participate in the Plan in future years. The Committee may in its discretion change the criteria for eligibility.
 
ARTICLE III
 
DEFERRAL ELECTIONS
 
3.1           Elections to Defer Compensation.
 
(a)           Initial Election Period.  Subject to the provisions of Article II, each Participant may elect to defer Compensation by filing with the Committee an election that conforms to the requirements of this Section 3.1, on a form provided by the Committee, no later than the last day of his or her Initial Election Period. Any election pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall be for the remainder of the Plan Year, in the event the Plan Year has commenced.
 
(b)           General Rule.  The amount of Compensation which a Participant may elect to defer is such Compensation earned after the time at which the Participant elects to defer in accordance with Sections 1.1(w) and 3.1(a) and shall be a flat dollar amount or percentage which shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the Participant's Base Salary and seventy-five percent (75%) of the Participant’s Bonuses, provided that the total amount deferred by a Participant shall be limited in any calendar year, if necessary, to satisfy Social Security Tax (including Medicare), income tax and employee benefit plan withholding requirements as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Committee.  The minimum contribution which may be made in any Plan Year by a Participant shall not be less than $5,000, provided such minimum contribution can be satisfied from any element of Compensation.
 
(c)           Duration of Compensation Deferral Election.  A Participant's election to defer Compensation for any Plan Year must be made before the first day of the Plan Year to which the election relates, is to be effective with respect to Compensation received after such deferral election is processed, is irrevocable for the Plan Year, and ceases to be effective at the end of the Plan Year.
 
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(d)           Elections other than Elections during the Initial Election Period.  Subject to the limitations of Section 3.1(b) above, any Participant who has terminated a prior Compensation deferral election and any Eligible Employee who has failed to make an election during the Initial Election Period may elect to defer Compensation, by filing an election, on a form provided by the Committee, to defer Compensation as described in Sections 3.1(b) and 3.1(c) above.  An election to defer Compensation must be filed in a timely manner in accordance with Section 3.1(c), and shall be effective on the first day of the Participant’s taxable year after the Committee receives it.  Additionally, a Participant may increase, decrease or terminate a deferral election with respect to Compensation for any subsequent Plan Year provided that such election must be made at least one year before the Payment Date, such election must not take effect until at least one year after the date on which it is made, and the Payment Date must be delayed for at least an additional five years.
 
3.2           Investment Elections.
 
(a)           At the time of making the deferral elections described in Section 3.1, the Participant shall designate, on a form provided by the Committee, the types of investment funds in which the Participant's Account will be deemed to be invested for purposes of determining the amount of earnings to be credited to that Account.  In making the designation pursuant to this Section 3.2, the Participant may specify that all or any multiple of his or her Account be deemed to be invested, in whole percentage increments, in one or more of the types of investment funds provided under the Plan as communicated from time to time by the Committee.  Effective as of the end of any calendar month, a Participant may change the designation made under this Section 3.2 by filing an election, on a form provided by the Committee, by the 25th day of such month.  If a Participant fails to elect a type of fund under this Section 3.2, he or she shall be deemed to have elected the Money Market type of investment fund.
 
(b)           Although the Participant may designate the type of investments, the Committee shall not be bound by such designation.  The Committee shall select from time to time, in its sole and absolute discretion, commercially available investments of each of the types communicated by the Committee to the Participant pursuant to Section 3.2(a) above to be the Funds.  The Interest Rate of each such commercially available investment fund shall be used to determine the amount of earnings or losses to be credited to Participant's Account under
 
ARTICLE IV

DEFERRAL ACCOUNTS, COMPANY CONTRIBUTION ACCOUNTS, 
AND TRUST FUNDING

4.1           Deferral Accounts.
 
The Committee shall establish and maintain a Deferral Account for each Participant under the Plan.  Each Participant's Deferral Account shall be further divided into separate subaccounts ("investment fund subaccounts"), each of which corresponds to an investment fund elected by the Participant pursuant to Section 3.2(a).  A Participant's Deferral Account shall be credited as follows:
 
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(a)           On the same business day that the amounts are withheld and deferred from a Participant's Compensation, the Committee shall credit the investment fund subaccounts of the Participant's Deferral Account with an amount equal to the Compensation deferred by the Participant in accordance with the Participant's election under Section 3.2(a); that is, the portion of the Participant's deferred Compensation that the Participant has elected to be deemed to be invested in a certain type of investment fund shall be credited to the corresponding investment fund subaccount;
 
(b)           Each business day, each investment fund subaccount of a Participant's Deferral Account shall be credited with earnings or losses in an amount equal to that determined by multiplying the balance credited to such investment fund subaccount as of the prior day plus contributions credited that day to the investment fund subaccount by the Interest Rate for the corresponding Fund selected by the Company pursuant to Section 3.2(b).
 
(c)           All amounts attributed to the deferral of Compensation for a given Plan Year shall be accounted for in a manner which allows separate accounting for the deferral of Compensation and investment gains and losses associated with such Plan Year's deferral of Compensation.
 
4.2           Company Contribution Account.
 
The Committee shall establish and maintain a Company Contribution Account for each Participant under the Plan.  Each Participant's Company Contribution Account shall be further divided into separate investment fund subaccounts corresponding to the investment fund elected by the Participant pursuant to Section 3.2(a).  A Participant's Company Contribution Account shall be credited as follows:
 
(a)           On the fifth business day after a Company Discretionary Contribution Amount or Company Matching Contribution Amount has been made, the Committee shall credit the investment fund subaccounts of the Participant's Company Contribution Account with an amount equal to the Company Discretionary Contribution Amount, if any, and the Company Matching Contribution Account, if any, applicable to that Participant, that is, the proportion of the Company Discretionary Contribution Amount, if any, and Company Matching Contribution Amount, if any, that the Participant has elected to be deemed to be invested in a certain type of investment fund shall be credited to the corresponding investment fund subaccount; and
 
(b)           Each business day, each investment fund subaccount of a Participant's Company Contribution Account shall be credited with earnings or losses in an amount equal to that determined by multiplying the balance credited to such investment fund subaccount as of the prior day plus contributions credited that day to the investment fund subaccount by the Interest Rate for the corresponding Fund selected by the Company pursuant to Section 3.2(b).
 
4.3           Trust Funding.
 
The Company has created a Trust with the Trustee.  The Company shall cause the Trust to be funded as soon as practicable after the end of each pay period, and shall not fund the Trust with assets located outside the United States of America.  The Company shall contribute liquid assets to the Trust in an amount equal to (1) the amount deferred by each Participant; (2) the aggregate amount of Company Discretionary Contribution Amounts; (3) the aggregate amount of Company Matching Contribution Amounts for the Plan Year; and (4) net of any distributions paid pursuant to Article VI.
 
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Although the principal of the Trust and any earnings thereon shall be held separate and apart from other funds of Company and shall be used exclusively for the uses and purposes of Plan Participants and Beneficiaries as set forth therein, neither the Participants nor their Beneficiaries shall have any preferred claim on, or any beneficial ownership in, any assets of the Trust prior to the time such assets are paid to the Participants or Beneficiaries as benefits and all rights created under this Plan shall be unsecured contractual rights of Plan Participants and Beneficiaries against the Company.  Any assets held in the Trust will be subject to the claims of Company's general creditors under federal and state law in the event of insolvency as defined in the Trust.
 
ARTICLE V
 
VESTING
 
A Participant shall be 100% vested in his or her Deferral Account.  A Participant shall be vested in accordance with any schedule that the Committee may establish with respect to any amounts credited to the Participant’s Company Contribution Account; provided that upon the death of a Participant or upon a Change in Control, the Participant shall become 100% vested in his or her Company Contribution Account.
 
ARTICLE VI
 
DISTRIBUTIONS
 
6.1           Distribution of Deferred Compensation and Discretionary Company Contributions.
 
(a)           Distribution Without Scheduled Withdrawal Date.  In the case of a Participant who incurs a Separation from Service and has a vested Account balance of $50,000 or more, the Distributable Amount shall be paid to the Participant (and after his or her death to his or her Beneficiary) in a lump sum distribution to be made on the Participant's Payment Date.  Subject to Sections 6.1(c), (d), and (e) hereof, an optional form of benefit may be elected by the Participant before the first day of a Plan Year with respect to the contributions (and subsequent earnings or losses) attributable to that Plan Year, on the form provided by Company, from among the following:
 
(1)          A lump sum distribution to be made on the Participant's Payment Date.
 
(2)          Substantially equal annual installments over five (5) years beginning on the Participant's Payment Date.
 
(3)          Substantially equal annual installments over ten (10) years beginning on the Participant's Payment Date.
 
(4)          Substantially equal annual installments over fifteen (15) years beginning on the Participant’s Payment Date.
 
Notwithstanding the above, if a Participant’s distribution (instead of account balance) is less than $50,000, payment will be in the form of a lump sum.
 
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With respect to the portion of a Participant’s Account that is attributable to amounts that were deferred before January 1, 2005, a Participant may modify the form of benefit that he or she has previously elected, provided such modification (or initial election if none was made previously) occurs at least one (1) year before the Participant’s Separation from Service. With respect to the portion of a Participant’s Account that is attributable to amounts that were deferred on or after January 1, 2005, a Participant may modify the form of benefit that he or she has previously elected, provided –
 
(i)         such modification (or initial election if none was made previously) is filed with the Committee at least one (1) year prior to the Participant's Separation from Service;
 
(ii)        the new election defers the distribution for at least five (5) years from the first date the payment would otherwise have been made pursuant to the initial election; and
 
(iii)       if made within one (1) year of the Participant’s Separation from Servicee, such a new election shall be invalid
 
In the case of a Participant incurs a Separation from Service and has a vested Account balance of less than $50,000, the Distributable Amount shall be paid to the Participant (and after his or her death to his or her Beneficiary) in a lump sum distribution on the Participant's Payment Date.  The Participant's Account shall continue to be credited with earnings pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Plan until all amounts credited to his or her Account under the Plan have been distributed.
 
(b)           Distribution With Scheduled Withdrawal Date.  In the case of a Participant who has elected pursuant to the terms set forth in Section 3.1 a Scheduled Withdrawal Date for a distribution while still in the employ of the Company, such Participant shall receive his or her Distributable Amount in a lump sum (or, if the Distributable Amount is more than $25,000, in annual installments over two, three, four, or five years), but only with respect to those deferrals of Compensation, vested Company Matching Contribution Amounts and vested Company Discretionary Contribution Amounts and earnings on such deferrals of Compensation, Company Matching Contribution Amounts, and Company Discretionary Contribution Amounts as shall have been elected by the Participant to be subject to the Scheduled Withdrawal Date in accordance with Section 1.1(dd) of the Plan.  A Participant's Scheduled Withdrawal Date for Grandfathered Amounts with respect to deferrals of Compensation, Company Matching Contribution Amounts, and Company Discretionary Contribution Amounts from a given Plan Year can be no earlier than two years from the last day of the Plan Year for which the deferrals of Compensation, Company Matching Contribution Amounts and Company Discretionary Contribution Amounts are made, and shall be paid no later than the end of the first quarter following the end of each calendar year for which a distribution is payable pursuant to the Participant’s election.  For Grandfathered Amounts a Participant may extend the Scheduled Withdrawal Date for any Plan Year, provided such extension occurs at least one year before the Scheduled Withdrawal Date and is for a period of not less than two years from the Scheduled Withdrawal Date.  The Participant shall have the right to twice modify any Scheduled Withdrawal Date for Grandfathered Amounts.
 
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(c)           In the event a Participant incurs a Separation from Service with Company prior to a Scheduled Withdrawal Date or while receiving installment payments pursuant to any Scheduled Withdrawal Date, other than by reason of death, the portion of the Participant's Account associated with a Scheduled Withdrawal Date, which has not occurred prior to such termination, shall be distributed in a lump sum on the Participant’s Payment Date for the calendar year in which the Participant’s Separation from Service occurs.
 
(d)           Distribution for Separation from Service due to Death.  In the case of a Participant who dies while employed by the Company or before receiving a complete distribution of his or her Account, the remaining balance of the Participant’s Account shall be distributed, in a lump sum, as soon as practicable to the Participant’s Beneficiary, but not earlier than 90 days following the date of the Participant’s death.   During this 90-day period, the Beneficiary has the right to petition the Committee (subject to approval in the Committee’s sole discretion) to receive Grandfathered Accounts according to a different schedule.
 
(e)           Distribution for Separation from Service due to Disability.  In the case of a Participant whose employment by the Company terminates due to Disability, the vested balance of the Participant’s Account shall be distributed, in a lump sum, as soon as practicable, provided the payment is made by the later of the end of the Participant’s taxable year or the 15th day of the third month following the date the Participant incurs the disability.    The Company will hold the Participant harmless from any reduction in Company-provided Disability insurance benefits that results from Plan distributions hereunder.
 
(f)           Discretionary Cash-outs.   If a Participant’s employment terminates for a reason other than the Participant’s death, Disability, or retirement pursuant to any retirement plan that the Company sponsors, the Committee may in its sole discretion unilaterally accelerate any, some, or all payments due hereunder, but only to the extent the payments relate to the portion of the Participant’s Account that is attributable to amounts deferred before January 1, 2005.
 
(g)           Special Rule for Delayed Distributions. If, at the time of Executive's “separation from service” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A), Executive is a "specified employee" (within the meaning of Code Section 409A), the Company will not pay or provide any "Specified Benefits" (as defined herein) until after the end of the sixth calendar month beginning after Executive’s separation from service (the "409A Suspension Period"). For purposes of this Agreement, "Specified Benefits" are any amounts or benefits that would be subject to Section 409A penalties if the Company were to pay or otherwise settle such amounts or benefits, pursuant to this Agreement, on account of Executive's separation from service. Within 14 calendar days after the end of the 409A Suspension Period, Executive shall be paid a lump sum payment in cash equal to any Specified Benefits delayed because of the preceding sentence, without interest.  Thereafter, Executive shall receive any remaining payments or other benefits as if there had not been an earlier delay.
 
Specified Employee.
 
6.2           Early Non-Scheduled Distributions for Pre-2005 Deferrals.
 
A Participant shall be permitted to elect an Early Distribution from his or her Account prior to the Payment Date, subject to the following restrictions:
 
(a)           The election to take an Early Distribution shall be made by filing a form provided by and filed with the Committee prior to the end of any calendar month.
 
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(b)           The amount of the Early Distribution shall equal up to 90% of his or her vested Account balance, and be not less than $25,000 (or, if less, 90% of the Participant’s accumulated vested Account balance).
 
(c)           The amount described in Section 6.2(b) above shall be paid in a single cash lump sum as soon as practicable after the end of the calendar month in which the Early Distribution election is made.
 
(d)           If a Participant requests an Early Distribution of his or her entire vested Account, the remaining balance of his or her Account (10% of the Account) shall be permanently forfeited and the Company shall have no obligation to the Participant or his Beneficiary with respect to such forfeited amount.  If a Participant receives an Early Distribution of less than his or her entire vested Account, such Participant shall forfeit 10% of the gross amount to be distributed from the Participant's Account and the Company shall have no obligation to the Participant or his or her Beneficiary with respect to such forfeited amount.
 
6.3           Hardship Distribution.
 
A Participant shall be permitted to elect a Hardship Distribution from his or her vested Accounts in accordance with Section 1.1(v) of the Plan prior to the Payment Date, subject to the following restrictions:
 
(a)           The amount distributed to the Participant may not exceed the amount reasonable necessary to satisfy the emergency need, including amounts necessary to pay any Federal, state, local or foreign income taxes or penalties reasonably resulting from the distribution.
 
(b)           The election to take a Hardship Distribution shall be made by filing a form provided by and filed with Committee prior to the end of any calendar month.
 
(c)           The Committee shall have made a determination that the requested distribution constitutes a Hardship Distribution in accordance with Section 1.1(w) of the Plan.
 
(d)           The amount determined by the Committee as a Hardship Distribution shall be paid in a single cash lump sum as soon as practicable after the end of the calendar month in which the Hardship Distribution election is made and approved by the Committee.
 
(e)
 
6.4           Inability to Locate Participant.
 
In the event that the Committee is unable to locate a Participant or Beneficiary within two years following the required Payment Date, the amount allocated to the Participant's Deferral Account shall be forfeited.
 
ARTICLE VII
 
ADMINISTRATION
 
7.1           Committee.
 
A Committee shall be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Board of Directors.  The number of members comprising the Committee shall be determined by the Board, which may from time to time vary the number of members.  A member of the Committee may resign by delivering a written notice of resignation to the Board.  The Board may remove any member by delivering a certified copy of its resolution of removal to such member.  Vacancies in the membership of the Committee shall be filled promptly by the Board.
 
-12-

 
7.2           Committee Action.
 
The Committee shall act at meetings by affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Committee.  Any action permitted to be taken at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if, prior to such action, a written consent to the action is signed by all members of the Committee and such written consent is filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Committee.  A member of the Committee shall not vote or act upon any matter which relates solely to himself or herself as a Participant.  The Chairman or any other member or members of the Committee designated by the Chairman may execute any certificate or other written direction on behalf of the Committee.
 
7.3           Powers and Duties of the Committee.
 
The Committee, on behalf of the Participants and their Beneficiaries, shall enforce the Plan in accordance with its terms, shall be charged with the general administration of the Plan, and shall have all powers necessary to accomplish its purposes, including, but not by way of limitation, the following:
 
(a)           To select the Funds in accordance with Section 3.2(b) hereof;
 
(b)           To compute and certify to the amount and kind of benefits payable to Participants and their Beneficiaries;
 
(c)           To maintain all records that may be necessary for the administration of the Plan;
 
(d)           To provide for the disclosure of all information and the filing or provision of all reports and statements to Participants, Beneficiaries or governmental agencies as shall be required by law;
 
(e)           To make and publish such rules for the regulation of the Plan and procedures for the administration of the Plan as are not inconsistent with the terms hereof;
 
(f)           To appoint a Plan administrator or any other agent, and to delegate to them such powers and duties in connection with the administration of the Plan as the Committee may from time to time prescribe; and
 
(g)           To take all actions necessary for the administration of the Plan.
 
7.4           Construction and Interpretation.
 
The Committee shall have full discretion to construe and interpret the terms and provisions of this Plan, which interpretations or construction shall be final and binding on all parties, including but not limited to the Company and any Participant or Beneficiary.  The Committee shall administer such terms and provisions in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner and in full accordance with any and all laws applicable to the Plan. The Committee shall interpret the terms of the Plan and their intended meanings, shall have the discretion to make any findings of fact needed in the administration of the Plan, and shall have the discretion to interpret or construe ambiguous, unclear or implied (but omitted) terms in any fashion deemed to be appropriate in its sole judgment. The validity of any such finding of fact, interpretation, construction or decision shall not be given de novo review if challenged in court, by arbitration or in any other forum, and shall be upheld unless clearly arbitrary or capricious. To the extent the Committee has been granted discretionary authority under the Plan, the Committee's prior exercise of such authority shall not obligate it to exercise its authority in a like fashion thereafter. If, due to errors in drafting, any Plan provision does not accurately reflect its intended meaning, as demonstrated by consistent interpretations or other evidence of intent, or as determined by the Committee in its sole and exclusive judgment, the provision shall be considered ambiguous and shall be interpreted by the Committee in a fashion consistent with its intent, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. The Committee, acting as a non-fiduciary settlor and without the need for the Board's approval, may amend the Plan retroactively to cure any such ambiguity, notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary. This Section may not be invoked by any person to require the Plan to be interpreted in a manner which is inconsistent with its interpretation by the Committee. All actions taken and all determinations made in good faith by the Committee shall be final and binding upon all persons claiming any interest in or under the Plan.
 
-13-

 
7.5           Information.
 
To enable the Committee to perform its functions, the Company shall supply full and timely information to the Committee on all matters relating to the Compensation of all Participants, their death or other events which cause termination of their participation in this Plan, and such other pertinent facts as the Committee may require.
 
7.6           Compensation, Expenses and Indemnity.
 
(a)           The members of the Committee shall serve without compensation for their services hereunder.
 
(b)           The Committee is authorized at the expense of the Company to employ such legal counsel as it may deem advisable to assist in the performance of its duties hereunder.  Expenses and fees in connection with the administration of the Plan shall be paid by the Company.
 
(c)           To the extent permitted by applicable state law, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Committee and each member thereof, the Board of Directors and any delegate of the Committee who is an employee of the Company against any and all expenses, liabilities and claims, including legal fees to defend against such liabilities and claims arising out of their discharge in good faith of responsibilities under or incident to the Plan, other than expenses and liabilities arising out of willful misconduct.  This indemnity shall not preclude such further indemnities as may be available under insurance purchased by the Company or provided by the Company under any bylaw, agreement or otherwise, as such indemnities are permitted under state law.
 
7.7           Quarterly Statements.
 
Under procedures established by the Committee, a Participant shall receive a statement with respect to such Participant's Accounts on a quarterly basis. Disputes.
 
(a)           Claim.
 
A person who believes that he or she is being denied a benefit to which he or she is entitled under this Plan (hereinafter referred to as "Claimant") must file a written request for such benefit with the Company, setting forth his or her claim.  The request must be addressed to the President of the Company at its then principal place of business.
 
-14-

 
(b)           Claim Decision.
 
Upon receipt of a claim, the Company shall advise the Claimant that a reply will be forthcoming within ninety (90) days and shall, in fact, deliver such reply within such period.  The Company may, however, extend the reply period for an additional ninety (90) days for special circumstances.
 
If the claim is denied in whole or in part, the Company shall inform the Claimant in writing, using language calculated to be understood by the Claimant, setting forth:  (A) the specified reason or reasons for such denial; (B) the specific reference to pertinent provisions of this  Plan on which such denial is based; (C) a description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect his or her claim and an explanation of why such material or such information is necessary; (D) appropriate information as to the steps to be taken if the Claimant wishes to submit the claim for review; and (E) the time limits for requesting a review under Section 7.8(c).
 
(c)           Request For Review.
 
Within sixty (60) days after the receipt by the Claimant of the written opinion described above, the Claimant may request in writing that the Committee review the determination of the Company.  Such request must be addressed to the Secretary of the Company, at its then principal place of business.  The Claimant or his or her duly authorized representative may, but need not, review the pertinent documents and submit issues and comments in writing for consideration by the Committee.  If the Claimant does not request a review within such sixty (60) day period, he or she shall be barred and estopped from challenging the Company's determination.
 
(d)           Review of Decision.
 
Within sixty (60) days after the Committee's receipt of a request for review, after considering all materials presented by the Claimant, the Committee will inform the Participant in writing, in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant, the decision setting forth the specific reasons for the decision containing specific references to the pertinent provisions of this Plan on which the decision is based.  If special circumstances require that the sixty (60) day time period be extended, the Committee will so notify the Claimant and will render the decision as soon as possible, but no later than one hundred twenty (120) days after receipt of the request for review.
 
ARTICLE VIII
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
8.1           Unsecured General Creditor.
 
Participants and their Beneficiaries, heirs, successors, and assigns shall have no legal or equitable rights, claims, or interest in any specific property or assets of the Company.  No assets of the Company shall be held in any way as collateral security for the fulfilling of the obligations of the Company under this Plan.  Any and all of the Company's assets shall be, and remain, the general unpledged, unrestricted assets of the Company.  The Company's obligation under the Plan shall be merely that of an unfunded and unsecured promise of the Company to pay money in the future, and the rights of the Participants and Beneficiaries shall be no greater than those of unsecured general creditors.  It is the intention of the Company that this Plan be unfunded for purposes of the Code and for purposes of Title 1 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA").
 
-15-

 
8.2           Restriction Against Assignment.
 
The Company shall pay all amounts payable hereunder only to the person or persons designated by the Plan and not to any other person or corporation.  No part of a Participant's Accounts shall be liable for the debts, contracts, or engagements of any Participant, his or her Beneficiary, or successors in interest, nor shall a Participant's Accounts be subject to execution by levy, attachment, or garnishment or by any other legal or equitable proceeding, nor shall any such person have any right to alienate, anticipate, sell, transfer, commute, pledge, encumber, or assign any benefits or payments hereunder in any manner whatsoever.  If any Participant, Beneficiary or successor in interest is adjudicated bankrupt or purports to anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, commute, assign, pledge, encumber or charge any distribution or payment from the Plan, voluntarily or involuntarily, the Committee, in its discretion, may cancel such distribution or payment (or any part thereof) to or for the benefit of such Participant, Beneficiary or successor in interest in such manner as the Committee shall direct.
 
8.3           Taxes.
 
There shall be deducted from each payment made under the Plan or any other Compensation payable to the Participant (or Beneficiary) all taxes which are required to be withheld by the Company in respect to such payment or this Plan.  The Company shall have the right to reduce any payment (or compensation) by the amount of cash sufficient to provide the amount of said taxes.
 
While the Plan is intended to provide tax deferral for Participants, the Plan is not a guarantee that the intended tax deferral will be achieved.  Participants are solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may arise in connection with this Plan (including any taxes arising under Section 409A of the Code).  Neither the Company nor its Affiliates nor any of their directors, officers or employees shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold any Participant harmless from any such taxes.
 
The Committee shall have the sole discretion to interpret and apply the requirements of the Code, including Section 409A, for purposes of the Plan and all payments made hereunder.
 
8.4           Amendment, Modification, Suspension or Termination.
 
The Committee may amend, modify, suspend or terminate the Plan in whole or in part, except that no amendment, modification, suspension or termination shall have any retroactive effect to reduce any amounts allocated to a Participant's Accounts.  In the event that this Plan is terminated, the amounts allocated to a Participant's Accounts shall be distributed to the Participant or, in the event of his or her death, his or her Beneficiary in a lump sum within ninety (90) days following the date of termination.
 
-16-

 
8.5           Governing Law.
 
This Plan shall be construed, governed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, except where pre-empted by federal law.
 
8.6           Receipt or Release.
 
Any payment to a Participant or the Participant's Beneficiary in accordance with the provisions of the Plan shall, to the extent thereof, be in full satisfaction of all claims against the Committee and the Company.  The Committee may require such Participant or Beneficiary, as a condition precedent to such payment, to execute a receipt and release to such effect.
 
8.7           Payments on Behalf of Persons Under Incapacity.
 
In the event that any amount becomes payable under the Plan to a person who, in the sole judgment of the Committee, is considered by reason of physical or mental condition to be unable to give a valid receipt therefore, the Committee may direct that such payment be made to any person found by the Committee, in its sole judgment, to have assumed the care of such person.  Any payment made pursuant to such determination shall constitute a full release and discharge of the Committee and the Company.
 
8.8           Limitation of Rights and Employment Relationship.
 
Neither the establishment of the Plan and Trust nor any modification thereof, nor the creating of any fund or account, nor the payment of any benefits shall be construed as giving to any Participant, or Beneficiary or other person any legal or equitable right against the Company or the trustee of the Trust except as provided in the Plan and Trust; and in no event shall the terms of employment of any Employee or Participant be modified or in any way be affected by the provisions of the Plan and Trust.
 
8.9           Headings.
 
Headings and subheadings in this Plan are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in the construction of the provisions hereof.
 
-17-

 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company, by its duly authorized officer, has caused this Plan to be executed, and its corporate seal affixed on this __st day of ________, 200_.
 
  BEAZER HOMES USA, INC.  
       
 
By
   
       
  Its    
 
 
[The Compensation Committee approved this by each member signing a Unanimous Consent from January 7 – January 8, 2008 with an effective date of January 1, 2008.]
 
-18-

 
BEAZER HOMES USA, INC.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
 

 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
     
Page
 
         
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS
 
1
 
       
1.1
Definitions
 
1
 
         
ARTICLE II PARTICIPATION
 
6
 
     
ARTICLE III DEFERRAL ELECTIONS
6
 
       
3.1
Elections to Defer Compensation
6
 
         
3.2
Investment Elections
 
7
 
     
ARTICLE IV DEFERRAL ACCOUNTS, COMPANY CONTRIBUTION ACCOUNT, AND
   
 
TRUST
     
 
FUNDING
 
8
 
         
4.1
Deferral Accounts
 
7
 
       
4.2
Company Contribution Account
8
 
         
4.3
Trust Funding
 
8
 
       
ARTICLE V VESTING
 
9
 
       
ARTICLE VI DISTRIBUTIONS
 
9
 
       
6.1
Distribution of Deferred Compensation and Discretionary Company Contributions
9
 
       
6.2
Early Non-Scheduled Distributions
11
 
         
6.3
Hardship Distribution
 
12
 
       
6.4
Inability to Locate Participant
12
 
     
ARTICLE VII ADMINISTRATION
12
 
         
7.1
Committee
 
12
 
         
7.2
Committee Action
 
13
 
       
7.3
Powers and Duties of the Committee
13
 
       
7.4
Construction and Interpretation
13
 
         
7.5
Information
 
14
 
 

 
7.6
Compensation, Expenses and Indemnity
14
 
       
7.7
Quarterly Statements
14
 
     
ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS
15
 
       
8.1
Unsecured General Creditor
15
 
       
8.2
Restriction Against Assignment
16
 
       
8.3
Withholding
16
 
       
8.4
Amendment, Modification, Suspension or Termination
16
 
       
8.5
Governing Law
16
 
       
8.6
Receipt or Release
17
 
       
8.7
Payments on Behalf of Persons Under Incapacity
17
 
       
8.8
Limitation of Rights and Employment Relationship
17
 
       
8.9
Headings
17
 

ex10_28.htm

Exhibit 10.28

BEAZER HOMES USA, INC.
EMPLOYEE BONUS PLAN

1.           Effective Date; Purpose of Plan.
 
1.1           Effective Date.  Beazer Homes USA, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) adopt this Discretionary Employee Bonus Plan (the “Plan”) effective for fiscal year 2007 and future fiscal years.
 
1.2           Purpose.  The Plan is a component of the Company’s overall strategy to pay its employees for performance.  The purposes of the Plan are to attract and retain top performing employees, motivate employees by tying compensation to performance, and reward exceptional performance that supports overall company objectives.
 
2.           Administration of the Plan.
 
2.1           Administrator.  The Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”); provided, however, that the Committee may delegate to any officer or officers of the Company the responsibility (in whole or in part) for Plan administration with respect to participants who are not executive officers of the Company.
 
2.2           Powers of the Committee.  The interpretation and construction of the Plan and the adoption of rules and regulations for administering the Plan will be made by the Committee.  The Committee will have all powers and discretion necessary or appropriate to administer the Plan and to control its operation, including, but not limited to, the power to (i) determine which employees will be granted awards, (ii) prescribe the applicable period, terms and conditions of bonuses, (iii) determine whether awards will be paid in cash or by the issuance of an equity-based instrument pursuant to the Company’s 1999 Stock Incentive Plan or any replacement equity incentive plan (collectively, an “Equity Plan”) adopted by the Company from time to time, (iv) interpret the Plan, (v) adopt rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith, and (vi) interpret, amend or revoke any such rules.  Decisions of the Committee will be final and binding on all parties who have an interest in the Plan.
 
2.3           Modification, Suspension and Termination.  The Company reserves the right to modify, amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time and for any reason.  The amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan will not, without the consent of any participant, alter or impair any rights or obligations under any bonus already awarded.  No bonus may be awarded during any period of suspension or after termination of the Plan.
 
3.           Determination of Participants.
 
3.1           Eligible Individuals.  An individual employed by the Company who is a participant in the Company’s Executive Value Created Incentive Plan or the Company’s Value Created Incentive Plan will be eligible to participate in the Plan.
 
3.2           Termination of Employee Status.  For purposes of the Plan, and unless otherwise determined by the Committee in its discretion, an individual shall be considered an employee for the purposes of the Plan for so long as such individual remains employed, on a full-time basis by the Company.
 
1

 
4.           Determination of Awards.
 
4.1           Establishment of Subcommittee.  To facilitate the determination of bonus awards, if any, under the Plan in any fiscal year, the Committee has established a subcommittee comprised of the Chairman of the Committee, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  Such subcommittee shall review the performance of participants in the Plan as compared to the performance measures established by the Committee from time to time and shall make recommendations for bonus awards to the Committee.  With respect to any recommendation with respect to bonus awards to the Chief Executive Officer, he shall recuse himself from deliberations of the subcommittee.
 
4.2           Amount of Bonus.  There is neither a minimum nor maximum amount of a bonus award that may be paid to a participant for any fiscal year.  The Committee shall have the authority from time to time to establish bonus target amounts for any or all participants in the Plan or to defer the determination of target amounts until the evaluation of such participant’s performance.
 
4.3           Performance Goals.  The Committee, in consultation with the subcommittee, shall establish for each fiscal year performance goals against which employees will be measured for purposes of participation in the Plan.  Such performance goals may relate to financial and operational issues of the Company’s business, including, without limitation
 
 
·
reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses,
 
 
·
enhancements to liquidity,
 
 
·
revenue,
 
 
·
EBIT, and
 
 
·
general safety records, customer relations and environmental compliance.
 
The manner in which participants shall be measured against the performance goals shall be determined from time to time by the Committee.
 
5.           Payment of Awards.
 
5.1           Timing and Form of Payment.  Bonuses will be paid on such schedule as is set from time to time by the Committee.  Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, a participant must be employed on the date of payment to receive an award.  Payment will be made by payroll check or other appropriate form pursuant to any Equity Plan, and will be subject to applicable federal, state and local tax withholding.  Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may decide at any time and for any reason, on a per participant basis, that bonuses may be reduced or no bonuses will be paid.  No participant has a right to a bonus award until it is paid.
 
2

 
6.           General Provisions.
 
6.1           Funding Obligations.  No amounts awarded or accrued under this Plan will actually be funded, satisfied or otherwise segregated prior to payment.  The obligation to pay bonuses will at all times be an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.
 
6.2           Transferability.  No participant will have the right to alienate, pledge or encumber his or her interest in this Plan, and such interest will not (to the extent permitted by law) be subject in any way to the claims of the participants’ creditors or to attachment, execution or other process of law.  Participants’ interests in any bonus payment under this Plan shall not be transferable in any event and, unless otherwise provided by the Committee, no bonus shall be due and owing to participant unless participant is an active employee of the Company at the time of bonus payment.
 
6.3           Continuing Employment Status.  Neither the action of the Company in establishing this Plan, nor any action taken under the Plan by the Committee, nor any provision of the Plan itself shall be construed to grant any participant the right to remain in the employ of the Company for any period of specific duration.
 
3
ex21.htm

Exhibit 21


 


SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY
 
     
     
Name
Jurisdiction of
Incorporation
 
April Corporation
Colorado
 
Arden Park Ventures, LLC
Florida
 
Beazer Allied Companies Holdings, Inc.
Delaware
 
Beazer Clarksburg, LLC
Maryland
 
Beazer Commercial Holdings, LLC
Delaware
 
Beazer General Services, Inc.
Delaware
 
Beazer Homes Capital Trust
Delaware
 
Beazer Homes Corp.
Tennessee
 
Beazer Homes Holdings Corp.
Delaware
 
Beazer Homes Indiana, LLP
Indiana
 
Beazer Homes Indiana Holding Corp.
Indiana
 
Beazer Homes Investments, LLC
Delaware
 
Beazer Homes Michigan, LLC
Delaware
 
Beazer Homes Sales, Inc.
Delaware
 
Beazer Homes Texas Holdings, Inc.
Delaware
 
Beazer Homes Texas, LP
Texas
 
Beazer Mortgage Corporation
Delaware
 
Beazer Realty Corp.
Georgia
 
Beazer Realty, Inc.
New Jersey
 
Beazer Realty Los Angeles, Inc.
Delaware
 
Beazer Realty Sacramento, Inc.
Delaware
 
Beazer Realty Services, LLC
Delaware
 
Beazer Title Agency of Arizona, LLC
Arizona
 
Beazer Title Agency, LLC
Nevada
 
Beazer SPE, LLC
Georgia
 
Beazer/Squires Realty, Inc.
North Carolina
 
BH Building Products, LP
Delaware
 
BH Procurement Services, LLC
Delaware
 
Dove Barrington Development LLC
Delaware
 
Homebuilders Title Services of Virginia, Inc.
Virginia
 
Homebuilders Title Services, Inc.
Delaware
 
Paragon Title, LLC
Indiana
 
Security Title Insurance Company
Vermont
 
Texas Lone Star Title, LP
Texas
 
The Ridings Development LLC
Delaware
 
Trinity Homes, LLC
Indiana
 
United Home Insurance  Company, A Risk Retention Group
Vermont
 

ex31_1.htm

Exhibit 31.1
 

 
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 17 CFR 240.13a-14
PROMULGATED UNDER
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 

I, Ian J. McCarthy, certify that:

 
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Beazer Homes USA, Inc.;
 
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
(a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
(b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
(c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
(d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
(a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
(b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: May 12, 2008

/s/ Ian J. McCarthy
Ian J. McCarthy
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
ex31_2.htm

Exhibit 31.2
 
 
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 17 CFR 240.13a-14
PROMULGATED UNDER
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 

I, Allan P. Merrill, certify that:
 
 
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Beazer Homes USA, Inc.;
 
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
(a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
(b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
(c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
(d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
(a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
(b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
Date: May 12, 2008

/s/ Allan P. Merrill
Allan P. Merrill
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
ex32_1.htm

 
Exhibit 32.1
 
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned Chief Executive Officer of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies that the Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the period ended September 30, 2007, accompanying this certification, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
 
Date: May 12, 2008
 
/s/ Ian J. McCarthy  
    Ian J. McCarthy  
    President and Chief Executive Officer  
       

 
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Title 18, United States Code, and is not being filed as part of the report or as a separate disclosure document.
ex32_2.htm

 
Exhibit 32.2
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned Chief Financial Officer of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies that the Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the period ended September 30, 2007, accompanying this certification, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 

 
Date: May 12, 2008
 
/s/ Allan P. Merrill  
    Allan P. Merrill  
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
       

 
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Title 18, United States Code, and is not being filed as part of the report or as a separate disclosure document.