UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
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Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009
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Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
Commission File Number
001-09071
BFC Financial Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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| Florida
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59-2022148 |
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(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S Employer Identification No.) |
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| 2100 West Cypress Creek Road |
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| Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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33309 |
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| (Address of principal executive office)
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(Zip Code) |
(954) 940-4900
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Class A
Common Stock, $.01 par Value
Class B Common Stock, $.01 par Value
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405
of the Securities 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 x NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its
corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K
(§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of
registrants 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. x
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 definitions of large
accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act.
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| Large accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer o
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Non-accelerated filer o
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Smaller reporting company x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES o NO x
On June 30, 2009, the aggregate market value of the registrants voting common equity held by
non-affiliates was $10.8 million computed by reference to the closing price of the registrants
Class A Common Stock on such date. The registrant does not have any non-voting common equity.
The number of outstanding shares of each of the registrants classes of common stock, as of March
26, 2010 was as follows:
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value: 68,521,497 shares outstanding
Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value: 6,854,251shares outstanding
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the registrants Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A relating to the
registrants 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of
this Form 10-K.
The audited financial statements of Bluegreen Corporation for the three years ended December 31,
2009 are incorporated in Part II of this Form 10-K and are filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 10-K.
BFC Financial Corporation
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this document
contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the Exchange Act), that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. When used in this
document and in any documents incorporated by reference herein, the words anticipate, believe,
estimate, may, intend, expect and similar expressions identify certain of such
forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially
from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein.
These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of BFC Financial
Corporation (BFC and, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, we, us,
our or the Company) and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are subject to
change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond the Companys control. When
considering those forward-looking statements, the reader should keep in mind the risks,
uncertainties and other cautionary statements made in this report. The reader should not place
undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, which speaks only as of the date made. This
document also contains information regarding the past performance of our investments and the reader
should note that prior or current performance of investments and acquisitions is not a guarantee or
indication of future performance.
Some factors which may affect the accuracy of the forward-looking statements apply generally
to the financial services, real estate, resort development and vacation ownership, and restaurant
industries, while other factors apply directly to us. Risks and uncertainties associated with BFC,
including its wholly-owned Woodbridge Holdings, LLC subsidiary, include, but are not limited to:
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the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its
subsidiaries, and their operations, markets, products and services; |
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adverse conditions in the stock market, the public debt market and other capital markets
and the impact of such conditions on the activities of the Company and its subsidiaries; |
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the impact of the current economic downturn on the price and liquidity of BFCs common
stock and on BFCs ability to obtain additional capital, including that if BFC needs or
otherwise believes it is advisable to issue debt or equity securities to fund its
operations, it may not be possible to issue any such securities on favorable terms, if at
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BFCs shareholders interests may be diluted if additional shares of BFCs common stock
are issued, and BFCs public company investments may be diluted if BankAtlantic Bancorp,
Bluegreen or Benihana issue additional shares of its stock; |
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the performance of entities in which the Company has made investments may not be
profitable or their results as anticipated; |
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BFC is dependent upon dividends from its subsidiaries to fund its operations, and
currently BankAtlantic Bancorp is prohibited from paying dividends and may not pay
dividends in the future, whether as a result of such restriction continuing in the future
or otherwise, and Bluegreen has historically not paid dividends on its common stock, and
even if paid, BFC has historically experienced and may continue to experience negative cash
flow; |
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the risks associated with the merger of Woodbridge and BFC, including the uncertainty
regarding the amount of cash that will be required to be paid to dissenting Woodbridge
shareholders; |
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the risks related to the indebtedness of Woodbridges subsidiaries, certain of which is
in default, including that such subsidiaries may not be successful in restructuring any or
all of the debt on acceptable terms, if at all, and the risks related to all such defaults
and the rights of the lenders as a result thereof; |
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the risks relating to Cores liquidity, cash position and ability to continue
operations, including the risk that Core will be obligated to make additional payments
under its outstanding development bonds; |
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the risk that Cores restructuring activities could cause the lenders under the
defaulted loans to foreclose on any property which serves as collateral for the defaulted
loans, and Core could be forced to cease or significantly curtail its operations, which
would likely result in additional impairment charges and losses beyond those already
incurred; |
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the risk that creditors of the Companys subsidiaries (or subsidiaries of those
companies) may seek to recover distributions previously made by those companies to their
respective parent companies; |
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risks associated with the securities we hold directly or indirectly, including the risk
that we may record further
impairment charges with respect to such securities in the event trading prices decline in
the future; |
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risks associated with the Companys business strategy, including our ability to
successfully make investments notwithstanding our current financial and cash position and
adverse conditions in the economy and the credit markets; |
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the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP involves making
estimates, judgments and assumptions, and our financial condition and operating results
may be materially impacted in the future if our estimates, judgments or assumptions prove
to be incorrect; and |
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the Companys success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing. |
With respect to BFCs subsidiary, BankAtlantic Bancorp, and its subsidiary, BankAtlantic, the
risks and uncertainties include:
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the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting BankAtlantic Bancorp and
its operations, markets, products and services, including the impact of the changing
regulatory environment, a continued or deepening recession, continued decreases in real
estate values, and increased unemployment on its business generally, BankAtlantics
regulatory capital ratios, and the ability of its borrowers to service their obligations
and its customers to maintain account balances; |
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credit risks and loan losses, and the related sufficiency of the allowance for loan
losses, including the impact on the credit quality of BankAtlantic loans (including those
held in the asset workout subsidiary of BankAtlantic Bancorp) of a sustained downturn in
the economy and in the real estate market and other changes in the real estate markets in
BankAtlantics trade area and where BankAtlantics collateral is located; |
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the quality of BankAtlantics real estate based loans including its residential land
acquisition and development loans (including Builder land bank loans, Land acquisition and
development and construction loans) as well as Commercial land loans, other Commercial real
estate loans; and Commercial business loans; and conditions specifically in those market
sectors; |
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the risks of additional charge-offs, impairments and required increases in our allowance
for loan losses; changes in interest rates and the effects of, and changes in, trade,
monetary and fiscal policies and laws including their impact on the banks net interest
margin; |
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new consumer banking regulations and the effect on our service fee income; |
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adverse conditions in the stock market, the public debt market and other financial and
credit markets and the impact of such conditions on our activities, the value of our assets
and on the ability of our borrowers to service their debt obligations and maintain account
balances; |
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BankAtlantics initiatives not resulting in continued growth of core deposits or
increasing average balances of new deposit accounts or producing results which do not
justify their costs; |
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the success of BankAtlantic Bancorp expense reduction initiatives and the ability to
achieve additional cost savings or to maintain the current lower expense structure; |
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the impact of periodic valuation testing of goodwill, deferred tax assets and other
assets; |
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past performance, actual or estimated new account openings and growth may not be
indicative of future results; |
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BankAtlantic Bancorps cash offers to purchase the outstanding Trust Preferred
Securities (TRUPS) are subject to the risk the requisite holders of the particular series
of TruPS to which each offer do not consent and tender, and that if received we are not
able to obtain financing upon acceptable terms, in amounts sufficient to complete the
offers, if at all; and |
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BankAtlantic Bancorp success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing.
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With respect to Bluegreen Corporation, the risks and uncertainties include, but are not
limited to:
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changes in economic conditions, generally, in areas where Bluegreen operates, or in the
travel and tourism industry; |
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the availability of financing; |
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increases in interest rates; |
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changes in regulations and other factors, all of which could cause Bluegreens actual
results, performance or achievements, or industry trends, to differ materially from any
future results, performance, or achievements or trends expressed or implied herein. |
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In addition to the risks and factors identified above and in PART I, Item 1A of this report,
reference is also made to other risks and factors detailed in reports filed by the Company,
BankAtlantic Bancorp and Bluegreen with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). The
Company cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive.
The Company
We are a diversified holding company whose principal holdings include a controlling interest
in BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries (BankAtlantic Bancorp), a controlling interest
in Bluegreen Corporation and its subsidiaries (Bluegreen), a non-controlling interest in
Benihana, Inc. (Benihana) and an indirect interest in Core Communities, LLC (Core or Core
Communities). As a result of our position as the controlling shareholder of BankAtlantic
Bancorp, we are a unitary savings bank holding company regulated by the Office of Thrift
Supervision (OTS). As of December 31, 2009, we had total consolidated assets of approximately
$6.0 billion and shareholders equity attributable to BFC of approximately $245.1 million.
Historically, BFCs business strategy has been to invest in and acquire businesses in diverse
industries either directly or through controlled subsidiaries. BFC believes that in the short term
that the Companys and shareholders interests are best served by providing strategic support for
its existing investments. In furtherance of this strategy, the Company took several steps in 2009
which it believes will enhance the Companys prospects. Key actions taken in 2009 included the
merger of BFC with Woodbridge Holdings; the purchase of an additional 7% interest in BankAtlantic
Bancorp, increasing our economic interest in BankAtlantic Bancorp to 37% and increasing our voting
interest in BankAtlantic Bancorp to 66%; and the purchase of an additional 23% interest in
Bluegreen increasing our ownership in Bluegreen to 52%. The acquisition of this control position in
Bluegreen resulted in a bargain purchase gain of approximately $183.1 million in the fourth quarter
and net income attributable to BFC of $25.7 million for the year. In addition, we took actions to
restructure Core in recognition of the continued depressed real estate market and its inability to
meet its obligations to its lenders. Over the longer term and as the economy improves, we may look
to increase our ownership in our affiliates or seek to make other opportunistic investments, with
no pre-determined parameters as to the industry or structure of the investment.
On September 21, 2009, we consummated our merger with Woodbridge Holdings Corporation pursuant
to which Woodbridge Holdings Corporation merged with and into Woodbridge Holdings, LLC (Woodbridge), which
continued as the surviving company of the merger and the successor entity to Woodbridge Holdings
Corporation. Pursuant to the terms of the merger, which was approved by each companys shareholders
at their respective meetings held on September 21, 2009, each outstanding share of Woodbridges
Class A Common Stock automatically converted into the right to receive 3.47 shares of our Class A
Common Stock. Shares otherwise issuable to us attributable to the shares of Woodbridges Class A
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock owned by us were canceled in connection with the merger. As
a result of the merger, Woodbridge Holdings Corporations separate corporate existence ceased and
its Class A Common Stock is no longer publicly traded. See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements for additional information about the merger.
On November 16, 2009, we purchased approximately 7.4 million additional shares of Bluegreens
common stock, which increased our ownership in Bluegreen from 9.5 million shares, or 29%, to 16.9
million shares, or 52% of Bluegreens outstanding stock. As a result of the purchase, we now hold a
controlling interest in Bluegreen and, accordingly, have consolidated Bluegreens results since
November 16, 2009 into our financial statements. Any references to Bluegreens results of
operations includes only 45 days of activity for Bluegreen relating to the period from November 16,
2009, the date of the share purchase, through December 31, 2009 (the Bluegreen Interim Period).
Prior to November 16, 2009, our approximate 29% equity investment in Bluegreen was accounted for
under the equity method. See Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this
report for additional information about the Bluegreen share acquisition on November 16, 2009.
As a holding company with controlling positions in BankAtlantic Bancorp and Bluegreen,
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires the consolidation of the financial
results of both entities. As a consequence, the assets and liabilities of both entities are
presented on a consolidated basis in BFCs financial statements. However, except as otherwise
noted, the debts and obligations of the consolidated entities, including Woodbridge, are not direct
obligations of BFC and are non-recourse to BFC. Similarly, the assets of those entities are not
available to BFC absent a dividend or distribution. The recognition by BFC of income from
controlled entities is determined based on the total percent of economic ownership in those
entities. At December 31, 2009, BFC owned approximately 37% of BankAtlantic Bancorps Class A and
Class B common stock, representing approximately 66% of BankAtlantic Bancorps total voting power.
5
Available Information
Our
corporate website is www.bfcfinancial.com. The Companys annual report on Form 10-K,
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports are
available free of charge through our website, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material
is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The Companys Internet website and the
information contained on or connected to it are not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form
10-K.
Business Segments
As a result of the Woodbridge merger on September 21, 2009 and the Bluegreen share acquisition
on November 16, 2009, the Company reorganized its reportable segments to better align its segments
with the current operations of its businesses. The Companys business activities currently consist
of (i) Real Estate and Other Activities and (ii) Financial Services Activities. We currently
report the results of operations through six reportable segments: BFC Activities, Real Estate
Operations, Bluegreen Resorts, Bluegreen Communities, BankAtlantic and BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent
Company. As a result of this reorganization, our BFC Activities segment now includes activities
formerly reported in the Woodbridge Other Operations segment and our Real Estate Operations segment
is comprised of what was previously identified as our Land Division.
The presentation and allocation of the assets, liabilities and results of operations of each
segment may not reflect the actual economic costs of the segment as a stand-alone business. If a
different basis of allocation were utilized, the relative contributions of the segment might differ
but, in managements view, the relative trends in segments would not likely be impacted. See also
Item 7 of this report, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and Note 34 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of
this report for a discussion of trends, results of operations, and other relevant information on
each segment.
Real Estate and Other
Our Real Estate and Other business activities include four business segments: BFC Activities,
Real Estate Operations, and Bluegreens two business segments; Bluegreen Resorts and Bluegreen
Communities.
BFC Activities
The BFC Activities segment consists of BFC operations, our investment in Benihana, and the
other operations described below.
BFC operations primarily consists of our corporate overhead and general and administrative
expenses, including the expenses of Woodbridge, the financial results of a venture partnership that
BFC controls and other equity investments, as well as income and expenses associated with BFCs
shared service operations which provides services in the areas of human resources, risk management,
investor relations, executive office administration and other services that BFC provides to
BankAtlantic Bancorp and Bluegreen. This segment also includes investments made by BFC/CCC, Inc.,
our wholly owned subsidiary (BFC/CCC).
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Investment in Benihana
Benihana is a NASDAQ-listed company with two classes of common shares: Common Stock (BNHN) and
Class A Common Stock (BNHNA). We own 800,000 shares of Benihana Series B Convertible Preferred
Stock (Convertible Preferred Stock). The Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into an
aggregate of 1,578,943 shares of Benihanas Common Stock at a conversion price of $12.67 per share
of Convertible Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment from time to time upon certain defined
events. Based on the number of currently outstanding shares of Benihanas capital stock, the
Convertible Preferred Stock, if converted, would represent an approximate 19% voting interest and
an approximate 9% economic interest in Benihana. Holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock are
entitled to receive cumulative quarterly dividends at an annual rate equal to $1.25 per share,
payable on the last day of each calendar quarter. The Convertible Preferred Stock is subject to
mandatory redemption of $20 million plus accumulated dividends on July 2, 2014 unless we elect to
extend the mandatory redemption date to a date no later than July 2, 2024. At December 31, 2009,
the closing price of Benihanas Common Stock was $4.20 per share. The market value of the
Convertible Preferred Stock if converted to Benihanas Common Stock at December 31, 2009 would have
been approximately $6.6 million.
In December 2008, the Company performed an impairment evaluation of its investment in the
Convertible Preferred Stock and determined that there was an other-than-temporary decline of
approximately $3.6 million and, accordingly, the investment was written down to its fair value at
that time of approximately $16.4 million. Concurrent with managements evaluation of the
impairment of this investment at December 31, 2008, it made the determination to reclassify this
investment from investment securities to investment securities available for sale. At December 31,
2009, the Companys estimated fair value of its investment in Benihanas Convertible Preferred
Stock was approximately $17.8 million. BFC will continue to monitor this investment to determine
whether any further other-than-temporary impairment charges may be required in future periods. The
estimated fair value of the Companys investment in Benihanas Convertible Preferred Stock was
assessed using the income approach with Level 3 inputs by discounting future cash flows at a market
discount rate combined with the fair value of the underlying shares that BFC would receive upon
conversion of its shares of Benihanas Convertible Preferred Stock. See Note 7 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report for further information.
Other Operations
Other operations includes the consolidated operations of Pizza Fusion Holdings, LLC (Pizza
Fusion) (which is a restaurant franchisor operating within the quick service and organic food
industries), and the activities of Cypress Creek Capital Holdings, LLC (Cypress Creek Capital)
and Snapper Creek Equity Management, LLC (Snapper Creek) and other investments and joint
ventures. In addition, prior to obtaining a controlling interest in Bluegreen on November 16, 2009,
we accounted for our investment in Bluegreen under the equity method of accounting and Bluegreens
earnings or loss was included in the BFC Activities segment. Historically, the cost of the
Bluegreen investment was adjusted to recognize our interest in Bluegreens earnings or losses. The
difference between a) our ownership percentage in Bluegreen multiplied by its earnings and b) the
amount of our equity in earnings of Bluegreen as reflected in our financial statements related to
the amortization or accretion of purchase accounting adjustments made at the time of the initial
acquisition of Bluegreens common stock in 2002 and a basis difference due to impairment charges
recorded on the investment in Bluegreen, as described in Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
As part of our overall strategy to diversify our business, during the third quarter of 2009,
we exercised our option to purchase 521,740 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of Pizza
Fusion at a price of $1.15 per share or an aggregate purchase price of $600,000, resulting in an
ownership interest of approximately 45% in Pizza Fusion. On January 15, 2010 we participated in
Pizza Fusions $3 million private placement by investing another $400,000. As of March 31, 2010,
Pizza Fusion had 18 restaurants, including 2 restaurants owned by Pizza Fusion and 16 franchised
restaurants, operating in nine states and had entered into franchise agreements for an additional
12 stores by September 2010. Pizza Fusion is in its early stages and it will likely require
additional financial support. Pizza Fusion is facing several challenges, including the effect of
the current economic downturn on consumer spending patterns. In addition, adding to the adverse
impact of the economy on the restaurant industry, the tightening of the credit markets has made it
difficult for new franchisees to obtain financing. During 2009, the Company performed its annual
review of goodwill for impairment and determined that the discounted value of estimated cash flows
was below the carrying value of Pizza Fusion, resulting in a write-off of the entire $2.0 million
of goodwill relating to the investment.
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Real Estate Operations
The Real Estate Operations segment is comprised of the subsidiaries through which Woodbridge
historically conducted its real estate business activities. It includes the operations of Core,
Carolina Oak ,which engaged in homebuilding activities in South Carolina prior to the suspension of
those activities in the fourth quarter of 2008, and Cypress Creek Holdings, LLC (Cypress Creek
Holdings), which engages in leasing activities. These activities are concentrated primarily in
Florida and South Carolina and have included the development and sale of land, the construction and
sale of single family homes and town homes and the leasing of commercial properties and office
space.
Levitt and Sons was included in the Real Estate Operations segment until November 9, 2007 at
which time it filed a voluntary bankruptcy petition and was deconsolidated from our audited
consolidated financial statements. Levitt Commercial was also included in this segment until it
ceased development activities after it sold all of its remaining units in 2007. Levitt Commercial
which is also included in this segment disposed of its last asset in 2007.
Core Communities
Core Communities was founded in May 1996 to develop a masterplanned community in Port St.
Lucie, Florida now known as St. Lucie West. Historically, its activities focused on the development
of a master-planned community in Port St. Lucie, Florida called Tradition, Florida and a community
outside of Hardeeville, South Carolina called Tradition Hilton Head. Until 2009, Tradition,
Florida was in active development as was Tradition Hilton Head, although in a much earlier stage.
As a master-planned community developer, Core Communities historically was engaged in four primary
activities: (i) the acquisition of large tracts of raw land; (ii) planning, entitlement and
infrastructure development; (iii) the sale of entitled land and/or developed lots to homebuilders
and commercial, industrial and institutional end-users; and (iv) the development and leasing of
income producing commercial real estate to commercial, industrial and institutional end-users.
During 2009, the recession continued and the demand for residential and commercial inventory
showed no signs of recovery, particularly in the geographic regions where Cores properties are
located. The decrease in land sales in 2009 and continued cash flow deficits contributed to,
among other things, the deterioration of Cores liquidity. As a result, Core has severely limited
its development expenditures in Tradition, Florida and has completely discontinued development
activity in Tradition Hilton Head. Its assets have been impaired significantly and in an effort to
bring about an orderly liquidation without a bankruptcy filing, Core commenced negotiations with
all of its lenders to restructure its outstanding debt in light of its cash position. Core is
currently in default under the terms of all of its outstanding debt and Core continues to pursue
all options with its lenders, including offering deeds in lieu and other similar transactions
wherein Core would relinquish title to substantially all of its assets. As of February 5, 2010,
with Cores concurrence, a significant portion of the land in Tradition Hilton Head had been placed
under the control of a court appointed receiver. There is no assurance that Core will be
successful in restructuring its debts or achieving an orderly liquidation of its assets. In
consideration of the foregoing, we evaluated Cores real estate inventory for impairment on a
project-by-project basis. As a result of the impairment analyses performed, we recorded impairment
charges of $63.3 million related to Cores real estate inventory to reduce the carrying amount of
Cores real estate inventory to its fair value at December 31, 2009.
In December 2009, Core reinitiated efforts to sell two of its commercial leasing projects (the
Projects) and began soliciting bids from several potential buyers to purchase assets associated
with the Projects. The assets are available for immediate sale in their present condition and Core
determined that it is probable that it will sell the Projects in 2010. Due to this decision, the
assets associated with the Projects that are for sale have been classified as discontinued
operations for all periods presented in accordance with the accounting guidance for the disposal of
long-lived assets. Core has accepted an offer to sell the Projects, which has been approved by the
lender with substantially all of the proceeds going to satisfy its obligations to the lender.
However, there can be no assurance that the transaction will close or that the lender will release
Core from its obligations. See Note 22 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for
further information.
8
Real Estate
Carolina Oak
In 2007, Woodbridge acquired from Levitt and Sons all of the outstanding membership interests
in Carolina Oak, a South Carolina limited liability company (formerly known as Levitt and Sons of
Jasper County, LLC). The development activities at Carolina Oak, which is within Tradition Hilton
Head, were suspended in the fourth quarter of 2008 as a result of, among other things, a
deterioration in consumer confidence, overall softening of demand for new homes, a decline in the
overall economy, increasing unemployment, a deterioration in the credit markets, and the direct and
indirect impact of the turmoil in the mortgage loan market. In 2009, the housing industry continued
to face significant challenges and Woodbridge made the decision to cease all activities at Carolina
Oak. Furthermore, the lender declared a default of the $37.2 million loan that is collateralized by
the Carolina Oak property. Subsequently, the lender was taken over by the FDIC and accordingly, the
FDIC now holds the loan. While there may be issues with respect to compliance with certain loan
covenants, we do not believe that an event of default occurred. Woodbridge is negotiating with
representatives of the FDIC in an effort to bring about a satisfactory resolution with regard to
the debt; however, the outcome of the negotiations is currently uncertain.
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, we reviewed inventory of real estate at Carolina Oak for
impairment in accordance with the accounting guidance for the impairment or disposal of long-lived
assets. As a result of the analysis, we recorded impairment charges of $16.7 million and $3.5
million in cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which are
reflected in the Real Estate Operations segment. See Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for further information.
Cypress Creek Holdings
Since 2005, Cypress Creek Holdings has owned an 80,000 square foot office building in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida. The building was previously 50% occupied by an unaffiliated third party
pursuant to a lease which expired in March 2010. The tenant opted not to renew the lease and
vacated the space as of March 31, 2010. We intend to seek to sell the building or lease the vacant
space in the building to third parties, including our affiliates, in 2010. As of December 31, 2009,
we evaluated the value of the office building for impairment in accordance with the accounting
guidance for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets and determined that the carrying value
exceeded the fair value. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment charge of $4.3 million in our
statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Levitt Commercial
During 2007, the Real Estate Operations segment also included Levitt Commercial, which was
formed in 2001 to develop industrial, commercial, retail and residential properties. In 2007,
Levitt Commercial ceased development activities after it sold all of its remaining units. Levitt
Commercials revenues for the year ended December 31, 2007 amounted to $6.6 million which reflected
the delivery of the 17 flex warehouse units at its remaining development project.
Levitt and Sons
Acquired in December 1999, Levitt and Sons was a developer of single family homes and town
home communities for active adults and families in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina.
Increased inventory levels combined with weakened consumer demand for housing and tightened credit
requirements negatively affected sales, deliveries and margins throughout the homebuilding
industry. Levitt and Sons experienced decreased orders, decreased margins and increased
cancellation rates on homes in backlog. Excess supply, particularly in previously strong markets
like Florida, in combination with a reduction in demand resulting from tightened credit
requirements and reductions in credit availability, as well as buyers fears about the direction of
the market, exerted a continuous cycle of downward cycle of pricing pressure for residential homes.
On November 9, 2007 (the Petition Date), Levitt and Sons and substantially all of its
subsidiaries (collectively, the Debtors) filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of
Title 11 of the United States Code (the Chapter 11 Cases) in the United States Bankruptcy Court
for the Southern District of Florida (the Bankruptcy Court).
9
Real Estate
In connection with the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases, we deconsolidated Levitt and Sons as of
November 9, 2007, eliminating all future operations from our financial results of operations. As a
result of the deconsolidation of Levitt and Sons, we recorded our interest in Levitt and Sons under
the cost method of accounting. Under cost method accounting, income is recognized only to the
extent of cash received or upon the release of Levitt and Sons from its bankruptcy obligations
through the approval of the Bankruptcy Court, at which time any recorded loss in excess of the
investment in Levitt and Sons is recognized into income. As of November 9, 2007, Woodbridge had a
negative investment in Levitt and Sons of $123.0 million and outstanding advances of $67.8 million
due to Woodbridge resulting in a net negative investment of $55.2 million. Included in the
negative investment was approximately $15.8 million associated with deferred revenue related to
intra-segment sales between Levitt and Sons and Core Communities. During the fourth quarter of
2008, we identified approximately $2.3 million of deferred revenue on intercompany sales between
Core and Carolina Oak that had been misclassified against the negative investment in Levitt and
Sons. As a result, we recorded a $2.3 million reclassification between inventory of real estate and
the loss in excess of investment in subsidiary in the consolidated statements of financial
condition. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2008, our net negative investment was $52.9 million.
During the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases, we also incurred certain administrative costs in the
amount of $1.6 million and $748,000 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively,
relating to certain services and benefits provided by us in favor of the Debtors. These costs
included the cost of maintaining employee benefit plans, providing accounting services, human
resources expenses, general liability and property insurance premiums, payroll processing expenses,
licensing and third-party professional fees (collectively, the Post Petition Services). These
costs were not significant in the year ended December 31, 2009.
As previously reported, on February 20, 2009, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order
confirming a plan of liquidation jointly proposed by Levitt and Sons and the Official Committee of
Unsecured Creditors. That order also approved the settlement pursuant to the settlement agreement
that was entered into on June 27, 2008, as amended. No appeal or rehearing of the Bankruptcy
Courts order was filed by any party, and the settlement was consummated on March 3, 2009, at
which time, payment was made in accordance with the terms and conditions of the settlement
agreement. Under cost method accounting, the cost of settlement and the related $52.9 million
liability (less $500,000 which was determined as the settlement holdback and remained as an
accrual pursuant to the settlement agreement), was recognized into income in the first quarter of
2009, resulting in a $40.4 million gain on settlement of investment in subsidiary. In the fourth
quarter of 2009, we accrued approximately $10.7 million in connection with a portion of a tax
refund of which the Levitt and Sons estate is entitled to pursuant to the Settlement Agreement
entered into with the Joint Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Chapter 11 Cases and, as a
result, the gain on settlement of investment in subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 2009
was $29.7 million. See Note 25 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more
information regarding the tax refund.
10
Real Estate
Bluegreen
On November 16, 2009, we purchased approximately 7.4 million additional shares of Bluegreens
common stock, which increased our ownership in Bluegreen from 9.5 million shares, or 29%, to 16.9
million shares or 52% of Bluegreens common stock. As a result of the purchase, we hold a
controlling interest in Bluegreen and, accordingly, have consolidated Bluegreens results since
November 16, 2009 into our financial statements.
Bluegreen is a leading provider of Colorful Places to Live and Play through two divisions:
Bluegreen Resorts and Bluegreen Communities. For the Bluegreen Interim Period, Bluegreen
Resorts sales represented 83% of Bluegreens sales of real estate and Bluegreen Communities
represented 17% of its sales of real estate. Bluegreen Resorts markets, sells and manages real
estate-based vacation ownership interests (VOIs) in resorts generally located in popular,
high-volume, drive-to vacation destinations, which were developed or acquired by Bluegreen or
developed by others. Bluegreen also earns fees from third parties for providing sales, marketing,
mortgage servicing, construction management, title, and resort management services to third party
resort developers and owners. Bluegreen Communities acquires, develops and subdivides property and
markets residential land home sites. The majority of these home sites are sold directly to retail
customers who seek to build a home, in some cases on properties featuring a golf course and related
amenities. Bluegreen Communities recently began offering real estate consulting and other services
to third parties.
Bluegreen Resorts
Bluegreen Resorts has been involved in the vacation ownership industry since its inception in
1994. As of December 31, 2009, Bluegreen managed approximately 222,600 VOI owners, including
approximately 168,500 members in the Bluegreen Vacation Club, and it sells VOIs in the Bluegreen
Vacation Club at 21 sales offices located at resorts located in the United States and Aruba. A
deeded real estate interest in a Bluegreen Vacation Club VOI in any of Bluegreen resorts entitles
the buyer to an annual or biennial allotment of points in perpetuity. Club members may use their
points to stay in one of 27 Bluegreen Vacation Club Club Resorts and 27 other Club Associated
resorts as well as for other vacation options, including cruises and stays at over 4,000 resorts
offered through Resort Condominiums International, LLC (RCI), an external exchange network. Club
members who acquired or upgraded their VOIs on or after November 1, 2007 also have access to 21
Shell Vacation Club (Shell) resorts, through Bluegreens Select Connections joint venture with
Shell. Shell is an unaffiliated privately-held resort developer.
Since Bluegreens inception, it has generated approximately 328,000 VOI sales transactions,
which include 2,593 VOI sales transactions on behalf of third party developers. Bluegreen Resorts
estimated remaining life-of-project sales at December 31, 2009, were approximately $3.3 billion,
which included $1.0 billion of completed inventory. For the Bluegreen Interim Period, Bluegreen Resorts recognized Sales and Segment Operating Profit of $15.3 million
and $3.2 million, respectively.
Bluegreen Resorts uses a variety of methods to attract prospective purchasers of VOIs,
including marketing of mini-vacations either through face-to-face contact at kiosks in retail and
leisure locations or through telemarketing campaigns and marketing to current owners of VOIs.
Bluegreens Bluegreen Vacation Club system permits its VOI owners to purchase a real estate
timeshare interest which provides owners with an annual or biennial allotment of points, which can
be redeemed for occupancy rights at Bluegreen Vacation Club and Club Associate resorts. Bluegreen
believes the Bluegreen Vacation Club allows its VOI owners to customize their vacation experience
in a more flexible manner than traditional fixed-week vacation ownership programs. Bluegreen also
offers a Sampler program. The Sampler program allows package purchasers to enjoy substantially the
same amenities, activities and services offered to Bluegreen Vacation Club members during a
one-year trial period. Bluegreen believes that it benefits from the Sampler program as it gives
them an opportunity to market their VOIs to customers when they use their trial
memberships at Bluegreen resorts and to recapture some of the costs incurred in connection
with the initial marketing to prospective customers.
11
Real Estate
Bluegreens emphasis on cash resulted in Bluegreen providing financing to approximately 68%
of its vacation ownership customers in 2009. Customers are required to make a down payment of at
least 10% of the VOI sales price and typically finance the balance of the sales price over a period
of ten years. In 2009, Bluegreen began incentivizing its sales associates to encourage higher cash
down payments, and Bluegreen has increased both the percentage of its sales that are 100% cash and
its average down payment on financed sales. As of December 31, 2009, Bluegreen serviced $795.9
million of VOI receivables and its on-balance sheet vacation ownership receivables portfolio
totaled approximately $348.7 million in principal amount. See Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet
Adopted for further discussion. Historically Bluegreen has maintained vacation ownership
receivables warehouse facilities and separate vacation ownership receivables purchase facilities to
maintain liquidity associated with its vacation ownership receivables; however, the term
securitization market had experienced significantly reduced activity and transactions that were
consummated were on significantly more adverse terms. As a result of this and other factors,
financial institutions are reluctant to enter into new credit facilities for the purpose of
providing financing on consumer receivables. Several lenders to the timeshare industry, including
certain of Bluegreens lenders, have announced that they either have or will be exiting the resort
finance business or will not be entering into new financing commitments for the foreseeable future.
In addition, the availability of financing for real estate acquisition and development and the
capital markets for corporate debt have likewise been adversely impacted. See Liquidity and
Capital Resources for a further discussion of Bluegreens vacation ownership receivables
facilities and certain risks relating to such facilities.
Bluegreen Communities
Bluegreen Communities focuses on developing and subdividing property and marketing residential
home sites. The majority of sites are sold directly to retail customers who seek to build a home
generally in the future (in some cases on properties featuring a golf course and other related
amenities). Bluegreen Communities has historically sought to acquire and develop land near major
metropolitan centers, but outside the perimeter of intense subdivision development, and in popular
retirement areas. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2008 and in response to the challenging
economic environment, Bluegreen began to sell home sites in only completed sections of its
communities and significantly reduced its overall spending on development activities. As of
December 31, 2009, Bluegreen Communities was actively engaged in marketing and selling home sites
directly to retail consumers in communities primarily located in Texas, Georgia, and North
Carolina. Bluegreen Communities had approximately $100.9 million of inventory at carrying value as
of December 31, 2009. For the year ended December 31, 2009, Bluegreen Communities recognized sales
of $3.1 million and Segment Operating Loss of $3.3 million.
Historically Bluegreen has marketed its communities through a combination of newspaper, direct
mail, television, billboard, internet and radio advertising. Bluegreen Communities also
historically utilized a customer relationship management computer software system to assist it in
compiling, processing, and maintaining information concerning future sales prospects. During 2009,
its marketing of communities shifted to focus on internet advertising, consumer and broker outreach
programs and billboards.
Bluegreen Communities also currently owns and operates two daily fee golf courses which it
believes will increase the marketability of adjacent home sites and communities.
12
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
Financial Services
Our Financial Services business activities are comprised of the operations of BankAtlantic
Bancorp. BankAtlantic Bancorp presents its results in two reportable segments and its results of
operations are consolidated with BFC Financial Corporation. The only assets available to BFC
Financial Corporation from BankAtlantic Bancorp are dividends when and if declared and paid by
BankAtlantic Bancorp. BankAtlantic Bancorp is a separate public company and its management prepared
the following Item 1. Business regarding BankAtlantic Bancorp which was included in BankAtlantic
Bancorps Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, references to the Company, we, us or our in the
following discussion under the caption Financial Services are references to BankAtlantic Bancorp
and its subsidiaries, and are not references to BFC , Woodbridge or Bluegreen.
BankAtlantic Bancorp is a Florida-based bank holding company and owns BankAtlantic and its
subsidiaries. BankAtlantic provides a full line of products and services encompassing retail and
business banking. The Company reports BankAtlantic Bancorp operations through two business
segments consisting of BankAtlantic and BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company. Detailed operating
financial information by segment is included in Note 34 to the Companys consolidated financial
statements. On February 28, 2007, BankAtlantic Bancorp completed the sale to Stifel Financial Corp.
(Stifel) of Ryan Beck Holdings, Inc. (Ryan Beck), a subsidiary engaged in retail and
institutional brokerage and investment banking. As a consequence, BankAtlantic Bancorp exited this
line of business and the results of operations of Ryan Beck are presented as Discontinued
Operations in the Companys consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31,
2007.
BankAtlantic
Bancorp internet website address is www.bankatlanticbancorp.com. BankAtlantic
Bancorps annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K
and all amendments to those reports are available free of charge through our website, as soon as
reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.
Our Internet website and the information contained in or connected to our website are not
incorporated into, and are not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As of December 31, 2009, BankAtlantic Bancorp had total consolidated assets of approximately
$4.8 billion and stockholders equity of approximately $142 million.
BankAtlantic
BankAtlantic is a federally-chartered, federally-insured savings bank organized in 1952. It is
one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida and provides traditional retail
banking services and a wide range of business banking products and related financial services
through a network of 100 branches or stores in southeast Florida and the Tampa Bay area,
primarily in the metropolitan areas surrounding the cities of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm
Beach and Tampa, which are located in the heavily-populated Florida counties of Miami-Dade,
Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough and Pinellas.
BankAtlantics primary business activities have included:
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attracting checking and savings deposits from individuals and business customers, |
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originating commercial real estate, middle market, consumer home equity and small
business loans, |
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purchasing wholesale residential loans, and |
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investing in mortgage-backed securities and tax certificates. |
BankAtlantics business strategy
BankAtlantic began its Floridas Most Convenient Bank strategy in 2002, when it introduced
seven-day banking in Florida. This banking initiative has contributed to a significant increase in
core deposits (demand deposit accounts, NOW checking accounts and savings accounts). BankAtlantics
core deposits increased from approximately $600 million as of December 31, 2001 to $2.6 billion as
of December 31, 2009. Additionally, while the increase in core deposits during 2009 may reflect,
in part, market conditions generally, we believe that the implementation of our local market
management strategy in 2008 and our relationship marketing strategy in 2009
have enhanced our visibility in our market, increased customer loyalty and contributed
significantly to the increase in core deposit balances.
13
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
BankAtlantic exceeded all applicable regulatory capital requirements and was considered a
well capitalized financial institution at December 31, 2009. See Regulation and Supervision
Capital Requirements for an explanation of capital standards. Management has implemented
initiatives with a view toward maintaining adequate capital in response to the current adverse
economic environment. These initiatives primarily include the reduction of risk-based asset levels
through loan and securities repayments in the ordinary course, eliminating cash dividends to
BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company, and reducing expenses. These initiatives, while important to
maintaining capital ratios, have also negatively impacted operations as the reduction in asset
levels resulted in the reduction in earning assets adversely impacting our net interest income.
Another source of regulatory capital for BankAtlantic was capital contributions from BankAtlantic
Bancorp. During 2009 and 2008, BankAtlantic Bancorp contributed $105 million and $65 million,
respectively, of capital to BankAtlantic. The $105 million capital contribution during 2009 was
partially funded by the completion by BankAtlantic Bancorp of a $75 million rights offering.
BankAtlantic structures its underwriting policies and procedures with a goal of balancing its
ability to offer competitive and profitable products and services to its customers while minimizing
its exposure to credit risk. However, the economic recession and the substantial decline in real
estate values throughout the United States, and particularly in Florida, have had an adverse impact
on the credit quality of our loan portfolio. In response, we have taken steps to attempt to
address credit risk which included:
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Focused efforts and enhanced staffing relating to loan
work-outs, collection processes and valuations; |
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Substantially reduced the origination of land and
residential acquisition, development and construction loans; |
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Substantially reduced home equity loan originations
through new underwriting requirements based on lower market values of
collateral; |
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Transferred certain non-performing commercial real
estate loans to the Parent Company in March 2008 in exchange for $94.8
million; and |
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Froze certain home equity loan unused lines of credit
based on declines in borrower credit scores or the value of loan
collateral; |
Notwithstanding the above, there is no assurance that the above initiatives will reduce the
credit risk in our loan portfolio. During 2009, our allowance for loan losses increased from
$137.3 million at December 31, 2008 to $187.2 million at December 31, 2009 reflecting the continued
deterioration of economic conditions in our markets.
We also continued our initiatives to decrease operating expenses during 2009. These
initiatives included lowering advertising and marketing expenditures, maintaining reduced store and
call center hours and reducing back-office operations, and staffing levels, and renegotiating
vendor contracts. During 2010, management intends to seek further efficiencies and to maintain
its decreased expense organizational structure. BankAtlantic is also continuing to evaluate its
products and services as well as its delivery systems and back-office support infrastructure with a
view toward enhancing its operational efficiency.
As part of BankAtlantics efforts to diversify its loan portfolio, during 2009, BankAtlantic
focused on originating small business and middle market commercial loans through its retail and
lending networks. BankAtlantic anticipates a continued emphasis on small business and middle
market lending and expects the percentage represented by its commercial real estate and
residential mortgage loan portfolio balances to decline during 2010 through the scheduled repayment
of existing loans and significant reductions in commercial real estate loan originations and
residential loan purchases.
Loan Products
BankAtlantic offers a number of lending products to its customers. Historically, primary
lending products have included residential loans, commercial real estate loans, consumer loans and
small and middle market business loans.
14
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
Residential: Historically, BankAtlantic has purchased residential loans in the secondary
markets that have been originated by other institutions. These loans, which are serviced by
independent servicers, are secured by properties located throughout the United States. Residential
loans are typically purchased in bulk and are generally non-conforming loans under agency
guidelines due to the size of the individual loans (jumbo loans). BankAtlantic set general
guidelines for loan purchases relating to loan amount, type of property, state of residence,
loan-to-value ratios, the borrowers sources of funds, appraised amounts and loan documentation,
but actual purchases will generally reflect availability and market conditions, and may vary from
BankAtlantics general guidelines. Included in these purchased residential loans are interest-only
loans. These loans result in possible future increases in a borrowers loan payments when the
contractually required repayments increase due to interest rate adjustments and when required
amortization of the principal amount commences. These payment increases could affect a borrowers
ability to repay the loan and lead to increased defaults and losses. At December 31, 2009,
BankAtlantics residential loan portfolio included $776.2 million of interest-only loans, $65.2
million of which will become fully amortizing and have interest rates reset in 2010. The credit
scores and loan-to-value ratios for interest-only loans are similar to those of amortizing loans.
BankAtlantic has attempted to manage the credit risk associated with these loans by limiting
purchases of interest-only loans to those originated to borrowers that it believes to be credit
worthy, with loan-to-value and total debt to income ratios within agency guidelines. BankAtlantic
does not purchase or originate sub-prime, option-arm, pick-a-payment or negative amortizing
residential loans. Loans in the purchased residential loan portfolio generally do not have
prepayment penalties. As part of its initiative to reduce assets with a view toward improving
liquidity and regulatory capital ratios, BankAtlantic did not purchase any bulk residential loans
during the year ended December 31, 2009.
BankAtlantic also originates residential loans to customers that are then sold on a servicing
released basis to a correspondent. It also originates and holds certain residential loans, which
are made primarily to low to moderate income borrowers in accordance with requirements of the
Community Reinvestment Act. The underwriting of these loans generally follows government agency
guidelines and independent appraisers typically perform on-site inspections and valuations of the
collateral.
Commercial Real Estate: BankAtlantic provides commercial real estate loans for acquisition,
development and construction of various types of properties including office buildings, retail
shopping centers, residential construction and other non-residential properties. BankAtlantic
also provides loans to acquire or refinance existing income-producing properties. These loans are
primarily secured by property located in Florida. Commercial real estate loans are generally
originated in amounts based upon the appraised value of the collateral or estimated cost to
construct, generally have a loan to value ratio at the time of origination of less than 80%, and
generally require that one or more of the principals of the borrowing entity guarantee these
loans. Most of these loans have variable interest rates and are indexed to either prime or LIBOR
rates.
Historically, we made three categories of commercial real estate loans that we believe have
resulted in significant exposure to BankAtlantic based on declines in the Florida residential real
estate market. These categories are Builder land bank loans, Land acquisition and development
loans, and Land acquisition, development and construction loans. The Builder land bank loan
category consists of land loans to borrowers who have or had land purchase option agreements with
regional and/or national builders. These loans were originally underwritten based on projected
sales of the developed lots to the builders/option holders, and timely repayment of the loans is
primarily dependent upon the sale of the property pursuant to the options. If the lots are not
sold as originally anticipated, BankAtlantic anticipates that the borrower may not be in a
position to service the loan, with the likely result being an increase in nonperforming loans and
loan losses in this category. The Land acquisition and development loan category consists of
loans secured by residential land which was intended to be developed by the borrower and sold to
homebuilders. We believe that the underwriting on these loans was generally more stringent than
Builder land bank loans, as an option agreement with a regional or national builder did not exist
at the origination date. The Land acquisition, development and construction loans are secured by
residential land which was intended to be fully developed by the borrower who also might have
plans to construct homes on the property. These loans generally involved property with a longer
investment and development horizon, and are guaranteed by the borrower or individuals such that it
is expected that the borrower will have the ability to service the debt for a longer period of
time. However, based on the declines in value in the Florida real estate market, all loans
collateralized by Florida real estate expose the Bank to significant risk.
15
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
BankAtlantic has also originated commercial non-residential land loans and commercial
non-residential construction loans. These loans generally have higher credit exposure than
commercial income producing commercial loans. BankAtlantic has significantly decreased the
origination of these commercial land and commercial non-residential construction loans beginning
in 2008.
BankAtlantic has historically sold participations in certain commercial real estate loans
that it originated, and administers the loan and provides participants periodic reports on the
progress of the project for which the loan was made. Major decisions regarding the loans are made
by the participants on either a majority or unanimous basis. As a result, BankAtlantic generally
cannot significantly modify the loans without either majority or unanimous consent of the
participants. BankAtlantics sale of loan participations has the effect of reducing its exposure
on individual projects and was required in some cases, in order to comply with the regulatory
loans to one borrower limitations. BankAtlantic has also purchased commercial real estate loan
participations from other financial institutions and in such cases, BankAtlantic may not be in a
position to control decisions made with respect to the loans.
Standby Letters of Credit and Commitments: Standby letters of credit are conditional
commitments issued by BankAtlantic to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.
The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is the same as extending loans to customers.
BankAtlantic may hold certificates of deposit, liens on corporate assets and liens on residential
and commercial property as collateral for letters of credit. BankAtlantic issues commitments for
commercial real estate and commercial business loans.
Consumer: Consumer loans primarily consist of loans to individuals originated through
BankAtlantics retail network. Approximately 97% of consumer loans are home equity lines of
credit secured by a first or second mortgage on the primary residence of the borrower.
Approximately 24% of home equity lines of credit balances are secured by a first mortgage on the
property. Home equity lines of credit have pime-based interest rates and generally mature in 15
years. Other consumer loans generally have fixed interest rates with terms ranging from one to
five years. The credit quality of consumer loans is adversely impacted by increases in the
unemployment rate and declining real estate values. During 2008 and 2009, BankAtlantic experienced
higher than historical losses in this portfolio as a result of deteriorating economic conditions.
In an attempt to address this issue, BankAtlantic has adopted more stringent underwriting criteria
for consumer loans which have had the effect of significantly reducing consumer loan originations.
Middle Market commercial business: BankAtlantic lends on both a secured and unsecured basis,
although the majority of its loans are secured. Middle market business loans are typically
secured by the receivables, inventory, equipment, real estate, and/or general corporate assets of
the borrowers. These loans generally have variable interest rates that are Prime or LIBOR based
and are typically originated for terms ranging from one to five years.
Small Business: BankAtlantic originates small business loans to companies located primarily
in markets within BankAtlantics store network. Small business loans are primarily originated on
a secured basis and generally do not exceed $1.0 million for non-real estate secured loans and
$2.0 million for real estate secured loans. These loans are generally originated with maturities
ranging from one to three years or upon demand; however, loans collateralized by real estate could
have terms of up to fifteen years. Lines of credit extended to small businesses are due upon
demand. Small business loans have either fixed or variable prime-based interest rates.
16
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
The composition of the loan portfolio was (in millions):
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As of December 31, |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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Amount |
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Pct |
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Amount |
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Pct |
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Amount |
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Pct |
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Amount |
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Pct |
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Amount |
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Pct |
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Loans receivable: |
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Real estate loans: |
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Residential |
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$ |
1,550 |
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42.35 |
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1,930 |
|
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45.34 |
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2,156 |
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47.66 |
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2,151 |
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46.81 |
|
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2,030 |
|
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43.92 |
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Consumer home equity |
|
|
670 |
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|
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18.31 |
|
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|
719 |
|
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|
16.89 |
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|
|
676 |
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14.94 |
|
|
|
562 |
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|
|
12.23 |
|
|
|
514 |
|
|
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11.12 |
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Construction and development |
|
|
223 |
|
|
|
6.09 |
|
|
|
301 |
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|
7.07 |
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|
416 |
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9.20 |
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|
475 |
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10.34 |
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|
785 |
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16.99 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
897 |
|
|
|
24.51 |
|
|
|
930 |
|
|
|
21.85 |
|
|
|
882 |
|
|
|
19.49 |
|
|
|
973 |
|
|
|
21.17 |
|
|
|
979 |
|
|
|
21.18 |
|
Small business |
|
|
213 |
|
|
|
5.82 |
|
|
|
219 |
|
|
|
5.14 |
|
|
|
212 |
|
|
|
4.69 |
|
|
|
187 |
|
|
|
4.07 |
|
|
|
152 |
|
|
|
3.29 |
|
Other loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial business |
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
4.21 |
|
|
|
143 |
|
|
|
3.36 |
|
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
2.90 |
|
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
3.42 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
1.90 |
|
Small business non-mortgage |
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
2.70 |
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
2.54 |
|
|
|
106 |
|
|
|
2.34 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
2.13 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
|
|
1.80 |
|
Consumer |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
0.57 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
0.61 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
0.68 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
0.57 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
0.59 |
|
Residential loans held for sale |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
0.11 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
0.07 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
| |
|
|
Total |
|
|
3,831 |
|
|
|
104.67 |
|
|
|
4,379 |
|
|
|
102.87 |
|
|
|
4,614 |
|
|
|
101.99 |
|
|
|
4,638 |
|
|
|
100.94 |
|
|
|
4,661 |
|
|
|
100.85 |
|
| |
|
|
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unearned discounts (premiums) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
-0.08 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
-0.07 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
-0.09 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
-0.02 |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
-0.04 |
|
Allowance for loan losses |
|
|
174 |
|
|
|
4.75 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
2.94 |
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
2.08 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
0.96 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
0.89 |
|
| |
|
|
Total loans receivable,
net |
|
$ |
3,660 |
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
4,257 |
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
4,524 |
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
4,595 |
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
4,622 |
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
| |
|
|
At March 31, 2008, BankAtlantic transferred $101.5 million of non-performing commercial loans
to a subsidiary of BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company.
Included in BankAtlantics commercial and construction and development loan portfolios were
the following commercial residential loans (in millions):
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
As of December 31, |
|
| |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Builder land bank loans |
|
$ |
44 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
150 |
|
Land acquisition and development loans |
|
|
172 |
|
|
|
210 |
|
|
|
245 |
|
Land acquisition, development and
construction loans |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total commercial residential
loans (1) |
|
$ |
227 |
|
|
|
304 |
|
|
|
503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
At March 31, 2008, $101.5 million of non-performing loans were transferred to a
subsidiary of the BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company. |
Investments
Securities Available for Sale: BankAtlantic invests in obligations of, or securities
guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, such as mortgage-backed securities and real
estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs), which are accounted for as securities available for
sale. BankAtlantics securities available for sale portfolio at December 31, 2009 reflects a
decision to seek high credit quality and securities guaranteed by government sponsored enterprises
in an attempt to minimize credit risk in its investment portfolio to the extent possible. The
available for sale securities portfolio serves as a source of liquidity as well as a means to
moderate the effects of interest rate changes. The decision to purchase and sell securities from
time to time is based upon a current assessment of the economy, the interest rate environment, and
capital and liquidity strategies and requirements. BankAtlantics investment portfolio does not
include credit default swaps, commercial paper,
collateralized debt obligations, structured investment vehicles, auction rate securities,
trust preferred securities or equity securities in Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
17
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
Tax Certificates: Tax certificates are evidences of tax obligations that are sold through
auctions or bulk sales by various state and local taxing authorities. A tax obligation arises
when the property owner fails to timely pay the real estate taxes on the property. Certain
municipalities bulk sale their entire tax certificates for the prior year by auctioning the
portfolio to the highest bidder instead of auctioning each certificate separately. Tax
certificates represent a priority lien against the real property for the delinquent real estate
taxes. The minimum repayment to satisfy the lien is the certificate amount plus the interest
accrued through the redemption date, plus applicable penalties, fees and costs. Tax certificates
have no payment schedule or stated maturity. If the certificate holder does not file for the deed
within established time frames, the certificate may become null and void and lose its value.
BankAtlantics experience with this type of investment has generally been favorable because the
rates earned are generally higher than many alternative investments and substantial repayments
typically occur over a one-year period. During 2008, BankAtlantic discontinued acquiring tax
certificates through bulk acquisitions as it experienced higher than historical losses from these
types of acquisitions. During 2009 BankAtlantic purchased tax certificates primarily in Florida
and expects that the majority of tax certificates it acquires in 2010 will be in Florida.
The composition, yields and maturities of BankAtlantics securities available for sale,
investment securities and tax certificates were as follows (dollars in thousands):
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage- |
|
|
Bond |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
| |
|
Tax |
|
|
Backed |
|
|
and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
| |
|
Certificates |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Yield |
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity: (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One year or less |
|
$ |
79,099 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
79,351 |
|
|
|
5.66 |
% |
After one through five years |
|
|
33,373 |
|
|
|
123 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,496 |
|
|
|
5.65 |
|
After five through ten years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,121 |
|
|
|
4.60 |
|
After ten years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
288,046 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
288,046 |
|
|
|
3.28 |
|
| |
|
|
Fair values (2) |
|
$ |
112,472 |
|
|
|
319,292 |
|
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
432,014 |
|
|
|
4.00 |
% |
| |
|
|
Amortized cost (2) |
|
$ |
110,991 |
|
|
|
307,314 |
|
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
418,555 |
|
|
|
5.35 |
% |
| |
|
|
Weighted average yield based
on fair values |
|
|
5.66 |
|
|
|
3.41 |
|
|
|
4.30 |
|
|
|
4.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average maturity (yrs) |
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
20.65 |
|
|
|
0.67 |
|
|
|
15.69 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair values (2) |
|
$ |
224,434 |
|
|
|
699,224 |
|
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
923,908 |
|
|
|
5.25 |
% |
| |
|
|
Amortized cost (2) |
|
$ |
213,534 |
|
|
|
687,344 |
|
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
901,128 |
|
|
|
6.00 |
% |
| |
|
|
December 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair values (2) |
|
$ |
188,401 |
|
|
|
788,461 |
|
|
|
681 |
|
|
|
977,543 |
|
|
|
5.90 |
% |
| |
|
|
Amortized cost (2) |
|
$ |
188,401 |
|
|
|
785,682 |
|
|
|
685 |
|
|
|
974,768 |
|
|
|
6.06 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
Except for tax certificates, maturities are based upon contractual maturities. Tax
certificates do not have stated maturities, and estimates in the above table are based upon
historical repayment experience (generally 2 years). |
| |
| (2) |
|
Equity and tax exempt securities held by BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company with a cost
of $1.5 million, $3.6 million, and $162.6 million and a fair value of $1.5 million, $4.1
million, and $179.5 million, at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were
excluded from the above table. At December 31, 2009, equities held by BankAtlantic with a
cost of $0.8 million and a fair value of $0.8 million were excluded from the above table. |
18
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
A summary of the amortized cost and gross unrealized appreciation or depreciation of
estimated fair value of tax certificates and investment securities and available for sale
securities follows (in thousands):
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
December 31, 2009 (1) |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
|
Gross |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Amortized |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Estimated |
|
| |
|
Cost |
|
|
Appreciation |
|
|
Depreciation |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Tax certificates and investment securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax certificates: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost equals market |
|
$ |
110,991 |
|
|
|
1,481 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
112,472 |
|
Securities available for sale: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost equals market |
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
250 |
|
Market over cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost over market |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage-backed securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost equals market |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market over cost |
|
|
285,200 |
|
|
|
11,998 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
297,198 |
|
Cost over market |
|
|
22,114 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
22,094 |
|
| |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
418,555 |
|
|
|
13,479 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
432,014 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| 1) |
|
The above table excludes BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company equity securities with a
cost and fair value of $1.5 million at December 31, 2009. At December 31, 2009, equities
held by BankAtlantic with a cost and fair value of $0.8 million were excluded from the
above table. |
Deposit products and borrowed funds:
Deposits: BankAtlantic offers checking and savings accounts to individuals and business
customers. These include commercial demand deposit accounts, retail demand deposit accounts,
savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, various NOW accounts and IRA and
Keogh retirement accounts. BankAtlantic also obtains deposits from brokers and municipalities.
BankAtlantic solicits deposits from customers in its geographic market through marketing and
relationship banking activities primarily conducted through its sales force and store network.
BankAtlantic has primarily solicited deposits at its branches (or stores) through its Floridas
Most Convenient Bank initiative. During 2008, BankAtlantic began participating in the
Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Services (CDARS) program. This program allows
BankAtlantic to offer to its customers federally insured deposits up to $50 million. BankAtlantic
has elected to participate in the FDICs Transaction Account Guarantee Program whereby the FDIC
through June 30, 2010 fully insures BankAtlantics entire portfolio of non-interest bearing
deposits, and interest-bearing deposits with rates at or below fifty basis points and, subject to
applicable terms, insures up to $250,000 of other deposit accounts. See Note 17 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding BankAtlantics deposit accounts.
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Advances: BankAtlantic is a member of the FHLB of Atlanta and
can obtain secured advances from the FHLB of Atlanta. These advances can be collateralized by a
security lien against its residential loans, certain commercial loans and its securities. In
addition, BankAtlantic must maintain certain levels of FHLB stock based upon outstanding advances.
See Note 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding
BankAtlantics FHLB Advances.
Other Short-Term Borrowings: BankAtlantics short-term borrowings generally consist of
securities sold under agreements to repurchase treasury tax and loan borrowings.
| |
|
|
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase include a sale of a portion of its
current investment portfolio (usually mortgage-backed securities and REMICs) at a
negotiated rate and an agreement to repurchase the same assets on a specified future date.
BankAtlantic issues repurchase agreements to institutions and to its customers. These
transactions are collateralized by securities in its investment portfolio but are not
insured by the FDIC. See Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for
more information regarding BankAtlantics Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
borrowings. |
| |
|
|
Treasury tax and loan borrowings represent BankAtlantics participation in the Federal
Reserve Treasury Investment Program. Under this program the Federal Reserve places funds
with BankAtlantic obtained
from treasury tax and loan payments received by financial institutions. See Note 20 of the
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding BankAtlantics
treasury tax and loan borrowings. |
19
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
BankAtlantics other borrowings have floating interest rates and consist of a mortgage-backed
bond and subordinated debentures. See Notes 22 and 23 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements for more information regarding BankAtlantics other borrowings.
BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company
BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company operations primarily consist of financing the capital
needs of BankAtlantic and its subsidiaries and management of the asset work-out subsidiary. In
March 2008, BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company used a portion of the proceeds obtained from the
sale of Ryan Beck to Stifel to purchase from BankAtlantic $101.5 million of non-performing loans at
BankAtlantics carrying value. These loans are held in an asset workout subsidiary wholly-owned by
the BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company, which has entered into an agreement with BankAtlantic to
service the transferred non-performing loans. BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company also has
arrangements with BFC for BFC to provide certain human resources, insurance management, investor
relations, and other administrative services to BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company and its
subsidiaries. The largest expense of BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company is interest expense on
junior subordinated debentures issued in connection with trust preferred securities. BankAtlantic
Bancorp has the right to defer quarterly payments of interest on the junior subordinated debentures
for a period not to exceed 20 consecutive quarters without default or penalty. During all four
quarters during 2009 and during the first quarter of 2010, BankAtlantic Bancorp notified the
trustees under its junior subordinated debentures that it has elected to defer its quarterly
interest payments. During the deferral period, the respective trusts will likewise suspend the
declaration and payment of dividends on the trust preferred securities. Additionally, during the
deferral period, BankAtlantic Bancorp may not pay dividends on or repurchase its common stock.
BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company deferred the interest and dividend payments in order to
preserve its liquidity in response to current economic conditions. In January 2010, BankAtlantic
Bancorp commenced cash offers to purchase the outstanding trust preferred securities. See Note 23
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding BankAtlantic
Bancorps cash tender offer for its trust preferred securities.
BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company had the following cash and investments as of December 31,
2009 (in thousands). There is no assurance that we would receive proceeds equal to the estimated
fair value upon the liquidation of the equity securities.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
|
Gross |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Carrying |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Estimated |
|
| |
|
Value |
|
|
Appreciation |
|
|
Depreciation |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Cash and cash
equivalents |
|
$ |
14,002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,002 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
1,510 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
1,504 |
|
| |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
15,512 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
15,506 |
|
| |
|
|
BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Companys work-out subsidiary had the following loans and real
estate owned as of December 31, 2009:
| |
|
|
|
|
| (in millions) |
|
Amount |
|
Builder land bank loans |
|
$ |
14 |
|
Land acquisition and development loans |
|
|
10 |
|
Land acquisition, development and
construction loans |
|
|
15 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total commercial loans |
|
|
48 |
|
Real estate owned |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total loans and real estate owned |
|
$ |
59 |
|
|
|
|
|
20
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
Regulation and Supervision
Holding Company
We are a unitary savings and loan holding company within the meaning of the Home Owners Loan
Act, as amended, or HOLA. As such, we are registered with the Office of Thrift Supervision, or
OTS, and are subject to OTS regulations, examinations, supervision and reporting requirements. In
addition, the OTS has enforcement authority over us. Among other things, this authority permits
the OTS to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the
financial safety, soundness or stability of a subsidiary savings bank.
HOLA prohibits a savings bank holding company, directly or indirectly, or through one or more
subsidiaries, from:
| |
|
|
acquiring another savings institution or its holding company without prior written
approval of the OTS; |
| |
| |
|
|
acquiring or retaining, with certain exceptions, more than 5% of a non-subsidiary
savings institution, a non-subsidiary holding company, or a non-subsidiary company engaged
in activities other than those permitted by HOLA; or |
| |
| |
|
|
acquiring or retaining control of a depository institution that is not insured by the
FDIC. |
In evaluating an application by a holding company to acquire a savings institution, the OTS
must consider the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the company and
savings institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the insurance funds, the
convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors.
As a unitary savings and loan holding company, we generally are not restricted under existing
laws as to the types of business activities in which we may engage, provided that BankAtlantic
continues to satisfy the Qualified Thrift Lender, or QTL, test. See Regulation of Federal Savings
Banks QTL Test for a discussion of the QTL requirements. If we were to make a non-supervisory
acquisition of another savings institution or of a savings institution that meets the QTL test and
is deemed to be a savings institution by the OTS and that will be held as a separate subsidiary,
then we would become a multiple savings and loan holding company within the meaning of HOLA and
would be subject to limitations on the types of business activities in which we can engage. HOLA
limits the activities of a multiple savings institution holding company and its non-insured
institution subsidiaries primarily to activities permissible for bank holding companies under
Section 4(c) of the Bank Holding Company Act, subject to the prior approval of the OTS, and to
other activities authorized by OTS regulation.
Transactions between BankAtlantic, including any of BankAtlantics subsidiaries, and us or any
of BankAtlantics affiliates, are subject to various conditions and limitations. See Regulation
of Federal Savings Banks Transactions with Related Parties. BankAtlantic must seek approval
from the OTS prior to any declaration of the payment of any dividends or other capital
distributions to us. See Regulation of Federal Savings Banks Limitation on Capital
Distributions.
BankAtlantic
BankAtlantic is a federal savings association and is subject to extensive regulation,
examination, and supervision by the OTS, as its chartering agency and primary regulator, and the
FDIC, as its deposit insurer. BankAtlantics deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits
by the Deposit Insurance Fund, which is administered by the FDIC. BankAtlantic must file reports
with the OTS and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition. Additionally,
BankAtlantic must obtain regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions, such as
mergers with, or acquisitions of, other depository institutions, and must submit applications or
notices prior to forming certain types of subsidiaries or engaging in certain activities through
its subsidiaries. The OTS and the FDIC conduct periodic examinations to assess BankAtlantics
safety and soundness and compliance with various regulatory requirements. This regulation and
supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which a savings bank can engage
and is intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors. The OTS and the
FDIC have significant discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement
activities and examination policies. Any change in such applicable activities or policies, whether
by the OTS, the FDIC or the Congress, could have a material adverse impact on us, BankAtlantic, and
our operations.
21
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
The following discussion is intended to be a summary of the material banking statutes and
regulations applicable to BankAtlantic, and it does not purport to be a comprehensive description
of such statutes and regulations, nor does it include every federal and state statute and
regulation applicable to BankAtlantic.
Regulation of Federal Savings Banks
Business Activities. BankAtlantic derives its lending and investment powers from HOLA and the
regulations of the OTS thereunder. Under these laws and regulations, BankAtlantic may invest in:
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mortgage loans secured by residential and commercial real estate; |
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commercial and consumer loans; |
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certain types of debt securities; and |
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certain other assets. |
BankAtlantic may also establish service corporations to engage in activities not otherwise
permissible for BankAtlantic, including certain real estate equity investments and securities and
insurance brokerage. These investment powers are subject to limitations, including, among others,
limitations that require debt securities acquired by BankAtlantic to meet certain rating criteria
and that limit BankAtlantics aggregate investment in various types of loans to certain percentages
of capital and/or assets.
Loans to One Borrower. Under HOLA, savings banks are generally subject to the same limits on
loans to one borrower as are imposed on national banks. Generally, under these limits, the total
amount of loans and extensions of credit made by a savings bank to one borrower or related group of
borrowers outstanding at one time and not fully secured by collateral may not exceed 15% of the
savings banks unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. In addition to, and separate from, the
15% limitation, the total amount of loans and extensions of credit made by a savings bank to one
borrower or related group of borrowers outstanding at one time and fully secured by
readily-marketable collateral may not exceed 10% of the savings banks unimpaired capital and
unimpaired surplus. Readily-marketable collateral includes certain debt and equity securities and
bullion, but generally does not include real estate. At December 31, 2009, BankAtlantics limit on
loans to one borrower was approximately $76.6 million. At December 31, 2009, BankAtlantics
largest aggregate amount of loans to one borrower was approximately $37.8 million and the second
largest borrower had an aggregate balance of approximately $36.9 million.
QTL Test. HOLA requires a savings bank to meet a QTL test by maintaining at least 65% of its
portfolio assets in certain qualified thrift investments on a monthly average basis in at least
nine months out of every twelve months. A savings bank that fails the QTL test must either operate
under certain restrictions on its activities or convert to a bank charter. At December 31, 2009,
BankAtlantic maintained approximately 74% of its portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments.
BankAtlantic had also satisfied the QTL test in each of the nine months prior to December 2009 and,
therefore, was a QTL.
Capital Requirements. The OTS regulations require savings banks to meet three minimum capital
standards:
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a tangible capital requirement for savings banks to have tangible capital in an amount
equal to at least 1.5% of adjusted total assets; |
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a leverage ratio requirement: |
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for savings banks assigned the highest composite rating of 1, to have
core capital in an amount equal to at least 3% of adjusted total assets; or |
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for savings banks assigned any other composite rating, to have core
capital in an amount equal to at least 4% of adjusted total assets, or a higher
percentage if warranted by the particular circumstances or risk profile of the
savings bank; and |
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a risk-based capital requirement for savings banks to have capital in an amount equal to
at least 8% of risk-weighted assets. |
22
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of the risk-based capital
requirement, a savings bank must compute its risk-based assets by multiplying its assets and
certain off-balance sheet items by risk-weights assigned by the OTS capital regulations. The OTS
monitors the risk management of individual institutions. The OTS may impose an individual minimum
capital requirement on institutions that it believes exhibit a higher degree of risk.
At December 31, 2009, BankAtlantic exceeded all applicable regulatory capital requirements.
See Note 35 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for actual capital amounts and
ratios.
There currently are no regulatory capital requirements directly applicable to us as a unitary
savings and loan holding company apart from the regulatory capital requirements for savings banks
that are applicable to BankAtlantic; however, changes in regulations could result in additional
requirements being imposed on us.
Limitation on Capital Distributions. The OTS regulations impose limitations upon certain
capital distributions by savings banks, such as certain cash dividends, payments to repurchase or
otherwise acquire its shares, payments to shareholders of another institution in a cash-out merger
and other distributions charged against capital.
The OTS regulates all capital distributions by BankAtlantic directly or indirectly to us,
including dividend payments. BankAtlantic currently must file an application to receive the
approval of the OTS for a proposed capital distribution, as the total amount of all of
BankAtlantics capital distributions (including any proposed capital distribution) for the
applicable calendar year exceeds BankAtlantics net income for that year-to-date period plus
BankAtlantics retained net income for the preceding two years.
BankAtlantic may not pay dividends to BankAtlantic Bancorp if, after paying those dividends,
it would fail to meet the required minimum levels under risk-based capital guidelines and the
minimum leverage and tangible capital ratio requirements, or in the event the OTS notified
BankAtlantic that it was in need of more than normal supervision. Under the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act, or FDIA, an insured depository institution such as BankAtlantic is prohibited from
making capital distributions, including the payment of dividends, if, after making such
distribution, the institution would become undercapitalized. Payment of dividends by
BankAtlantic also may be restricted at any time at the discretion of the appropriate regulator if
it deems the payment to constitute an unsafe and unsound banking practice.
Liquidity. BankAtlantic is required to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure its safe and
sound operation, in accordance with OTS regulations.
Assessments. The OTS charges assessments to recover the costs of examining savings banks and
their affiliates, processing applications and other filings, and covering direct and indirect
expenses in regulating savings banks and their affiliates. These assessments are based on three
components:
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the size of the savings bank, on which the basic assessment is based; |
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the savings banks supervisory condition, which results in an additional assessment
based on a percentage of the basic assessment for any savings bank with a composite rating
of 3, 4 or 5 in its most recent safety and soundness examination; and |
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the complexity of the savings banks operations, which results in an additional
assessment based on a percentage of the basic assessment for any savings bank that has more
than $1 billion in trust assets that it administers, loans that it services for others or
assets covered by its recourse obligations or direct credit substitutes. |
These assessments are paid semi-annually. BankAtlantics assessment expense during the year
ended December 31, 2009 was approximately $1.2 million.
Branching. Subject to certain limitations, HOLA and the OTS regulations permit federally
chartered savings banks to establish branches in any state or territory of the United States.
23
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
Community Reinvestment. Under the Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, a savings institution
has a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with its safe and sound operation to help
meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods.
The CRA requires the OTS to assess the institutions record of meeting the credit needs of its
community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by the
institution. This assessment focuses on three tests:
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a lending test, to evaluate the institutions record of making loans in its designated
assessment areas; |
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an investment test, to evaluate the institutions record of investing in community
development projects, affordable housing, and programs benefiting low or moderate income
individuals and businesses; and |
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a service test, to evaluate the institutions delivery of banking services throughout
its designated assessment area. |
The OTS assigns institutions a rating of outstanding, satisfactory, needs to improve, or
substantial non-compliance. The CRA requires all institutions to disclose their CRA ratings to
the public. BankAtlantic received a satisfactory rating in its most recent CRA evaluation.
Regulations also require all institutions to disclose certain agreements that are in fulfillment of
the CRA. BankAtlantic has no such agreements in place at this time.
Transactions with Related Parties. BankAtlantics authority to engage in transactions with
its affiliates is limited by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, or FRA, by
Regulation W of the Federal Reserve Board, or FRB, implementing Sections 23A and 23B of the FRA,
and by OTS regulations. The applicable OTS regulations for savings banks regarding transactions
with affiliates generally conform to the requirements of Regulation W, which is applicable to
national banks. In general, an affiliate of a savings bank is any company that controls, is
controlled by, or is under common control with, the savings bank, other than the savings banks
subsidiaries. For instance, we are deemed an affiliate of BankAtlantic under these regulations.
Generally, Section 23A limits the extent to which a savings bank may engage in covered
transactions with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of the savings banks capital stock
and surplus, and contains an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to an
amount equal to 20% of the savings banks capital stock and surplus. A covered transaction
generally includes:
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making or renewing a loan or other extension of credit to an affiliate; |
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purchasing, or investing in, a security issued by an affiliate; |
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purchasing an asset from an affiliate; |
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accepting a security issued by an affiliate as collateral for a loan or other extension
of credit to any person or entity; and |
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issuing a guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit on behalf of an affiliate. |
Section 23A also establishes specific collateral requirements for loans or extensions of
credit to, or guarantees, or acceptances of letters of credit issued on behalf of, an affiliate.
Section 23B requires covered transactions and certain other transactions to be on terms and under
circumstances, including credit standards, that are substantially the same, or at least as
favorable to the savings bank, as those prevailing at the time for transactions with or involving
non-affiliates. Additionally, under the OTS regulations, a savings bank is prohibited from:
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making a loan or other extension of credit to an affiliate that is engaged in any
non-bank holding company activity; and |
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purchasing, or investing in, securities issued by an affiliate that is not a subsidiary. |
Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the FRA, Regulation O of the FRB, Section 402 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and OTS regulations impose limitations on loans and extensions of
credit from BankAtlantic and us to its and our executive officers, directors, controlling
shareholders and their related interests. The applicable OTS regulations for savings banks
regarding loans by a savings bank to its executive officers, directors and principal shareholders
generally conform to the requirements of Regulation O, which is applicable to national banks.
24
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
Enforcement. Under the FDIA, the OTS has primary enforcement responsibility over savings
banks and has the authority to bring enforcement action against all institution-affiliated
parties, including any controlling stockholder or any shareholder, attorney, appraiser and
accountant who knowingly or recklessly participates in any violation of applicable law or
regulation, breach of fiduciary duty, or certain other wrongful actions that have, or are likely to
have, a significant adverse effect on an insured savings bank or cause it more than minimal loss.
In addition, the FDIC has back-up authority to take enforcement action for unsafe and unsound
practices. Formal enforcement action can include the issuance of a capital directive, cease and
desist order, removal of officers and/or directors, institution of proceedings for receivership or
conservatorship and termination of deposit insurance.
Examination. A savings institution must demonstrate to the OTS its ability to manage its
compliance responsibilities by establishing an effective and comprehensive oversight and monitoring
program. The degree of compliance oversight and monitoring by the institutions management impacts
the scope and intensity of the OTS examinations of the institution. Institutions with significant
management oversight and monitoring of compliance will generally receive less extensive OTS
examinations than institutions with less oversight.
Standards for Safety and Soundness. Pursuant to the requirements of the FDIA, the OTS,
together with the other federal bank regulatory agencies, has adopted the Interagency Guidelines
Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness, or the Guidelines. The Guidelines establish
general safety and soundness standards relating to internal controls, information and internal
audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, asset
quality, earnings and compensation, fees and benefits. In general, the Guidelines require, among
other things, appropriate systems and practices to identify and manage the risks and exposures
specified in the Guidelines. If the OTS determines that a savings bank fails to meet any standard
established by the Guidelines, then the OTS may require the savings bank to submit to the OTS an
acceptable plan to achieve compliance. If a savings bank fails to comply, the OTS may seek an
enforcement order in judicial proceedings and impose civil monetary penalties.
Shared National Credit Program. The Shared National Credit Program is an interagency program,
established in 1977, to provide a periodic credit risk assessment of the largest and most complex
syndicated loans held or agented by financial institutions subject to supervision by a federal bank
regulatory agency. The Shared National Credit Program is administered by the FRB, FDIC, OTS and
the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The Shared National Credit Program covers any loan
or loan commitment of at least $20 million (i) which is shared under a formal lending agreement by
three or more unaffiliated financial institutions or (ii) a portion of which is sold to two or more
unaffiliated financial institutions with the purchasing financial institutions assuming their pro
rata share of the credit risk. The Shared National Credit Program is designed to provide
uniformity and efficiency in the federal banking agencies analysis and rating of the largest and
most complex credit facilities in the country by avoiding duplicate credit reviews and ensuring
consistency in rating determinations. The federal banking agencies use a combination of
statistical and judgmental sampling techniques to select borrowers for review each year. The
selected borrowers are reviewed and the credit quality rating assigned by the applicable federal
banking agencys examination team will be reported to each financial institution that participates
in the loan as of the examination date. The assigned ratings are used during examinations of the
other financial institutions to avoid duplicate reviews and ensure consistent treatment of these
loans. BankAtlantic has entered into participations with respect to certain of its loans and has
acquired participations in the loans of other financial institutions which are subject to this
program and accordingly these loans may be subject to this additional review.
Real Estate Lending Standards. The OTS and the other federal banking agencies adopted
regulations to prescribe standards for extensions of credit that are secured by liens on or
interests in real estate or are made for the purpose of financing the construction of improvements
on real estate. The OTS regulations require each savings bank to establish and maintain written
internal real estate lending standards that are consistent with OTS guidelines and with safe and
sound banking practices and which are appropriate to the size of the savings bank and the nature
and scope of its real estate lending activities.
Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action. Under the OTS Prompt Corrective Action Regulations, the
OTS is required to take certain, and is authorized to take other, supervisory actions against
undercapitalized savings banks, such as requiring compliance with a capital restoration plan,
restricting asset growth, acquisitions, branching and new lines of business and, in extreme cases,
appointment of a receiver or conservator. The severity of the action required or authorized to be
taken increases as a savings banks capital deteriorates. Savings banks are classified
into five categories of capitalization as well capitalized, adequately capitalized,
undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized.
Generally, a savings bank is categorized as well capitalized if:
25
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
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its total capital is at least 10% of its risk-weighted assets; |
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its core capital is at least 6% of its risk-weighted assets; |
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its core capital is at least 5% of its adjusted total assets; and |
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it is not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive or prompt
corrective action directive issued by the OTS, or certain regulations, to meet or maintain
a specific capital level for any capital measure. |
The OTS categorized BankAtlantic as well capitalized following its last examination and
BankAtlantic remained categorized well capitalized as of December 31, 2009. However, there is no
assurance that it will continue to be deemed well capitalized even if current capital ratios are
maintained where asset quality continues to deteriorate.
Insurance of Deposit Accounts. Savings banks are subject to a risk-based assessment system
for determining the deposit insurance assessments to be paid by them.
Until December 31, 2006, the FDIC had assigned each savings institution to one of three
capital categories based on the savings institutions financial information as of its most recent
quarterly financial report filed with the applicable bank regulatory agency prior to the assessment
period. The FDIC had also assigned each savings institution to one of three supervisory
subcategories within each capital category based upon a supervisory evaluation provided to the FDIC
by the savings institutions primary federal regulator and information that the FDIC determined to
be relevant to the savings institutions financial condition and the risk posed to the previously
existing deposit insurance funds. A savings institutions deposit insurance assessment rate
depended on the capital category and supervisory subcategory to which it was assigned. Insurance
assessment rates ranged from 0.00% of deposits for a savings institution in the highest category
(i.e., well capitalized and financially sound, with no more than a few minor weaknesses) to 0.27%
of deposits for a savings institution in the lowest category (i.e., undercapitalized and
substantial supervisory concern).
On January 1, 2007, the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005, or the Reform Act,
became effective. The Reform Act, among other things, merged the Bank Insurance Fund and the
Savings Association Insurance Fund, both of which were administered by the FDIC, into a new fund
administered by the FDIC known as the Deposit Insurance Fund, or DIF, and increased the coverage
limit for certain retirement plan deposits to $250,000, but maintained the basic insurance coverage
limit of $100,000 for other depositors. On October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization
Act of 2008, or the Stabilization Act, temporarily raised the basic insurance coverage limit to
$250,000. This temporary increase in the basic insurance coverage limit will expire on December
31, 2013 and the basic insurance coverage limit will return to $100,000 on January 1, 2014.
As a result of the Reform Act, the FDIC now assigns each savings institution to one of four
risk categories based upon the savings institutions capital evaluation and supervisory evaluation.
The capital evaluation is based upon financial information as of the savings institutions most
recent quarterly financial report filed with the applicable bank regulatory agency at the end of
each quarterly assessment period. The supervisory evaluation is based upon the results of
examination findings by the savings institutions primary federal regulator and information that
the FDIC has determined to be relevant to the savings institutions financial condition and the
risk posed to the DIF. A savings institutions deposit insurance base assessment rate depends on
the risk category to which it is assigned. In April 2009, the FDIC implemented regulations to
improve the way its insurance base assessment rates differentiate risk among insured institutions
and make the risk-based system fairer by limiting the subsidization of riskier institutions by
safer institutions. For the quarter which began January 1, 2010, insurance base assessment rates
range from 12 cents per $100 (but could be as low as 7 cents per $100, after computing applicable
adjustments) in assessable deposits for a savings institution in the least risk category (i.e.,
well capitalized and financially sound with only a few minor weaknesses) to 45 cents per $100 (but
could be as high as 77.5 cents per $100, after computing applicable adjustments) in assessable
deposits for a savings institution in the most risk category (i.e., undercapitalized and poses a
substantial probability of loss to the DIF unless effective corrective action is taken)
BankAtlantics FICE deposit insurance premium increased from $2.8 million for the year ended
December 31, 2008 to $8.6 million for the same 2009 period.
26
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
The FDIC is authorized to raise the assessment rates in certain circumstances, which would
affect savings institutions in all risk categories. The FDIC is also authorized to impose special
assessments. The FDIC has exercised its authority to raise assessment rates and impose special
assessments several times in the past, including during 2009, and could raise rates and impose
special assessments in the future. Increases in deposit insurance premiums and the imposition of
special assessments would have an adverse effect on our earnings. BankAtlantic paid a $2.4 million
FDIC special assessment for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Privacy and Security Protection. BankAtlantic is subject to the OTS regulations implementing
the privacy and security protection provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, or GLBA. These
regulations require a savings bank to disclose to its customers and consumers its policy and
practices with respect to the privacy, and sharing with nonaffiliated third parties, of its
customers and consumers nonpublic personal information. Additionally, in certain instances,
BankAtlantic is required to provide its customers and consumers with the ability to opt-out of
having BankAtlantic share their nonpublic personal information with nonaffiliated third parties.
These regulations also require savings banks to maintain policies and procedures to safeguard their
customers and consumers nonpublic personal information. BankAtlantic has policies and procedures
designed to comply with GLBA and applicable privacy and security regulations.
Insurance Activities. BankAtlantic is generally permitted to engage in certain insurance
activities through its subsidiaries. The OTS regulations implemented pursuant to GLBA prohibit,
among other things, depository institutions from conditioning the extension of credit to
individuals upon either the purchase of an insurance product or annuity or an agreement by the
consumer not to purchase an insurance product or annuity from an entity that is not affiliated with
the depository institution. The regulations also require prior disclosure of this prohibition to
potential insurance product or annuity customers.
Federal Home Loan Bank System. BankAtlantic is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank, or
FHLB, of Atlanta, which is one of the twelve regional FHLBs composing the FHLB system. Each FHLB
provides a central credit facility primarily for its member institutions as well as other entities
involved in home mortgage lending. Any advances from a FHLB must be secured by specified types of
collateral, and all long-term advances may be obtained only for the purpose of providing funds for
residential housing finance. As a member of the FHLB of Atlanta, BankAtlantic is required to
acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB of Atlanta. BankAtlantic was in compliance
with this requirement with an investment in FHLB of Atlanta stock at December 31, 2009 of
approximately $48.8 million. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the FHLB of Atlanta paid
dividends of approximately $0.2 million on the capital stock held by BankAtlantic. The FHLB did
not pay a dividend during the first six months of 2009 and in February 2009 suspended excess stock
redemptions.
Federal Reserve System. BankAtlantic is subject to provisions of the FRA and the FRBs
regulations, pursuant to which depository institutions may be required to maintain
non-interest-earning reserves against their deposit accounts and certain other liabilities.
Currently, federal savings banks must maintain reserves against transaction accounts (primarily NOW
and regular interest and non-interest bearing checking accounts). The FRB regulations establish
the specific rates of reserves that must be maintained, which are subject to adjustment by the FRB.
BankAtlantic is currently in compliance with those reserve requirements. The required reserves
must be maintained in the form of vault cash, a non-interest-bearing account at a Federal Reserve
Bank, or a pass-through account as defined by the FRB. The FRB pays targeted federal funds rates
on the required reserves which are lower than the yield on our traditional investments.
Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Money Laundering Regulations. The Uniting and Strengthening America
by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, or the USA
PATRIOT Act, provides the federal government with additional powers to address terrorist threats
through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information
sharing and broadened anti-money laundering requirements. By way of amendments to the Bank Secrecy
Act, or BSA, the USA PATRIOT Act puts in place measures intended to encourage information sharing
among bank regulatory and law enforcement agencies. In addition, certain provisions of the USA
PATRIOT Act impose affirmative obligations on a broad range of financial institutions, including
savings banks.
27
Financial Services
(BankAtlantic Bancorp)
Among other requirements, the USA PATRIOT Act and the related OTS regulations require savings
banks to establish anti-money laundering programs that include, at a minimum:
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internal policies, procedures and controls designed to implement and maintain the
savings banks compliance with all of the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, the BSA and
related laws and regulations; |
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systems and procedures for monitoring and reporting of suspicious transactions and
activities; |
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a designated compliance officer; |
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employee training; |
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an independent audit function to test the anti-money laundering program; |
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procedures to verify the identity of each customer upon the opening of accounts; and |
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heightened due diligence policies, procedures and controls applicable to certain foreign
accounts and relationships. |
Additionally, the USA PATRIOT Act requires each financial institution to develop a customer
identification program, or CIP, as part of its anti-money laundering program. The key components
of the CIP are identification, verification, government list comparison, notice and record
retention. The purpose of the CIP is to enable the financial institution to determine the true
identity and anticipated account activity of each customer. To make this determination, among
other things, the financial institution must collect certain information from customers at the
time they enter into the customer relationship with the financial institution. This information
must be verified within a reasonable time through documentary and non-documentary methods.
Furthermore, all customers must be screened against any CIP-related government lists of known or
suspected terrorists.
The USA Patriot Act established the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which is a
division of the Treasury Department, and is responsible for helping to ensure that United States
entities do not engage in transactions with enemies of the United States, as defined by various
Executive Orders and Acts of Congress. OFAC has sent banking regulatory agencies lists of names of
persons and organizations suspected of aiding, harboring or engaging in terrorist acts. If
BankAtlantic identifies a name on any transaction, account or wire transfer that is on an OFAC
list, it must freeze or reject such account or transaction, evaluate the need to file a suspicious
activity report and notify the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Consumer Protection. BankAtlantic is subject to federal and state consumer protection
statutes and regulations, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair and Accurate Credit
Transactions Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Truth in Lending Act,
the Truth in Savings Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the Home Mortgage
Disclosure Act. Among other things, these acts:
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require lenders to disclose credit terms in meaningful and consistent ways; |
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require financial institutions to establish policies and procedures regarding identity
theft and notify customers of certain information concerning their credit reporting; |
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prohibit discrimination against an applicant in any consumer or business credit
transaction; |
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prohibit discrimination in housing-related lending activities; |
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require certain lender banks to collect and report applicant and borrower data regarding
loans for home purchase or improvement projects; |
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require lenders to provide borrowers with information regarding the nature and cost of
real estate settlements; |
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prohibit certain lending practices and limit escrow account amounts with respect to real
estate transactions; and |
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prescribe penalties for violations of the requirements of consumer protection statutes
and regulations. |
28
Employees
Management believes that its relations with its employees are satisfactory. The Company
currently maintains employee benefit programs that are considered by management to be generally
competitive with programs provided by other major employers in its markets.
As of December 31, 2009, the Company and its subsidiaries had approximately 5,368 employees,
including 37 employees at BFC Parent and BFC Shared Service operations, 36 employees supporting
Woodbridge, 6 employees supporting BankAtlantic Bancorp Parent Company, 1,638 employees supporting
BankAtlantic (including 212 part time employees) and 3,651 employees supporting Bluegreen, of which
386 were located in Bluegreens headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida and 3,265 were located in
regional field offices throughout the United States and Aruba. The field personnel at Bluegreen
include 85 field employees supporting Bluegreen Communities and 3,180 field employees supporting
Bluegreen Resorts. Several Bluegreen employees in New Jersey are represented by a collective
bargaining unit.
Regulatory Matters Real Estate
The vacation ownership and real estate industries are subject to extensive and complex
federal, state, and local governmental regulation. Federal, state, local and foreign environmental,
zoning, consumer protection and other statutes regulate the acquisition, subdivision, marketing and
sale of real estate and VOIs. On a federal level, the Federal Trade Commission has taken an active
regulatory role through the Federal Trade Commission Act, prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts and
unfair competition in interstate commerce. Vacation ownership interests are subject to various
regulatory requirements including state and local approvals. The laws of most states require the
filing of a detailed offering statement which provides disclosure of all material aspects of the
project and sale of VOIs. Laws in each state where VOIs are sold generally grant the purchaser of
a VOI the right to cancel a purchase contract at any time within a specified rescission period.
There is also no assurance that in the future, VOIs will not be deemed to be securities subject to
securities regulation. Most states also have other laws that regulate: real estate licensure;
sellers of travel licensure; anti-fraud laws; telemarketing laws; prize, gift and sweepstakes laws;
and, labor laws. In addition, we may be subject to the Fair Housing Act and various other federal
statutes and regulations. The sales and marketing of homesites are subject to various consumer
protection laws and to the Federal Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, which establishes strict guidelines with respect to
the marketing and sale of land in interstate commerce.
There is no assurance that the cost of complying with applicable laws and regulations will not
be significant. Any failure to comply with current or future laws or regulations applicable to the
sale of VOIs or real estate could have a material adverse effect on us.
Competition
Real Estate
There has been significant dislocation in the real estate markets. Land values have
deteriorated significantly, and lenders who have foreclosed on properties throughout the United
States and particularly in those areas where the Company and its subsidiaries operate are selling
properties at significant discounts. The purchasers of such properties may have a significantly
lower basis than we have and accordingly such purchasers have a competitive advantage with respect
to the development or resale of those properties.
Bluegreen Resorts competes with various high profile and well-established operators, many of
which have greater liquidity and financial resources than Bluegreen. Many of the worlds most
recognized lodging, hospitality and entertainment companies develop and sell VOIs in resort
properties. Major companies that now operate or are developing or planning to develop vacation
ownership resorts directly or through subsidiaries include Marriott International, Inc., the Walt
Disney Company, Hilton Hotels Corporation, Hyatt Corporation, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts,
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Wyndham Worldwide Corporation. Bluegreen Resorts
also competes with numerous other smaller owners and operators of vacation ownership resorts. In
addition to competing for sales leads, prospects and service contracts, Bluegreen Resorts competes
with other VOI developers for marketing, sales, and resort management personnel.
Financial Services
The banking and financial services industry is very competitive and is in transition. The
financial services industry is experiencing a severe downturn and there is increased competition in
the marketplace. We expect continued consolidation in the financial service industry creating
larger financial institutions. BankAtlantics primary method of competition is emphasis on
relationship banking, customer service and convenience, including its Floridas Most Convenient
Bank initiative.
BankAtlantic faces substantial competition for both loans and deposits. Competition for loans
comes principally from other banks, savings institutions and other lenders. This competition could
decrease the number and size of loans that BankAtlantic makes and the interest rates and fees that
BankAtlantic receives on these loans. .BankAtlantic competes for deposits with banks, savings
institutions and credit unions, as well as institutions offering uninsured investment alternatives,
including money market funds and mutual funds, many of which are uninsured. These competitors may
offer higher interest rates than BankAtlantic, which could decrease the deposits that Bank Atlantic
attracts or require BankAtlantic to increase its rates to attract new deposits. Increased
competition for deposits could increase BankAtlantics cost of funds, reduce its net interest
margin and adversely affect its results of operations.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
RISKS RELATED TO BFC, GENERALLY
We have in the past incurred cash flow deficits at the BFC parent company level which we expect
will continue in the future.
BFC is engaged in making investments in operating businesses and, in the past, BFC Parent has
not had revenue generating operating activities. We have in the past incurred cash flow deficits
at BFC Parent and expect to continue to incur cash flow deficits in the foreseeable future. We
have financed these operating cash flow deficits with available working capital, issuances of
equity or debt securities, and with dividends from our subsidiaries. BFC Parent is dependent upon
dividends from its subsidiaries to fund its operations. Currently, BankAtlantic Bancorp is
restricted from paying dividends and these restrictions may continue in the future. In addition,
Bluegreen has historically not paid dividends on its common stock. As a result, if cash flow is
not sufficient to fund our operating expenses in the future, we may be forced to reduce operating
expenses, to liquidate some of our investments or to seek to fund our operations from the proceeds
of additional equity or debt financing. There is no assurance that any such financing would be
available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, or that we would not be forced to liquidate
our investments at depressed prices.
Adverse conditions and events where our investments are currently concentrated or in the industries
in which our subsidiaries operate could continue to adversely impact our results and future growth.
BankAtlantic Bancorps business, the location of BankAtlantics branches and the real estate
collateralizing its commercial real estate loans and home equity loans are concentrated in Florida.
Further, our operations are concentrated in Florida and South Carolina. Economic conditions
generally, and the economies of both Florida and South Carolina in particular have adversely
impacted our results and operations. Further, each of these states is subject to the risks of
natural disasters, such as tropical storms and hurricanes. The continued impact of the economic
downturn, natural disasters or adverse changes in laws or regulations applicable to the companies
could impact the credit quality of BankAtlantics assets, the desirability of our properties, the
financial condition and performance of our customers and our overall success. In addition,
Bluegreens operations, which are primarily conducted within the vacation ownership and real estate
industry, have also been adversely impacted by the current economic downturn. The persistence or
further deterioration of the current adverse economic conditions could have a material adverse
effect on our business and results of operations.
We are subject to the risks faced by the companies in which we currently hold investments.
Our primary holdings consist of our direct and indirect investments in BankAtlantic Bancorp,
Bluegreen, Core, Pizza Fusion and Benihana. As a result, we are subject to the risks faced by these
companies in their respective industries. Each has been adversely affected by a downturn in the
economy, loss of consumer confidence and disruptions in the credit markets. Our current business
plan includes a focus on providing strategic support to the companies within our consolidated
group, and in which we hold investments. Such support may include further investments in those
companies. Any such additional investments will further expose us to the risks faced by those
companies.
We will be required to make a cash payment to shareholders of Woodbridge who exercised appraisal
rights in connection with the Merger.
Under Florida law, holders of Woodbridges Class A Common Stock who did not vote to approve
the Woodbridge Merger and who properly asserted and exercised their appraisal rights with respect
to their shares (Dissenting Holders) are entitled to receive a cash payment in an amount equal to
the fair value of their shares (as determined in accordance with the provisions of Florida law) in
lieu of the shares of BFCs Class A Common Stock which they would otherwise have been entitled to
receive. Dissenting Holders, who owned in the aggregate approximately 4.6 million shares of
Woodbridges Class A Common Stock, provided written notice to Woodbridge regarding their intent to
exercise their appraisal rights. In accordance with Florida law, Woodbridge provided written
notices and required forms to the Dissenting Holders setting forth, among other things, its
determination that the fair value of Woodbridges Class A Common Stock immediately prior to the
effectiveness of the Merger was $1.10 per share. Dissenting Holders were required to return their
appraisal forms by November 10, 2009 and indicate on their appraisal forms whether the Dissenting
Holder chose to (i) accept Woodbridges offer of $1.10 per share in cash, or (ii) demand payment of
the fair value estimate determined by the Dissenting Holder plus interest. As of the date of this
filing, one Dissenting Holder which held approximately 400,000 shares of Woodbridges Class A
Common Stock had withdrawn its shares from the appraisal rights process, while the remaining
Dissenting Holders, who collectively held approximately 4.2 million shares of Woodbridges Class A
Common Stock, have rejected Woodbridges offer of $1.10 per share and requested payment for their
shares based on their respective views of the fair value of Woodbridges Class A Common Stock prior
to the merger. In December 2009, the Company recorded a $4.6 million liability with a corresponding
reduction to additional paid-in capital representing, in the aggregate, Woodbridges offer to the
Dissenting Holders. However, the appraisal rights litigation is currently ongoing and its outcome
is uncertain. As a result, there is no assurance as to the amount of cash that Woodbridge will be
required to pay to the Dissenting Holders and such amount may be greater than the $4.6 million that
we have accrued. Any significant increase in Woodbridges obligation to Dissenting Holders who
exercise their appraisal rights could have a material adverse effect on BFCs and Woodbridges
businesses.
30
Regulatory restrictions, BankAtlantic performance and the terms of indebtedness limit or restrict
BankAtlantic Bancorps ability to pay dividends which may impact our cash flow.
At December 31, 2009, we held approximately 37% of the outstanding common stock of
BankAtlantic Bancorp. Dividends by BankAtlantic Bancorp are subject to a number of conditions,
including the cash flow and profitability of BankAtlantic Bancorp, declaration of dividends by
BankAtlantic Bancorps Board of Directors, compliance with the terms of outstanding indebtedness,
and regulatory restrictions applicable to BankAtlantic.
BankAtlantic Bancorp is a separate publicly traded company whose Board of Directors includes a
majority of independent directors as required by the listing standards of the New York Stock
Exchange. Decisions made by BankAtlantic Bancorps Board are not within our control and may not be
made in our best interests.
The declaration and payment of dividends and the ability of BankAtlantic Bancorp to meet its
debt service obligations will depend upon adequate cash holdings, which are driven by the results
of operations, financial condition and cash requirements of BankAtlantic Bancorp, and the ability
of BankAtlantic to pay dividends to BankAtlantic Bancorp. The ability of BankAtlantic to pay
dividends or make other distributions to BankAtlantic Bancorp is subject to regulations and prior
approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS). The OTS would not approve any distribution
that would cause BankAtlantic to fail to meet its capital requirements or if the OTS believes that
a capital distribution by BankAtlantic would constitute an unsafe or unsound action or practice,
and there is no assurance that the OTS would approve future applications for capital distributions
from BankAtlantic. During the first quarter of 2009, BankAtlantic suspended the payment of
dividends to BankAtlantic Bancorp and BankAtlantic has indicated that it does not intend to seek to
make any capital distributions for the foreseeable future. In February 2009, BankAtlantic Bancorp
elected to exercise its right to defer payments of interest on its trust preferred junior
subordinated debt. BankAtlantic Bancorp is permitted to defer quarterly interest payments for up to
20 consecutive quarters. During the deferral period, BankAtlantic Bancorp is prohibited from
paying dividends to its shareholders, including BFC. While BankAtlantic Bancorp can end the
deferral period at any time, BankAtlantic Bancorp has indicated that it anticipates that is may
continue to defer such interest payments for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, BFC does not
expect to receive dividends from BankAtlantic Bancorp for the foreseeable future.
The payment of dividends by Bluegreen is not within our control.
Bluegreen is a separate publicly traded company whose Board of Directors includes a majority
of independent directors as required by the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange.
Decisions made by Bluegreens Board are not within our control and may not be made in our best
interests.
Bluegreen has not paid cash dividends during the three years ending December 31, 2009. Future
dividends from Bluegreen are subject to approval by Bluegreens Board of Directors (a majority of
whom are independent directors) and will depend upon, among other factors, Bluegreens results of
operations, financial condition and operating and capital needs. Bluegreen may also be limited
contractually from paying dividends by the terms of its credit facilities. Accordingly, there is no
assurance that Bluegreen will pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
Dividends and distributions from our subsidiaries to their respective parent companies may be
subject to claims in the future from creditors of the subsidiary.
Subsidiaries have in the past and may in the future make dividends or distributions to their parent companies. Dividend payments and other distributions by a subsidiary to its parent
company, including payments or distributions from Core to Woodbridge, from BankAtlantic to
BankAtlantic Bancorp, or from
Woodbridge or BankAtlantic Bancorp to BFC may, in certain
circumstances, be subject to claims made by creditors of the subsidiary which made
the payment or distribution. Any such claim, if successful, may have a material and adverse impact
on the financial condition of the parent company against which the claim was brought.
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There are inherent uncertainties involved in estimates, judgments and assumptions used in the
preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Any changes in estimates, judgments
and assumptions used could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and operating
results.
The consolidated financial statements included in the periodic reports we file with the SEC,
including those included as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are prepared in accordance
with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP involves making
estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets (including purchase
accounting fair value measurements, goodwill and other intangible assets), liabilities and related
reserves, revenues, expenses and income. This includes estimates, judgments and assumptions for
assessing the amortization /accretion of purchase accounting fair value differences and the future
value of goodwill and other intangible assets pursuant to applicable accounting guidance. We base
our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be
reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about
the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
However, estimates, judgments and assumptions are inherently subject to change in the future. As a
result, our estimates, judgments and assumptions may prove to be incorrect and our actual results
may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. If any estimates,
judgments or assumptions change in the future, or our actual results differ from our estimates or
assumptions, we may be required to record additional expenses or impairment charges, which would be
recorded as a charge against our earnings and could have a material adverse impact on our financial
condition and operating results.
Our activities and our subsidiaries activities are subject to a wide range of regulatory
requirements applicable to financial institutions and holding companies, and noncompliance with
such regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The Company and BankAtlantic Bancorp are each grandfathered unitary savings and loan holding
companies and have broad authority to engage in various types of business activities. However, the
OTS can stop either of us from engaging in activities or limit those activities if it determines
that there is reasonable cause to believe that the continuation of any particular activity
constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of BankAtlantic. The
OTS may also:
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limit the payment of dividends by BankAtlantic to BankAtlantic Bancorp; |
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limit transactions between us, BankAtlantic, BankAtlantic Bancorp and the subsidiaries
or affiliates of either; |
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limit the activities of BankAtlantic, BankAtlantic Bancorp or us; or |
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impose capital requirements on us or BankAtlantic Bancorp. |
In addition, unlike bank holding companies, as unitary savings and loan holding companies, BFC
and BankAtlantic Bancorp are not currently subject to capital requirements. However, the OTS has
indicated that it may, in the future, impose capital requirements on savings and loan holding
companies. In addition, the current administration has proposed legislation which would, among
other things, eliminate the status of savings and loan holding company and require us and
BankAtlantic Bancorp to register as a bank holding company, which would subject us and BankAtlantic
Bancorp to regulatory capital requirements. Further, the OTS or other regulatory bodies having
authority over the Company in the future may adopt regulations in the future that would affect the
Companys operations, including BankAtlantic Bancorps ability to pay dividends or to engage in
certain transactions or activities. See Financial Services Regulation and Supervision Holding
Company.
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Certain members of our Board of Directors and certain of our executive officers are also directors
and executive officers of our affiliates.
Alan B. Levan, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and John E. Abdo, our Vice Chairman,
are also members of the Boards of Directors and/or executive officers of BankAtlantic Bancorp,
BankAtlantic, Woodbridge, Bluegreen and Benihana. Neither Mr. Levan nor Mr. Abdo is obligated to
allocate a specific amount of time to the management of the Company, and they may devote more time
and attention to the operations of our affiliates than they devote directly to our operations.
Jarett S. Levan, a member of our Board of Directors, is the President of BankAtlantic Bancorp and
the Chief Executive Officer of BankAtlantic and a member of the Board of each of them, and D. Keith
Cobb, a member of our Board of Directors, is a member of the Boards of Directors of BankAtlantic
Bancorp and BankAtlantic.
Risks Associated with Our Investments in the Restaurant Industry
We have an investment in preferred shares of Benihana which are convertible to shares of
Benihanas Common Stock. Benihana operates 98 restaurants in the United States, including 64
Benihana teppanyaki restaurants, nine Haru sushi restaurants and 25 RA Sushi Bar restaurants. In
addition, 23 franchised Benihana teppanyaki restaurants operate in the United States, Latin America
and the Caribbean. We have an investment in Pizza Fusion which has 18 restaurants, including 2
Company owned restaurants and 16 franchised restaurants, operating in 9 states and had entered into
franchise agreements for an additional 12 stores by September 2010. As such, we are subject to the
risks faced by these companies and the value of our investment will be influenced by the market
performance and financial performance of these companies. Some of the risk factors common to the
restaurant industry which might affect the performance of these companies include:
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the current economic downturn has adversely impacted consumer spending patterns and has
had negative effects on consumer discretionary spending; |
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the limited availability and high cost of credit may continue or deteriorate further; |
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higher than normal food costs may adversely impact our results of operations; |
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the failure of existing or new restaurants to perform as expected; |
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the inability to construct new restaurants and remodel existing restaurants within
projected budgets and time periods; |
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increases in the minimum wage; |
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increases in unemployment; |
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intense competition in the restaurant industry; |
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the food service industry is affected by litigation and publicity concerning food
quality, health and other issues, which could cause customers to avoid a particular
restaurant, result in significant liabilities or litigation costs or damage reputation or
brand recognition; and |
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implementing growth and renovation strategies may strain available resources. |
Our portfolio of equity securities and our investments in BankAtlantic Bancorp, Benihana and
Bluegreen subjects us to equity pricing risks.
Because BankAtlantic Bancorp and Bluegreen are consolidated in the Companys financial
statements, the decline in the market price of their stock would not impact the Companys
consolidated financial statements. However, a decline in the market price of the securities of
either of these companies would likely have an adverse effect on the market price of our common
stock. The market price of our common stock and our equity securities are important to our
valuation and ability to obtain equity or debt financing.
We also have an investment in Benihana Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (Benihana
Preferred Stock) for which no current market exists (unless converted into common stock). The
800,000 shares of Benihana Preferred Stock owned by the Company are convertible into 1,578,943
shares of Benihana Common Stock. At December 31, 2009, if converted, the aggregate market value of
such shares would have been $6.6 million. The ability to realize or liquidate this investment will
depend on future market and economic conditions and the ability to register our sale of shares of
Benihanas common stock in the event of the conversion of our shares of Benihana Convertible
Preferred stock, all of which are subject to significant risk.
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Our net operating loss carryforwards will be substantially limited as a result of the Merger with
Woodbridge because the Merger resulted in an ownership change as defined in the Internal Revenue
Code.
We have experienced and continue to experience net operating losses. Under the Internal
Revenue Code, we may utilize our net operating loss carryforwards in certain circumstances to
offset future taxable income and to reduce federal income tax liability, subject to certain
requirements and restrictions. The Woodbridge merger, which was consummated on September 21, 2009,
resulted in an ownership change, as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. As a
result, our ability in the future to use our historic net operating loss carryforwards will be
substantially limited, which could have a negative impact on our financial position and results of
operations. However, we believe that BFC may utilize Woodbridges net operating loss
carryforwards. Accordingly, in September 2009, our Board of Directors adopted a shareholder rights
plan designed to preserve shareholder value and protect our ability to use Woodbridges net
operating loss carryforwards by providing a deterrent to holders of less than 5% of our common
stock from acquiring a 5% or greater ownership interest in our common stock. However, there is no
assurance that the shareholder rights plan will successfully prevent against an ownership change
or otherwise preserve our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards to offset any
future taxable income, nor is there any assurance that we will be in a position to utilize our net
operating loss carryforwards in the future even if we do not experience an ownership change.
Issuance of Additional Securities In The Future.
There is generally no restriction on our ability to issue debt or equity securities which are
pari passu or have a preference over our common stock. Authorized but unissued shares of our
capital stock are available for issuance from time to time at the discretion of our Board of
Directors, including issuances in connection with acquisitions, and any such issuance may be
dilutive to our shareholders. There is also no restriction on the ability of BankAtlantic Bancorp
or Bluegreen to issue additional capital stock or incur additional indebtedness. Any future
securities issuances by BankAtlantic Bancorp or Bluegreen may dilute our economic investment or
voting interest in those companies.
Our control position may adversely affect the market price of BankAtlantic Bancorps Class A Common
Stock and Bluegreens common stock.
As of December 31, 2009, we owned all of BankAtlantic Bancorps issued and outstanding Class B
Common Stock and approximately 17.3 million shares, or approximately 36%, of BankAtlantic Bancorps
issued and outstanding Class A Common Stock, representing approximately 66% of BankAtlantic
Bancorps total voting power. Additionally, we own approximately 16.9 million shares, or
approximately 52%, of Bluegreens issued and outstanding common stock. Accordingly, we hold a
controlling position with respect to BankAtlantic Bancorp and Bluegreen and have the voting power
to significantly influence the outcome of any shareholder vote of the companies, except with
respect to BankAtlantic Bancorp in those limited circumstances where Florida law mandates separate
class votes. Our control position may have an adverse effect on the market prices of BankAtlantic
Bancorps Class A Common Stock and Bluegreens common stock.
Alan B. Levan And John E. Abdos Control Position May Adversely Affect The Market Price Of Our
Common Stock.
Alan B. Levan, our Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, and John E.
Abdo, our Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, may be deemed to beneficially own shares of our
common stock representing approximately 72% of our total voting power. These shares consist of
10,694,685 shares or 15.6% of our Class A Common Stock and 6,521,228 shares, or 87.4%, of our Class
B Common Stock. Additionally, Alan B. Levan and John E. Abdo have agreed to vote their shares of
our Class B common stock in favor of the election of the other to our Board of Directors for so
long as they are willing and able to serve as directors of the Company. Further, John E. Abdo has
agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to transfer certain of his shares of our Class B common
stock and to obtain the consent of Alan B. Levan prior to the conversion of certain of his shares
of our Class B common stock into shares of our Class A common stock. Since our Class A common
stock and Class B common stock vote as a single class on most matters, Alan B. Levan and John E.
Abdo effectively have the voting power to control the outcome of any shareholder vote (except in
those limited circumstances where Florida law mandates that the holders of our Class A common stock
vote as a separate class) and to elect the members of our Board of Directors. Alan B. Levan and
John E. Abdos control position may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
Alan B. Levans and John E. Abdos interests may conflict with the interests of our other
shareholders.
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The terms of our articles of incorporation, which establish fixed relative voting percentages
between our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, may not be well accepted by the market.
Our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock generally vote together as a single class.
The Class A Common Stock possesses in the aggregate 22% of the total voting power of all our common
stock and the Class B Common Stock possesses in the aggregate the remaining 78% of the total voting
power. These relative voting percentages will remain fixed unless the number of shares of Class B
Common Stock outstanding decreases to 1,800,000 shares, at which time the Class A Common Stocks
aggregate voting power will increase to 40% and the Class B Common Stock will have the remaining
60%. If the number of shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding decreases to 1,400,000 shares, the
Class A Common Stocks aggregate voting power will increase to 53% and the Class B Common Stock
will have the remaining 47%. These relative voting percentages will remain fixed unless the number
of shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding decreases to 500,000 shares, at which time the fixed
voting percentages will be eliminated. These changes in the relative voting power represented by
each class of our common stock are based only on the number of shares of Class B Common Stock
outstanding. Thus issuances of Class A Common Stock will have no effect on these provisions. If
additional shares of Class A Common Stock are issued, it is likely that the disparity between the
equity interest represented by the Class B Common Stock and its voting power will widen. While the
amendment creating this capital structure was approved by our shareholders, the fixed voting
percentage provisions are somewhat unique. If the market does not view this structure favorably,
the trading price and market for our Class A Common Stock would be adversely affected.
The loss of the services of our key management and personnel could adversely affect our business.
Our ability to successfully implement our business strategy will depend on our ability to
attract and retain experienced and knowledgeable management and other professional staff. There is
no assurance that we will be successful in attracting and retaining key management personnel.
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RISKS RELATED TO WOODBRIDGE
The defaults by Woodbridge and its subsidiaries under the terms of their outstanding indebtedness
have resulted in acceleration of the debt and may result in judgments against the obligors.
Lenders with respect to approximately $37.2 million of debt owed by Woodbridge and all of the
approximately $209.9 million of debt owed by Core have declared the debt to be in default. While
Woodbridge is disputing the fact that an event of default occurred under the terms of its
indebtedness and is currently in negotiations with respect to the purported default with the FDIC
(which holds the debt as a result of the failure of the lender), Core is currently pursuing all
options with its lenders, including offering deeds in lieu of foreclosure with respect to the
property collateralizing its loans. If these negotiations and efforts are not successful, the
lenders may exercise remedies available to them as a result of the defaults, which may result in
judgments against the obligors, the loss of the collateral and related losses beyond those
previously incurred. This would be expected to materially and adversely impact our financial
condition and operating results.
Core has ceased substantially all development operations and may not be successful in achieving an
orderly liquidation of its assets.
As discussed throughout this report, Core is experiencing cash flow deficits. The significant
decrease in land sales in 2009 and continued cash flow deficits contributed to, among other things,
the deterioration of Cores liquidity. As a result, Core has severely limited its development
expenditures in Tradition, Florida and has completely discontinued development activity in
Tradition Hilton Head. The value of Cores assets has decreased, resulting in $78.0 million of
impairment charges, including $13.6 million of impairment charges related to assets held for sale during 2009. Further, as described above, Core is currently in default under
the terms of all of its loans. Core has commenced negotiations with its lenders in an effort to
achieve an orderly liquidation of its operations without a bankruptcy filing, but there is no
assurance that Core will be successful in its negotiations. If Core is not successful in its
efforts to liquidate its assets or otherwise renegotiate its debt with its lenders, Core may need
to pursue a bankruptcy filing and may be required to record additional impairment charges and
losses beyond those previously incurred, which would likely have a material and adverse impact on
our financial condition and operating results.
Core utilized community development district and special assessment district bonds to fund
development costs, and Core will be responsible for assessments until the underlying property is
sold or otherwise transferred.
Core established community development district and special assessment district bonds to
access tax-exempt bond financing to fund infrastructure development at Cores master-planned
communities. Core is responsible for any assessed amounts until the underlying property is sold.
Accordingly, if Core continues to hold certain of its properties longer than originally projected
(as a result of a continued downturn in the real estate markets or otherwise), Core may be required
to pay a higher portion of annual assessments on such properties. In addition, Core could be
required to pay down a portion of the bonds in the event its entitlements were to decrease as to
the number of residential units and/or commercial space that can be built on the properties
encumbered by the bonds. Moreover, Core has guaranteed payments for assessments under the district
bonds in Tradition, Florida which would require funding if future assessments to be allocated to
property owners are insufficient to repay the bonds.
It may be difficult and costly to rent vacant space and space which may become vacant in future
periods.
We may not be able to maintain our overall occupancy levels in the commercial property we own.
Our ability to continue to lease or re-lease vacant space in our commercial properties will be
affected by many factors, including our properties locations, current market conditions and the
provisions of the leases we enter into with the tenants at our properties. In fact, many of the
factors which could cause our current tenants to vacate their space could also make it more
difficult for us to re-lease that space. If we are able to re-lease vacated space, there is no
assurance that rental rates will be equal to or in excess of current rental rates. In addition, we
may incur substantial costs in obtaining new tenants, including brokerage commission fees paid by
us in connection with new leases or
lease renewals, and the cost of leasehold improvements. The failure to lease or to re-lease
vacant space on satisfactory terms will have an adverse effect on our operating results.
36
If prospective purchasers of assets and tenants are not able to obtain suitable financing, our
results of operations may further decline.
Our results of operations are dependent in part on the ability of prospective purchasers of
our real estate inventory and prospective commercial tenants to secure financing. The
deterioration of the credit markets and the related tightening of credit standards may impact the
ability of prospective purchasers and tenants to secure financing on acceptable terms, if at all.
This may, in turn, negatively impact long-term rental and occupancy rates as well as the value of
our commercial properties.
Product liability litigation and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business may be
costly.
Our real estate operations are subject to construction defect and product liability claims
arising in the ordinary course of business. These claims are particularly common in the commercial
real estate industry and can be costly. We have, and many of our subcontractors have, general
liability, property, errors and omissions, workers compensation and other business insurance.
However, these insurance policies only protect us against a portion of our risk of loss from
claims. In addition, because of the uncertainties inherent in these matters, we cannot provide
reasonable assurance that our insurance coverage or our subcontractor arrangements will be adequate
to address all warranty, construction defect and liability claims in the future. In addition, the
costs of insuring against construction defect and product liability claims, if applicable, are
substantial and the amount of coverage offered by insurance companies is also currently limited.
There can be no assurance that this coverage will not be further restricted and become more costly.
If we are not able to obtain adequate insurance against these claims, we may experience losses
that could negatively impact our operating results.
We are subject to governmental regulations that may limit our operations, increase our expenses or
subject us to liability.
We are subject to laws, ordinances and regulations of various federal, state and local
governmental entities and agencies concerning, among other things:
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environmental matters, including the presence of hazardous or toxic substances; |
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wetland preservation; |
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health and safety; |
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zoning, land use and other entitlements; |
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building design; and |
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density levels. |
We may also at times not be in compliance with all regulatory requirements. If we are not in
compliance with regulatory requirements, we may be subject to penalties, lose our entitlement or be
forced to incur significant expenses to cure any noncompliance.
We are subject to environmental laws and the cost of compliance could adversely affect our
business.
As a current or previous owner or operator of real property, we may be liable under federal,
state, and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations for the costs of removal or
remediation of hazardous or toxic substances on, under or in the property. These laws often impose
liability whether or not we knew of, or were responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or
toxic substances. The cost of investigating, remediation or removing such hazardous or toxic
substances may be substantial. The presence of any such substance, or the failure to promptly
remediate any such substance, may adversely affect our ability to sell or lease the property or to
use the property for its intended purpose.
37
Levitt and Sons had surety bonds on most of their projects, some of which were subject to indemnity
by Woodbridge.
Levitt and Sons had $33.3 million in surety bonds relating to its ongoing projects at the time
of the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases. In the event that these obligations are drawn and paid by
the surety, Woodbridge could be responsible for up to $8.0 million plus costs and expenses in
accordance with the surety indemnity agreements it executed. At December 31, 2009, we had a $0.5
million in surety bonds accrual related to certain Levitt and Sons bonds where management believes
it to be probable that Woodbridge will be required to reimburse the surety under applicable
indemnity agreements. It is unclear whether and to what extent the remaining outstanding surety
bonds of Levitt and Sons will be drawn and the extent to which Woodbridge may be responsible for
additional amounts beyond this accrual. Woodbridge will not receive any repayment, assets or other
consideration as recovery of any amount it may be required to pay. If losses on additional surety
bonds are identified, we will need to take additional charges associated with our exposure under
our indemnities, and this may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and
financial condition.
38
RISKS RELATED TO BLUEGREEN
Bluegreen presents its results in two reportable segments. Bluegreens results of operations
for the Bluegreen Interim Period are consolidated in BFC Financial Corporations financial
statements. Bluegreen is a separate public company and its management prepared the following
discussion regarding Bluegreen which was included in Bluegreens Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2009 which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
March 31, 2010. Accordingly, references to we, us or our in this section are references to
Bluegreen and its subsidiaries, and are not references to BFC, Woodbridge, or BankAtlantic Bancorp.
We are subject to various risks and uncertainties relating to or arising out of the nature of
our business and general business, economic, financing, legal and other factors or conditions that
may affect us. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive, highly regulated and rapidly changing
environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to
either predict all risk factors, or assess the impact of all risk factors on our business or the
extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may affect our business. These risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited, to the risk factors set forth below and those
identified elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the section entitled
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Investors
should also refer to our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K (available
on our website and the SECs website) in future periods for information relating to risks and
uncertainties with respect to us and our business.
The state of the economy, generally, interest rates and the availability of financing affect our
ability to market VOIs and residential homesites.
Our business has been adversely affected by unfavorable general economic and industry conditions,
including effects of weak domestic and world economies, rising unemployment and job insecurity, a
decrease in discretionary spending, a decline in housing values, limited availability of
financing, and geopolitical conflicts. If such conditions continue, or deteriorate further, our
business and results may continue to be adversely impacted, particularly if the availability of
financing for us or for our customers continues to be limited or if changes in general economic
conditions adversely affect our customers ability to pay amounts owed under our notes receivable.
Further, because our operations are conducted mainly within the vacation ownership industry, any
adverse changes affecting the industry, such as an oversupply of vacation ownership units, a
reduction in demand for such units, changes in travel and vacation patterns, changes in
governmental regulation of the industry, continued disruptions in the credit markets and
unavailability of financing, imposition of increased taxes by governmental authorities, the
declaration of bankruptcy and/or credit defaults by other vacation ownership companies and
negative publicity for the industry, could also have a material adverse effect on our business.
We would incur substantial losses if the customers we finance default on their obligations, and
new credit underwriting standards may not have the anticipated favorable impact on performance.
Historically, we did not perform credit checks of the purchasers of our VOIs at the time of sale
in connection with our financing of their purchases. From time to time, however, we obtained
FICO® scores on the overall VOI portfolio originated by us. Based on a review conducted in
October 2008, approximately 30.4% of VOI borrowers in our serviced loan portfolio had a FICO®
score below 620. Effective December 15, 2008, we implemented a formal FICO® score based credit
underwriting program. However, there is no assurance that any of these FICO® score-based underwriting standards will result in decreased default rates or otherwise improve the
performance of our receivables. Conditions in the mortgage industry, including both credit
sources as well as borrowers financial profiles, have deteriorated in recent years. As of
December 31, 2009, approximately 5.4% of our vacation ownership receivables and approximately
22.5% of residential land receivables which we held or which third parties held under sales
transactions were more than 30 days past due. Although in many cases we may have recourse
against a buyer for the unpaid purchase price, certain states have laws that limit our ability to
recover personal judgments against customers who have defaulted on their loans or the cost of
doing so may not be justified. Historically, we have generally not pursued such recourse against
our customers. In the case of our VOI receivables, if we are unable to collect the defaulted
amount due, we traditionally have terminated the customers interest in the Bluegreen Vacation
Club and then remarketed the recovered VOI. Irrespective of our remedy in the event of a
default, we cannot recover the marketing, selling and administrative costs associated with the
original sale, and we would have to incur such costs again to resell the VOI or home site. If
default rates for our borrowers increase further, it may require an increase in the provision for
loan losses and an impairment of the value of our retained interests in notes receivable sold.
In addition, it may cause buyers of, or lenders whose loans are secured by, our VOI notes
receivable to reduce the amount of availability under receivables purchase and credit facilities,
or to increase the interest costs associated with such facilities. In such an event, the cost of
financing may increase and we may not be able to secure financing on terms acceptable to us, if
at all, which would adversely affect our earnings, financial position and liquidity.
Under the terms of our pledged and receivable sale facilities, we may be required, under certain
circumstances, to replace receivables or to pay down the loan to within permitted loan-to-value
ratios. Additionally, the terms of our securitization-type transactions i.) require us to
repurchase or replace loans if we breach any of the representations and warranties we made at the
time we sold the receivables and ii.) include provisions that in the event of defaults by
customers in excess of stated thresholds would require substantially all of our cash flow from
our retained interest in the receivable portfolios sold to be paid to the parties who purchased
the receivables from us.
39
Further, if defaults and other performance criteria adversely differ from estimates used to value
our retained interests in notes receivable sold in the securitization transactions, we may be
required to write down these assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations. Accordingly, we bear some risks of delinquencies and defaults by buyers who finance
the purchase of their VOIs or residential land through us, regardless of whether or not we sell
or pledge the buyers loan to a third party.
Our business plan historically has depended on our ability to sell or borrow against our notes
receivable to support our liquidity and profitability.
We offer financing of up to 90% of the purchase price to purchasers of our VOIs and homesites.
Approximately 68% of our VOI customers and approximately 6% of our home site customers utilized
our in-house financing during the year ended December 31, 2009. However, we incur selling,
marketing and administrative cash expenditures prior to and concurrent with the sale. These costs
generally exceed the down payment we receive at the time of the sale. Accordingly, our ability to
borrow against or sell the notes receivable we receive from our customers has been a critical
factor in our continued liquidity.
We have also been a party to a number of customary securitization-type transactions under which we
sell receivables to a wholly-owned special purpose entity which, in turn, sells the receivables to
a trust established for the transaction. We typically recognized gains on the sale of receivables
and such gains have historically comprised a significant portion of our income. In recent years,
the markets for notes receivable facilities and receivable securitization transactions were
negatively impacted by problems in the residential mortgage markets and credit markets in general
and an associated reduction in liquidity which resulted in reduced availability of financing and
less favorable pricing. If our pledged receivables facilities terminate or expire and we are
unable to replace them with comparable facilities, or if we are unable to continue to participate
in securitization-type transactions on acceptable terms, our liquidity, cash flow, and
profitability would be materially and adversely affected. If any of our current facilities
terminate or expire, there is no assurance that we will be able to negotiate the pledge or sale of
our notes receivable at favorable rates, or at all.
While we have attempted to restructure our business to reduce our need for and reliance on
financing for liquidity in the short term, there is no assurance that such restructuring will be
successful or that our business and profitability will not otherwise continue to depend on our
ability to obtain financing, which may not be available on favorable terms, or at all.
We have historically depended on funds from our credit facilities and securitization transactions
to finance our operations. In recent years, there have been unprecedented disruptions in the credit
markets, which has made obtaining additional and replacement external sources of liquidity more
difficult and more costly. The term securitization market has experienced significantly reduced
volumes in recent years and, as a result, financial institutions are reluctant to enter into new
credit facilities for the purpose of providing financing on consumer receivables. Several lenders
to the timeshare industry, including certain of our lenders, have announced that they will be
either be exiting the finance business or will not be entering into new financing commitments for
the foreseeable future, although such lenders continue to honor existing commitments. In addition,
financing for real estate acquisition and development and the capital markets for corporate debt
have been generally unavailable. In response to these conditions, we adopted strategic initiatives
in an attempt to conserve cash. Further, because we had debt facilities maturing or
requiring partial repayment in 2009 and 2010, as well as facilities for which the advance period
has or will expire, the implementation of our strategic initiatives was needed to address these
matters with our lenders. However, there is no assurance that our implementation of these
strategic initiatives will enhance our financial position or otherwise be successful. If these
initiatives do not have their intended results, our financial condition may be materially and
adversely impacted.
In addition, notwithstanding our implementation of the strategic initiatives described above, we
anticipate that we will continue to finance our future business activities, in part, with funds
that we obtain pursuant to additional borrowings under our existing credit facilities, under
credit facilities that we may obtain in the future, under securitizations in which we may
participate in the future or pursuant to other borrowing arrangements. Moreover, we are, and will
be, required to seek continued external sources of liquidity to:
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support our operations; |
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finance the acquisition and development of VOI inventory and residential land; |
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finance a substantial percentage of our sales; and |
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satisfy our debt and other obligations. |
40
Our ability to service or to refinance our indebtedness or to obtain additional financing
(including our ability to consummate future notes receivable securitizations) depends on the
credit markets and on our future performance, which is subject to a number of factors, including
the success of our business, results of operations, leverage, financial condition and business
prospects, prevailing interest rates, general economic conditions and perceptions about the
residential land and vacation ownership industries. We have approximately $87.5 million of
indebtedness which becomes due during 2010. While we have received a non-binding term sheet to
refinance $40.2 million of this amount which would reduce our contractual obligations less than one year by $26.6 million, there
can be no assurances that this transaction will close on favorable terms, if at all. Historically,
much of Bluegreens debt has been renewed or refinanced in the ordinary course of business. But
there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain sufficient external sources of liquidity on
attractive terms, or at all, or otherwise renew, extend or refinance a significant portion of our
outstanding debt. Any of these occurrences may have a material and adverse impact on our
liquidity and financial condition.
Our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted if our estimates
concerning our notes receivable are incorrect.
A portion of our revenue historically has been comprised of gains on sales of notes receivable in
off-balance sheet arrangements. The amount of any gains recognized and the fair value of the
retained interests recorded were based in part on managements best estimates of future
prepayment, default and loss severity rates, discount rates and other considerations in light of
then-current conditions. Our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely
affected if, among other things:
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actual prepayments with respect to loans sold occur more quickly than was
projected; |
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actual defaults and/or loss severity rates with respect to loans sold are greater
than estimated; |
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the portfolio of receivables sold fails to satisfy specified performance criteria;
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conditions in the securitization market continue to result in a widening of
interest spreads, causing the discount rates used to value our retained interest in
notes receivable sold to increase. |
If any of these situations were to occur, it could cause a decline in the fair value of the
retained interests and a charge to earnings currently. Further, in certain events the cash flow
on the retained interests in notes receivable sold could be reduced, in some cases, until the
outside investors are paid or the regular payment formula was resumed.
Our future success depends on our ability to market our products successfully and efficiently.
We compete for customers with other hotel and resort properties and vacation ownership resorts.
While in the short term we have made a decision to limit sales and reduce cash requirements, in
the long run, the identification of sales prospects and leads, and the marketing of our products
to them are essential to our success. We have incurred and will continue to incur the expenses
associated with marketing programs in advance of closing sales to the leads that we identify. If
our lead identification and marketing efforts do not yield enough leads or we are unable to
successfully convert sales leads to a sufficient number of sales, we may be unable to recover the
expense of our marketing programs and systems and our business would be adversely affected.
We are subject to the risks of the real estate market and the risks associated with real estate
development, including the declines in real estate values and the deterioration of real estate
sales.
Real estate markets are cyclical in nature and highly sensitive to changes in national and
regional economic conditions, including:
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levels of unemployment; |
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levels of discretionary disposable income; |
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levels of consumer confidence; |
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the availability of financing; |
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overbuilding or decreases in demand; |
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interest rates; and, |
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federal, state and local taxation methods. |
41
The real estate market is currently experiencing a significant correction, the depth and duration
of which are as yet unknown and many economists and financial analysts, as well as the media in
general, believe that we are in the midst of a general economic recession. These circumstances
have exerted pressure upon our Bluegreen Communities and Bluegreen Resorts divisions. Further, a
continued deterioration of the economy in general or the market for residential land or VOIs
would have a material adverse effect on our business.
The availability of land at favorable prices for the development of our Bluegreen Resorts and
Bluegreen Communities real estate projects by the time we will need more real estate inventory to
sell is critical to our profitability and the ability to cover our significant selling, general
and administrative expenses, cost of capital and other expenses. While we believe that the
property we have purchased at our adjusted carrying amounts will generate appropriate margins,
land prices have fallen significantly and the projects we bought in the last several years may
have been bought at higher price levels than available in the current market. If we are unable
to acquire such land or, in the case of Bluegreen Resorts, resort properties, at a favorable
cost, it could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
The profitability of our real estate development activities is also impacted by the cost of
construction materials and services. Should the cost of construction materials and services
rise, the ultimate cost of our Bluegreen Resorts and Bluegreen Communities inventories when
developed could increase and have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations.
Our adoption on January 1, 2010, of recently issued accounting guidance will have a material
adverse impact on our net worth, leverage, and book value per share.
The initial adoption of FASB ASC 860-10 and FASB ASC 810-10 in our 2010 first quarter will require
us to consolidate our existing qualifying special purpose entities associated with past
securitization transactions. As such, we will record a one-time non-cash after-tax charge
directly to shareholders equity of approximately $35.0 million to $55.0 million, representing the
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, in the first quarter of 2010. The cumulative
effect will consist primarily of the reestablishment of notes receivable (net of reserves)
associated with those securitization transactions, the elimination of residual interests that we
initially recorded in connection with those transactions, the impact of recording debt obligations
associated with third party interests held in the special purpose entities and related adjustments
to deferred financing costs and inventory balances. We anticipate that our adoption of these
standards will have the following impacts on our balance sheet: (1) assets will increase by
approximately $335.0 million to $345.0 million primarily related to the consolidation of notes
receivable; (2) liabilities will increase by approximately $380.0 million to $390.0 million,
primarily representing the consolidation of debt obligations associated with third party interests;
and (3) shareholders equity will decrease by approximately $35.0 million to $55.0 million. There
can be no assurances that this change in accounting principle will not adversely affect the market
value of our common stock or the assessment of our financial position by investors and lenders.
Claims for development-related defects could adversely affect our financial condition and
operating results.
We engage third-party contractors to construct our resorts and to develop our communities.
However, our customers may assert claims against us for construction defects or other perceived
development defects, including, without limitation, structural integrity, the presence of mold as
a result of leaks or other defects, water intrusion, asbestos, electrical issues, plumbing
issues, road construction, water and sewer defects and defects in the engineering of amenities.
In addition, certain state and local laws may impose liability on property developers with
respect to development defects discovered in the future. We could have to accrue a significant
portion of the cost to repair such defects in the quarter when such defects arise or when the
repair costs are reasonably estimable. A significant number of claims for development-related
defects could adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition and operating results.
The resale market for VOIs could adversely affect our business.
Based on our experience at our resorts and at destination resorts owned by third parties, we
believe that resales of VOIs generally are made at net sales prices below their original customer
purchase prices. The relatively lower sales prices are partly attributable to the high marketing
and sales costs associated with the initial sales of such VOIs. Accordingly, the initial
purchase of a VOI may be less attractive to prospective buyers. Also, buyers who seek to resell
their VOIs compete with our efforts to sell our VOIs. While VOI resale clearing houses or
brokers currently do not have a material impact on our business, if a secondary market for VOIs
were to become more organized and
liquid, the resulting availability of resale VOIs at lower prices could adversely affect our
sales prices and the number of sales we can close, which in turn would adversely affect our
business and results of operations.
42
We may be adversely affected by extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations and
changes in applicable laws and regulations, including with respect to the imposition of
additional taxes on operations.
The federal government and the states and local jurisdictions in which we conduct business have
enacted extensive regulations that affect the manner in which we market and sell VOIs and
homesites and conduct our other business operations. In addition, many states have adopted
specific laws and regulations regarding the sale of VOIs and homesites. Many states, including
Florida and South Carolina, where some of our resorts are located, extensively regulate the
creation and management of timeshare resorts, the marketing and sale of timeshare properties, the
escrow of purchaser funds prior to the completion of construction and closing, the content and
use of advertising materials and promotional offers, the delivery of an offering memorandum and
the creation and operation of exchange programs and multi-site timeshare plan reservation
systems. Moreover, with regard to sales conducted in South Carolina, the closing of real estate
and mortgage loan transactions must be conducted under the supervision of an attorney licensed in
South Carolina. In June 2006, South Carolina enacted the Time Sharing Transaction Procedures
Act which, among other things, further clarified the process that must be followed in the sale
and purchase of timeshare interests. Most states also have other laws that regulate our
activities, such as:
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timeshare project registration laws; |
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real estate licensure laws; |
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mortgage licensure laws; |
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sellers of travel licensure laws; |
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anti-fraud laws; |
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consumer protection laws; |
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telemarketing laws; |
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prize, gift and sweepstakes laws; and |
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consumer credit laws. |
We currently are authorized to market and sell VOIs and homesites in all states in which our
operations are currently conducted. If our agents or employees violate applicable regulations or
licensing requirements, their acts or omissions could cause the states where the violations
occurred to revoke or refuse to renew our licenses, render our sales contracts void or voidable,
or impose fines on us based on past activities. See Item 3 Legal Proceedings.
In addition, the federal government and the states and local jurisdictions in which we conduct
business have enacted extensive regulations relating to direct marketing and telemarketing
generally, including the federal governments national Do Not Call list. The regulations have
impacted our marketing of VOIs, and we have taken steps in an attempt to decrease our dependence
on restricted calls. However, these steps have increased and are expected to continue to
increase our marketing costs. We cannot predict the impact that these legislative initiatives or
any other legislative measures that may be proposed or enacted now or in the future may have on
our marketing strategies and results. Further, from time to time, complaints are filed against
the Company by individuals claiming that they received calls in violation of the regulation.
Currently, most states have taxed VOIs as real estate, imposing property taxes that are billed to
the respective property owners associations that maintain the related resorts and have not
sought to impose sales tax upon the sale of the VOI or accommodations tax upon the use of the
VOI. From time to time, however, various states have attempted to promulgate new laws or apply
existing laws impacting the taxation of vacation ownership interests to require that sales or
accommodations taxes be collected. Should new state or local laws be implemented or interpreted
to impose sales or accommodations taxes on VOIs, our resorts business could be materially
adversely affected.
We believe we are in material compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and
regulations relating to the sale and marketing of VOIs and homesites. From time to time,
however, consumers file complaints against us in the ordinary course of our business. We could
be required to incur significant costs to resolve these complaints. There is no assurance that
we will remain in material compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and
regulations, or that violations of applicable laws will not have adverse implications for us,
including negative public relations, potential litigation and regulatory sanctions. The expense,
negative publicity and potential sanctions associated with any failure to comply with applicable
laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity
or financial position.
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Environmental liabilities, including claims with respect to mold or hazardous or toxic
substances, could have a material adverse impact on our business.
Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, as well as common law,
we may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic
substances, including mold, located on, in or emanating from property that we own, lease or
operate, as well as related costs of investigation and property damage at such property. These
laws often impose liability without regard to whether we knew of, or were responsible for, the
presence of the hazardous or toxic substances. The presence of such substances, or the failure
to properly remediate such substances, may adversely affect our ability to sell or lease our
property or to borrow money using such real property or receivables generated from the sale of
such real property as collateral. Noncompliance with environmental, health or safety
requirements may require us to cease or alter operations at one or more of our properties.
Further, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs
resulting from violations of environmental regulations or from contamination associated with one
or more of our properties.
The ratings of third-party rating agencies could adversely impact our ability to obtain, renew,
or extend credit facilities, debt, or otherwise raise capital.
Rating agencies from time to time review prior corporate and specific transaction ratings in light
of tightened ratings criteria. During the third quarter of 2009, we were informed that one of the
rating agencies downgraded its original ratings on certain bond classes in our prior
securitizations. As a result of this or any future downgrades, holders of such bonds may be
required to sell bonds in the market place and such sales could occur at a discount, which could
impact the perceived value of such bonds and our ability to sell future securitization bonds at
favorable terms, if at all.
In addition, if rating agencies were to downgrade our corporate credit ratings, our ability to
raise capital and/or issue debt at favorable terms or at all could be adversely impacted. Such a
downgrade could materially adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition and results of
operations.
The loss of the services of our key management and personnel could adversely affect our business.
Our ability to successfully implement our business strategy will depend on our ability to attract
and retain experienced and knowledgeable management and other professional staff. There is no
assurance that we will be successful in attracting and retaining key management personnel.
44
Financial Services Risk Factors
Our Financial Services activities consist of BankAtlantic Bancorp (and its federal savings
bank subsidiary, BankAtlantic), whose results of operations are consolidated with BFC. The only
assets available to BFC from BankAtlantic Bancorp are dividends when and if declared and paid by
BankAtlantic Bancorp. BankAtlantic Bancorp is a separate public company and its management prepared
the following discussion which was included in BankAtlantic Bancorps Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 200,9 which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 19, 2010. Accordingly, references to we, us or our in this section under the caption
Financial Services are references to BankAtlantic Bancorp and its subsidiaries, and are not
references to BFC Financial Corporation, Bluegreen Corporation or Woodbridge.
BankAtlantic Bancorp has incurred significant losses during the last three years and if
BankAtlantic Bancorp continues to incur significant losses BankAtlantic Bancorp will need to raise
additional capital, which may not be available on attractive terms, if at all.
BankAtlantic Bancorp has incurred losses of $22.2 million, $202.6 million and $185.8 million
during the years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009, respectively. As
part of its efforts to maintain regulatory capital ratios, BankAtlantic has reduced its assets and
repaid borrowings. However, the reduction of earning asset balances has resulted in reduced income
while at the same time BankAtlantic has experienced significant credit losses.
BankAtlantic Bancorp contributed $65 million and $105 million to the capital of BankAtlantic
during the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009, respectively. At December 31, 2009,
BankAtlantic Bancorp had $14 million of liquid assets. While a wholly-owned work-out subsidiary of
BankAtlantic Bancorp also holds a portfolio of approximately $31.3 million of nonperforming loans,
net of reserves, $3.1 million of performing loans and $10.5 million of real estate owned which it
could seek to liquidate, BankAtlantic Bancorps sources of funds to continue to support
BankAtlantic are limited.
If BankAtlantic Bancorp and BankAtlantic continue to experience losses and BankAtlantics
capital ratios decline, we may become subject to regulatory actions with respect to BankAtlantic,
including the requirement to raise capital, and there is no assurance that at that time
BankAtlantic Bancorp would have sufficient funds in order to provide BankAtlantic capital, or that
BankAtlantic Bancorp or BankAtlantic would have access to capital or that capital would be
available without significant cost or without resulting in significant dilution to BankAtlantic
Bancorps shareholders.
Continued capital and credit market volatility may adversely affect our ability to access capital
and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
In light of the current challenging economic environment and the desire for BankAtlantic
Bancorp to be in a position to provide capital to BankAtlantic, BankAtlantic Bancorp has and will
continue to evaluate the advisability of raising additional funds through the issuance of
securities. Any such financing could be obtained through additional public offerings, private
offerings, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. We could also pursue these financings
at the BankAtlantic Bancorp level or directly at BankAtlantic or both. Issuances of equity directly
at BankAtlantic would dilute BankAtlantic Bancorps interest in BankAtlantic. During February
2010, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC pursuant to which we may issue up to $75
million of our Class A common stock and/or other securities in the future. Because our decision to
issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond
our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. As
a result, our shareholders bear the risk of future offerings at the BankAtlantic Bancorp level
reducing the price of our Class A common stock and future offerings directly at BankAtlantic
diluting BankAtlantic Bancorps interest in BankAtlantic.
45
BankAtlantics capital levels at December 31, 2009 exceeded well capitalized regulatory
capital levels. BankAtlantic Bancorp during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 contributed
$105 million and $65 million, respectively, of capital to BankAtlantic and at December 31, 2009
BankAtlantic Bancorp had $14 million of liquid assets. BankAtlantic Bancorps ability to
contribute additional capital to BankAtlantic will depend on its
ability to raise capital in the secondary markets and on its ability to liquidate its
portfolio of non-performing loans. The OTS has the right to impose additional capital requirements
on banks at its discretion and could impose additional capital requirements on BankAtlantic. Our
ability to raise additional capital will depend on, among other things, conditions in the financial
markets at the time, which are outside of our control, and our financial condition, results of
operations and prospects. The ongoing liquidity crisis and the loss of confidence in financial
institutions may make it more difficult or more costly to obtain financing. There is no assurance
that such capital will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. The terms and pricing of
any future transaction by BankAtlantic Bancorp or BankAtlantic could result in additional
substantial dilution to our existing shareholders and could adversely impact the price of our Class
A common stock. If BankAtlantic sustains additional operating losses or if the OTS imposes more
stringent capital requirements, there is no assurance that BankAtlantic Bancorp will be able to
provide additional capital, if needed, in order for BankAtlantic to meet its capital requirements
in future periods.
BankAtlantic Bancorp has deferred interest on its outstanding junior subordinated debentures and
anticipates that it will continue to defer this interest for the foreseeable future which could
adversely affect its financial condition and liquidity.
BankAtlantic Bancorp began deferring interest on all of its $294 million of junior
subordinated debentures as of March 2009 which resulted in the deferral and accrual of $14.1
million of regularly scheduled quarterly interest payments that would otherwise have been paid
during the year ended December 31, 2009. The terms of the junior subordinated debentures allow
BankAtlantic Bancorp to defer interest payments for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods, and
BankAtlantic Bancorp anticipates that it will continue to defer such interest for the foreseeable
future. During the deferral period, interest continues to accrue on the junior subordinated
debentures, as well as on the deferred interest, at the relevant stated coupon rate, and at the end
of the deferral period BankAtlantic Bancorp will be required to pay all interest accrued during the
deferral period. In the event that BankAtlantic Bancorp elects to defer interest on its junior
subordinated debentures for the full 20 consecutive quarterly periods permitted under the terms of
the junior subordinated debentures, BankAtlantic Bancorp would owe approximately $72 million of
accrued interest as of December 31, 2013 (based on average interest rates applicable at December
31, 2009, which were at historically low interest rate levels). As most of the outstanding junior
subordinated debentures bear interest at rates that are indexed to LIBOR, if LIBOR rates increase
the interest that would accrue during the deferral period would be significantly higher and
likewise increase the amount BankAtlantic Bancorp would owe at the conclusion of the deferral
period.
BankAtlantic Bancorps cash offers to purchase $230 million of trust preferred securities issued by
statutory business trusts formed by BankAtlantic Bancorp may not be consummated.
During January 2010, BankAtlantic Bancorp commenced cash offers to purchase all outstanding
trust preferred securities having an aggregate principal amount of approximately $285 million at a
purchase price of $200 per $1,000 liquidation amount, or an aggregate of $57 million. During
February 2010, the cash offer with respect to the approximate $55 million of publicly traded trust
preferred securities expired without any such trust preferred securities being repurchased, while
the expiration date for the offers relating to the remaining $230 million of trust preferred
securities was extended until March 22, 2010. BankAtlantic Bancorps ability to complete the offers
to purchase $230 million of BankAtlantic Bancorps trust preferred securities is contingent upon
the completion of a financing transaction sufficient to pay the purchase price, and the receipt of
tenders and consents from Holders of the requisite amount of the relevant series of trusts
preferred securities. The structure of the ownership of the trust preferred securities (the
majority of which are held in pools with the securities of other issuers as collateral for
collateralized debt obligations) has made it very difficult to communicate with the beneficial
owners or negotiate the repurchase or modification of the terms of the outstanding securities.
Accordingly, there is no assurance that BankAtlantic Bancorp will be able to repurchase or redeem
any or a significant portion of the trust preferred securities. Further, as noted above,
BankAtlantic Bancorp has deferred making interest payments on the trust preferred securities and
BankAtlantic Bancorp financial condition would be adversely affected if interest payments on the
trust preferred securities were deferred for a prolonged period of time. While BankAtlantic
Bancorp anticipates that it will continue to defer interest payments for the foreseeable future, in
the event that BankAtlantic Bancorp completes offers to purchase for less than all of its series of
trust preferred securities, BankAtlantic Bancorp expects that it may cease the deferral of interest
on the series of trust preferred securities which will not be repurchased prior to completing the
repurchase of the other series and immediately thereafter once again commence the deferral of
interest with respect to all remaining series of trust preferred securities not repurchased. Any
issuance of our Class A common stock to raise funds to finance the purchase of any or all of
the trust preferred securities subject to these offers could be extremely dilutive to existing
shareholders.
46
Historically BankAtlantic Bancorp has relied on dividends from BankAtlantic to service its debt and
pay dividends, but no dividends from BankAtlantic are anticipated or contemplated for the
foreseeable future.
Generally, a financial institution is permitted to make capital distributions without prior
OTS approval in an amount equal to its net income for the current calendar year to date, plus
retained net income for the previous two years, provided that the financial institution would not
become under-capitalized as a result of the distribution. At December 31, 2009, BankAtlantic had a
retained net deficit and therefore is required to obtain approval from the OTS in order to make
capital distributions to BankAtlantic Bancorp. BankAtlantic does not intend to seek to make any
capital distribution for the foreseeable future.
For a further discussion refer to Managements Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition Liquidity and Capital Resources.
The decline in the Florida real estate market has adversely affected, and may continue to adversely
affect, our earnings and financial condition.
The continued deterioration of economic conditions in the Florida residential real estate
market, including the continued decline in median home prices year-over-year in all major
metropolitan areas in Florida, and the downturn in the Florida commercial real estate market,
resulted in a substantial increase in BankAtlantics non-performing assets and provision for loan
losses over the past three years. The housing industry is in the midst of a substantial and
prolonged downturn reflecting, in part, decreased availability of mortgage financing for
residential home buyers, reduced demand for new construction resulting in a significant over-supply
of housing inventory and increased foreclosure rates. Additionally, the deteriorating condition of
the Florida economy and these adverse market conditions have negatively impacted the commercial
non-residential real estate market. BankAtlantics earnings and financial condition were adversely
impacted over the past three years as the majority of its loans are secured by real estate in
Florida. We expect that our earnings and financial condition will continue to be unfavorably
impacted if market conditions do not improve or deteriorate further in Florida. At December 31,
2009, BankAtlantics loan portfolio included $263 million of non-accrual loans concentrated in
Florida.
BankAtlantics loan portfolio is concentrated in loans secured by real estate, a majority of which
are located in Florida, which makes us very susceptible to credit losses given the current
depressed real estate market.
Conditions in the United States real estate market have deteriorated significantly beginning
in 2007, particularly in Florida, BankAtlantics primary lending area. BankAtlantics loan
portfolio is concentrated in commercial real estate loans (most of which are located in Florida and
many of which involve residential land development), residential mortgages (nationwide), and
consumer home-equity loans (throughout BankAtlantics markets in Florida). BankAtlantic has a
heightened exposure to credit losses that may arise from this concentration as a result of the
significant downturn in the Florida real estate markets. At December 31, 2009, BankAtlantics loan
portfolio included $2.5 billion of loans concentrated in Florida, which represented approximately
62% of its loan portfolio.
We believe that BankAtlantics commercial residential loan portfolio has significant exposure
to further declines in the Florida residential real estate market. The Builder land bank loan
category held by BankAtlantic consists of 7 loans and aggregates $43.7 million of which six loans
totaling $42.6 million were on non-accrual as of December 31, 2009. The Land acquisition and
development loan category held by BankAtlantic consists of 27 loans and aggregates $171.9 million
of which ten loans totaling $60.2 million were on non-accrual as of December 31, 2009. The Land
acquisition, development and construction loan category held by BankAtlantic consists of 6 loans
and aggregates $11.3 million of which one loan totaling $3.8 million was on non-accrual as of
December 31, 2009.
In addition to the loans described above, during 2008, the Company formed an asset workout
subsidiary which acquired non-performing commercial residential real estate loans from
BankAtlantic. The balance of these non-performing loans as of December 31, 2009 was $39.4 million
with $14.1 million, $10.4 million and $14.9
million of builder land bank loans, land acquisition and development loans, and land
acquisition, development and construction loans, respectively.
47
Market conditions have and may in the future result in our commercial real estate borrowers
having difficulty selling lots or homes in their developments for an extended period, which in turn
could result in an increase in residential construction loan delinquencies and non-accrual
balances. Additionally, if the current depressed economic environment continues or deteriorates
further, collateral values may decline further which likely would result in increased credit losses
in these loans.
Included in the commercial and construction and development real estate loans are
approximately $638.4 million of commercial non-residential and commercial land loans. A borrowers
ability to repay these loans is dependent upon additional leasing through the life of the loan or
the borrowers successful operation of a business. Weak economic conditions may impair a borrowers
business operations and typically slow the execution of new leases. Such economic conditions may
also lead to existing lease turnover. As a result of these factors, vacancy rates for retail,
office and industrial space are expected to continue to rise in 2010. Increased vacancies could
result in rents falling further over the next several quarters. The combination of these factors
could result in further deterioration in real estate market conditions and BankAtlantic may
recognize higher credit losses on these loans, which would adversely affect our results of
operations and financial condition.
BankAtlantics commercial real estate loan portfolio includes 16 large lending relationships
totaling $429.0 million, including relationships with unaffiliated borrowers involving lending
commitments in each case in excess of $20 million. Defaults by any of these borrowers could have a
material adverse effect on BankAtlantics results.
BankAtlantics consumer loan portfolio is concentrated in home equity loans collateralized by
Florida properties primarily located in the markets where BankAtlantic operates its store network.
The decline in residential real estate prices and higher unemployment throughout Florida has
resulted in an increase in mortgage delinquencies and higher foreclosure rates. Additionally, in
response to the turmoil in the credit markets, financial institutions have tightened underwriting
standards which has limited borrowers ability to refinance. These conditions have adversely
impacted delinquencies and credit loss trends in BankAtlantics home equity loan portfolio and it
does not currently appear that these conditions will improve in the near term. Approximately 76%
of the loans in BankAtlantics home equity portfolio are residential second mortgages and
BankAtlantic experienced higher delinquencies and credit losses in this portfolio during 2009. If
current economic conditions do not improve and home prices continue to fall, BankAtlantic may
continue to experience higher credit losses from this loan portfolio. Since the collateral for
this portfolio consists primarily of second mortgages, it is unlikely that BankAtlantic will be
successful in recovering all or any portion of its loan proceeds in the event of a default unless
BankAtlantic is prepared to repay the first mortgage and such repayment and the costs associated
with a foreclosure are justified by the value of the property.
An increase in BankAtlantics allowance for loan losses will result in reduced earnings.
As a lender, BankAtlantic is exposed to the risk that its customers will be unable to repay
their loans according to their terms and that any collateral securing the payment of their loans
will not be sufficient to assure full repayment. BankAtlantics management evaluates the
collectability of BankAtlantics loan portfolio and provides an allowance for loan losses that it
believes is adequate based upon such factors as:
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the risk characteristics of various classifications of loans; |
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previous loan loss experience; |
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specific loans that have probable loss potential; |
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delinquency trends; |
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estimated fair value of the collateral; |
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current economic conditions; |
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the views of its regulators; and |
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geographic and industry loan concentrations. |
48
Many of these factors are difficult to predict or estimate accurately, particularly in a
changing economic environment. The process of determining the estimated losses inherent in
BankAtlantics loan portfolio requires subjective and complex judgments and the level of
uncertainty concerning economic conditions may adversely affect BankAtlantics ability to estimate
the losses which may be incurred in its loan portfolio. If BankAtlantics evaluation is incorrect
and borrower defaults cause losses exceeding the portion of the allowance for loan losses allocated
to those loans or if BankAtlantic perceives adverse trends that require it to significantly
increase its allowance for loan losses in the future, our earnings could be significantly and
adversely affected.
Increases in the allowance for loan losses with respect to the loans held by our asset workout
subsidiary, or losses in that portfolio which exceed the current allowance assigned to that
portfolio, would similarly adversely affect us.
Adverse events in Florida, where BankAtlantic Bancorp business is currently concentrated, could
adversely impact our results and future growth.
BankAtlantics business, the location of its stores, the primary source of repayment for its
small business loans and the real estate collateralizing its commercial real estate loans (and the
loans held by BankAtlantic Bancorp asset workout subsidiary) and its home equity loans are
primarily concentrated in Florida. As a result, BankAtlantic Bancorp is exposed to geographic
risks as increasing unemployment, declines in the housing industry and declines in the real estate
market are more severe in Florida than in the rest of the country. Adverse changes in laws and
regulations in Florida would have a greater negative impact on our revenues, financial condition
and business than on similar institutions in markets outside of Florida. Further, the State of
Florida is subject to the risks of natural disasters such as tropical storms and hurricanes, which
may disrupt our operations, adversely impact the ability of our borrowers to timely repay their
loans and the value of any collateral held by us or otherwise have an adverse effect on our results
of operations. The severity and impact of tropical storms, hurricanes and other weather related
events are difficult to predict and may be exacerbated by global climate change.
BankAtlantics interest-only residential loans expose it to greater credit risks.
Approximately $776 million of BankAtlantics purchased residential loan portfolio consists of
interest-only loans which represent approximately 50% of the total purchased residential loan
portfolio. While these loans are not considered sub-prime or negative amortizing loans, they are
loans with reduced initial loan payments with the potential for significant increases in monthly
loan payments in subsequent periods, even if interest rates do not rise, as required amortization
of the principal commences. Monthly loan payments will also increase as interest rates increase.
This presents a potential repayment risk if the borrower is unable to meet the higher debt service
obligations or refinance the loan. As previously noted, current economic conditions in the
residential real estate markets and the mortgage finance markets have made it more difficult for
borrowers to refinance their mortgages which also increase our exposure to loss.
Nonperforming assets take significant time to resolve and adversely affect our results of
operations and financial condition, and could result in further losses in the future.
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, BankAtlantic Bancorps consolidated nonperforming loans totaled
$331 million and $287.4 million, or 8.96% and 6.65% of its loan portfolio, respectively. At
December 31, 2009 and 2008, BankAtlantic Bancorps consolidated nonperforming assets (which include
nonperforming loans and foreclosed real estate) were $379.7 million and $307.9 million, or 7.88%
and 5.30% of our total assets, respectively. In addition, the Company had, on a consolidated basis,
approximately $72.9 million and $95.3 million in accruing loans that were 30-89 days delinquent at
December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. BankAtlantic Bancorps consolidated nonperforming assets
adversely affect our net income in various ways. Until economic and real estate market conditions
improve, particularly in Florida but also nationally, we expect to continue to incur additional
losses relating to an increase in nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets. BankAtlantic
Bancorp does not record interest income on nonperforming loans or real estate owned. When
BankAtlantic Bancorp receives the collateral in
foreclosures or similar proceedings, BankAtlantic Bancorp is required to mark the related
collateral to the then fair market value, generally based on appraisals of the property obtained by
us which often results in an additional loss. These loans and real estate owned also increase our
risk profile, and increases in the level of nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets could
impact our regulators view of appropriate capital levels in light of such risks. While
BankAtlantic Bancorp seeks to manage its problem assets through loan sales, workouts,
restructurings and other alternatives, decreases in the value of these assets, or the underlying
collateral, or in these borrowers performance or financial conditions, which is often impacted by
economic and market conditions beyond our control, could adversely affect our business, results of
operations and financial condition. In addition, the resolution of nonperforming assets requires
significant commitments of time from management, which can be detrimental to the performance of
their other responsibilities.
49
Changes in interest rates could adversely affect our net interest income and profitability.
The majority of BankAtlantics assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, the
earnings and growth of BankAtlantic are significantly affected by interest rates, which are subject
to the influence of economic conditions generally, both domestic and foreign, events in the capital
markets and also to the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States and its agencies,
particularly the Federal Reserve Board. The nature and timing of any changes in such policies or
general economic conditions and their effect on BankAtlantic cannot be controlled and are extremely
difficult to predict. Changes in interest rates can impact BankAtlantics net interest income as
well as the valuation of its assets and liabilities.
Banking is an industry that depends to a large extent on its net interest income. Net interest
income is the difference between:
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interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans; and |
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interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits. |
Changes in interest rates can have differing effects on BankAtlantics net interest income. In
particular, changes in market interest rates, changes in the relationships between short-term and
long-term market interest rates, or the yield curve, or changes in the relationships between
different interest rate indices can affect the interest rates charged on interest-earning assets
differently than the interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. This difference could
result in an increase in interest expense relative to interest income and therefore reduce
BankAtlantics net interest income. While BankAtlantic has attempted to structure its asset and
liability management strategies to mitigate the impact on net interest income of changes in market
interest rates, there is no assurance that BankAtlantic will be successful in doing so.
Loan and mortgage-backed securities prepayment decisions are also affected by interest rates.
Loan and securities prepayments generally accelerate as interest rates fall. Prepayments in a
declining interest rate environment reduce BankAtlantics net interest income and adversely affect
its earnings because:
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it amortizes premiums on acquired loans and securities, and if loans
or securities are prepaid, the unamortized premium will be charged
off; and |
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the yields it earns on the investment of funds that it receives from
prepaid loans and securities are generally less than the yields that
it earned on the prepaid loans. |
Significant loan prepayments in BankAtlantics mortgage and investment portfolios in the
future could have an adverse effect on BankAtlantics earnings as proceeds from the repayment of
loans may be reinvested in loans with lower interest rates. Additionally, increased prepayments
associated with purchased residential loans may result in increased amortization of premiums on
acquired loans, which would reduce BankAtlantics interest income.
In a rising interest rate environment, loan and securities prepayments generally decline,
resulting in yields that are less than the current market yields. In addition, the credit risks of
loans with adjustable rate mortgages may worsen as interest rates rise and debt service obligations
increase.
50
BankAtlantic uses a computer model using standard industry software to assist it in its
efforts to quantify BankAtlantics interest rate risk. The model measures the potential impact of
gradual and abrupt changes in interest rates on BankAtlantics net interest income. While
management would attempt to respond to the projected impact on net interest income, there is no
assurance that managements efforts will be successful.
BankAtlantic obtains a significant portion of its non-interest income through service charges on
core deposit accounts, and recent legislation designed to limit service charges could reduce our
fee income.
BankAtlantics deposit account growth has generated a substantial amount of service charge
income. The largest component of this service charge income is overdraft fees. Changes in banking
regulations, in particular the Federal Reserves new rules prohibiting banks from automatically
enrolling customers in overdraft protection programs which will become effective July 1, 2010, may
have a significant adverse impact on BankAtlantics service charge income and overall results.
Additionally, changes in customer behavior as well as increased competition from other financial
institutions could result in declines in deposit accounts or in overdraft frequency resulting in a
decline in service charge income. Further, the downturn in the Florida economy could result in
the inability to collect overdraft fees. A reduction in deposit account fee income could have an
adverse impact on our earnings.
The cost and outcome of pending legal proceedings may impact our results of operations.
BankAtlantic Bancorp, BankAtlantic and their subsidiaries are currently parties in ongoing
litigation and legal proceedings which have resulted in a significant increase in non-interest
expense relating to legal and other professional fees. Pending proceedings include class action
securities litigation and an SEC investigation as well as litigation arising out of our banking
operations, including workouts and foreclosures, potential class actions by customers relating to
their accounts and service and overdraft fees and legal proceedings associated with our tax
certificate business and relationships with third party tax certificate ventures. While we believe
that we have meritorious defenses in these proceedings and that the outcomes should not materially
impact us, we anticipate continued elevated legal and related costs as parties to the actions and
the ultimate outcomes of the matters are uncertain.
BankAtlantic has significantly reduced operating expenses over the past three years and
BankAtlantic may not be able to continue to reduce expenses without adversely impacting its
operations.
BankAtlantics operating expenses have declined from $313.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 2007 to $258.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. BankAtlantic reorganized
its operations during this period and significantly reduced operating expenses while focusing on
its core businesses and seeking to maintain quality customer service. While management is focused
on reducing overall expenses, there is no assurance that BankAtlantic will be successful in efforts
to further reduce expenses or that the current expense reductions can be maintained in the current
environment. BankAtlantics inability to reduce or maintain its current expense structure may have
an adverse impact on our results.
Deposit insurance premium assessments may increase substantially, which would adversely affect
expenses.
BankAtlantics FDIC deposit insurance expense for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $11.0
million, including a $2.4 million special assessment. In September 2009, the FDIC issued a rule
requiring institutions to prepay their insurance premiums for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012, and
increased annual insurance rates uniformly by three basis points in 2011. BankAtlantics prepaid
insurance assessment was $31.3 million at December 31, 2009. If the economy worsens and the number
of bank failures significantly increase or if the FDIC otherwise determines that action is
necessary, BankAtlantic may be required to pay additional FDIC specific assessments or incur
increased annual insurance rates which would increase our expenses and adversely impact our
results.
Further reductions in BankAtlantics assets may adversely affect our earnings and/or operations.
BankAtlantic has reduced its assets and repaid borrowings in order to improve its liquidity
and regulatory capital ratios. The reduction of earning asset balances has reduced our net
interest income. BankAtlantic Bancorp consolidated net interest income was $193.6 million for the
year ended December 31, 2008 and $163.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The
reduction in net interest income from earning asset reductions has previously been offset by lower
operating expenses in prior periods. BankAtlantic Bancorp abilities to further
reduce expenses without adversely affecting our operations may be limited and as a result further
reductions in BankAtlantic Bancorp consolidated earning asset balances in future periods, may
adversely affect earnings and/or operations.
51
Adverse market conditions have affected and may continue to affect the financial services industry
as well as our business and results of operations.
Our financial condition and results of operations have been, and may continue to be, adversely
impacted as a result of the downturn in the U.S. housing market and general economic conditions.
Dramatic declines in the national and, in particular, Florida housing markets over the past three
years, with falling home prices and increasing foreclosures and unemployment, have negatively
impacted the credit performance of our loans and resulted in significant asset impairments at all
financial institutions, including government-sponsored entities, major commercial and investment
banks, and regional and community financial institutions including BankAtlantic. Reflecting concern
about the stability of the financial markets generally and the strength of counterparties, many
lenders and institutional investors have reduced or ceased providing funding to borrowers,
including to other financial institutions. This market turmoil and tightening of credit have led to
an increased level of commercial and consumer delinquencies, lack of consumer confidence, increased
market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity generally. The continuing economic
pressure on consumers and lack of confidence in the financial markets has adversely affected and
may continue to adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Further negative market and economic developments may cause adverse changes in payment patterns,
causing increases in delinquencies and default rates, which may impact our charge-offs and
provisions for loan losses. Continuing economic deterioration that affects household and/or
corporate incomes could also result in reduced demand for credit or fee-based products and
services. A worsening of these conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of these
difficult market conditions on BankAtlantic and others in the financial services industry. In
particular, we may face the following risks in connection with these events:
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BankAtlantics borrowers may be unable to make timely repayments of
their loans, or the value of real estate collateral securing the
payment of such loans may continue to decrease which could result in
increased delinquencies, foreclosures and customer bankruptcies, any
of which would increase levels of non-performing loans resulting in
significant credit losses, and increased expenses and could have a
material adverse effect on our operating results. |
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Further disruptions in the capital markets or other events, including
actions by rating agencies and deteriorating investor expectations,
may result in an inability to borrow on favorable terms or at all from
other financial institutions or government entities. |
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Increased regulation of the industry may increase costs, decrease fee
income and limit BankAtlantics activities and operations. |
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Increased competition among financial services companies based on the
recent consolidation of competing financial institutions and the
conversion of investment banks into bank holding companies, may
adversely affect BankAtlantics ability to competitively market its
products and services. |
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BankAtlantic may be required to pay significantly higher FDIC deposit premiums and assessments. |
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Continued asset valuation declines could adversely impact our credit
losses and result in additional impairments of goodwill and other
assets. |
Legislative and regulatory actions taken now or in the future may have a significant adverse effect
on our financial statements.
During 2009, the U.S. Treasury implemented various initiatives in response to the financial
crises affecting the banking system and financial markets. These initiatives include the U.S.
Treasurys Capital Purchase Program (the CPP), the guarantee of certain financial institution
indebtedness, purchasing certain legacy loans and assets from financial institutions, the purchase
of mortgage securitizations, homeowner relief that encourages loan restructuring and modification,
the establishment of significant liquidity and credit facilities for financial institutions and
investment banks, the lowering of the federal funds rate, emergency action against short selling
practices, a temporary guaranty program for money market funds, the establishment of a commercial
paper funding facility to provide back-stop liquidity to commercial paper issuers, coordinated
international efforts to address illiquidity and other weaknesses in the banking sector and other
programs being developed. There can be no assurance as to the actual impact that the initiatives
that have been adopted or may be adopted in the future will have on the financial
markets. The initiatives could have a material and adverse affect on BankAtlantics business,
financial condition, results of operations and access to credit.
52
Further, recent events in the financial services industry and, more generally, in the
financial markets and the economy, have led to various proposals for changes in the regulation of
the financial services industry. Earlier in 2009, legislation proposing significant structural
reforms to the financial services industry was introduced in the U.S. Congress. Among other things,
the legislation proposes the establishment of a Consumer Financial Protection Agency, which would
have broad authority to regulate providers of credit, savings, payment and other consumer financial
products and services. Additional legislative proposals call for heightened scrutiny and regulation
of any financial firm whose combination of size, leverage, and interconnectedness could, if it
failed, pose a threat to the countrys financial stability, including the power to restrict the
activities of such firms and even require the break-up of such firms at the behest of the relevant
regulator. New rules have also been proposed for the securitization market, including requiring
sponsors of securitizations to retain a material economic interest in the credit risk associated
with the underlying securitization.
Other recent initiatives also include:
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The Federal Reserves proposed guidance on incentive compensation
policies at banking organizations and the FDICs proposed rules tying
employee compensation to assessments for deposit insurance; |
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Proposals to limit a lenders ability to foreclose on mortgages or
make such foreclosures less economically viable, including by allowing
Chapter 13 bankruptcy plans to cram down the value of certain
mortgages on a consumers principal residence to its market value
and/or reset interest rates and monthly payments to permit defaulting
debtors to remain in their home; |
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Proposed legislation concerning the comprehensive regulation of the
over-the-counter derivatives market, including robust and
comprehensive prudential supervision (including strict capital and
margin requirements) for all over-the-counter derivative dealers and
major market participants and central clearing of standardized
over-the-counter derivatives; and |
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Proposal which would prohibit banks and bank holding companies from
engaging in proprietary trading or owning, investing or sponsoring a
hedge fund or private equity fund. |
The proposed legislation contains several provisions that would have a direct impact on us.
Under the proposed legislation, the federal savings association charter would be eliminated and the
Office of Thrift Supervision would be consolidated with the Comptroller of the Currency into a new
regulator, the National Bank Supervisor. The proposed legislation would also require BankAtlantic
to convert to a national bank.
While there can be no assurance that any or all of the proposed regulatory or legislative
changes will ultimately be adopted, these changes or any future changes, if enacted or adopted, may
impact our business activities, require us to change certain of our business practices, materially
affect our business model or affect retention of key personnel, and could expose us to additional
costs (including increased compliance costs). These changes may also require us to invest
significant management attention and resources to make any necessary changes, and could therefore
also adversely affect our business and operations.
There can be no assurance as to the actual impact that the initiatives that have been adopted
or may be adopted in the future will have on banks or the financial markets. These government
initiatives could potentially have a material and adverse affect on BankAtlantics business,
financial condition, results of operations and access to credit.
BankAtlantic Bancorp and BankAtlantic are each subject to significant regulation and BankAtlantic
Bancorps activities and the activities of BankAtlantic Bancorps subsidiaries, including
BankAtlantic, are subject to regulatory requirements that could have a material adverse effect on
BankAtlantic Bancorps business.
The banking industry is an industry subject to multiple layers of regulation. Failure to
comply with any of these regulations can result in substantial penalties, significant restrictions
on business activities and growth plans and/or limitations on dividend payments. As a holding
company, BankAtlantic Bancorp is also subject to significant regulation. For a description of the
primary regulations applicable to BankAtlantic and BankAtlantic Bancorp, see Regulations and
Supervision. Changes in the regulation or capital requirements associated with holding companies
generally or BankAtlantic Bancorp in particular could also have an adverse impact on our business
and operating results.
53
BankAtlantic Bancorp is a grandfathered unitary savings and loan holding company and has
broad authority to engage in various types of business activities. The OTS can prevent BankAtlantic
Bancorp from engaging in activities or limit those activities if it determines that there is
reasonable cause to believe that the continuation of any particular activity constitutes a serious
risk to the financial safety, soundness, or stability of BankAtlantic. The OTS can also:
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prohibit the payment of dividends by BankAtlantic to BankAtlantic Bancorp; |
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limit transactions between BankAtlantic Bancorp, BankAtlantic and the subsidiaries or affiliates of either; |
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limit BankAtlantic Bancorps activities and the activities of BankAtlantic; or |
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Impose capital requirements on BankAtlantic Bancorp or additional capital requirements on BankAtlantic. |
Unlike bank holding companies, as a unitary savings and loan holding company BankAtlantic
Bancorp has not historically been subject to capital requirements. However, the OTS has indicated
that it may, in the future, impose capital requirements on savings and loan holding companies. In
addition, as noted above, the current administration has proposed legislation which would, among
other things, eliminate the status of savings and loan holding company and require BankAtlantic
Bancorp to register as a bank holding company, which would subject BankAtlantic Bancorp to
regulatory capital requirements. Further, the OTS or other regulatory bodies having authority over
BankAtlantic Bancorp in the future may adopt regulations in the future that would affect the
Companys operations, including BankAtlantic Bancorps ability to pay dividends or to engage in
certain transactions or activities. See Regulation and Supervision Holding Company.
BankAtlantic is subject to liquidity risk as its loans are funded by its deposits.
Like all financial institutions, BankAtlantics assets are primarily funded through its
customer deposits and changes in interest rates, availability of alternative investment
opportunities, a loss of confidence in financial institutions in general or BankAtlantic in
particular, and other factors may make deposit gathering more difficult. If BankAtlantic
experiences decreases in deposit levels, it may need to increase its borrowings or liquidate a
portion of its assets which may not be readily saleable. Additionally, interest rate changes or
further disruptions in the capital markets may make the terms of borrowings and deposits less
favorable. For a further discussion on liquidity, refer to Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Results of Operations and Financial Condition Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Our loan portfolio subjects BankAtlantic Bancorp to high levels of credit and counterparty risk.
BankAtlantic is exposed to the risk that its borrowers or counter-parties may default on their
obligations. Credit risk arises through the extension of loans, certain securities, letters of
credit, and financial guarantees and through counter-party exposure on trading and wholesale loan
transactions. In an attempt to manage this risk, we seek to establish policies and procedures to
manage both on and off-balance sheet (primarily loan commitments) credit risk.
BankAtlantic reviews the creditworthiness of individual borrowers or counter-parties, and
limits are established for the total credit exposure to any one borrower or counter-party, however,
such limits may not have the effect of adequately limiting credit exposure. In addition, when
deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions with customers and
counterparties, we often rely on information furnished to us by such customers and counterparties,
including financial statements and other financial information, and representations of the
customers and counterparties that relates to the accuracy and completeness of the information.
While we take all actions we deem necessary to ensure the accuracy of the information provided to
us, there is no assurance that all information provided to us will be accurate or that we will
successfully identify all information needed to fully assess the risk which may expose us to
increased credit risk and counterparty risk.
BankAtlantic also enters into participation agreements with or acquires participation
interests from other lenders to limit its credit risk, but will continue to be subject to risks
with respect to its interest in the loan, as well as not being in a position to make independent
determinations with respect to its interest. Further, the majority of BankAtlantics residential
loans are serviced by others. The servicing agreements may restrict BankAtlantics ability to
initiate work-out and modification arrangements with borrowers which could adversely impact
BankAtlantics ability to minimize losses on non-performing loans.
54
BankAtlantic Bancorp is also exposed to credit and counterparty risks with respect to loans
held in its asset workout subsidiary.
BankAtlantic Bancorp is controlled by BFC Financial Corporation and its controlling shareholders
and this control position may adversely affect the market price of BankAtlantic Bancorps Class A
common stock.
As of December 31, 2009, BFC owned all of BankAtlantic Bancorps issued and outstanding Class
B common stock and 17,333,428 shares, or approximately 35.9%, of BankAtlantic Bancorps issued and
outstanding Class A common stock. BFCs holdings represent approximately 66% of BankAtlantic
Bancorps total voting power. Additionally, Alan B. Levan, our Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, and John E. Abdo, our Vice Chairman, beneficially own shares of BFCs Class A and Class B
common stock representing approximately 71.6% of BFCs total voting power. BankAtlantic Bancorps
Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote as a single group on most matters. Accordingly,
BFC, directly, and Messrs. Levan and Abdo, indirectly through BFC, are in a position to control
BankAtlantic Bancorp, elect BankAtlantic Bancorps Board of Directors and significantly influence
the outcome of any shareholder vote, except in those limited circumstances where Florida law
mandates that the holders of BankAtlantic Bancorps Class A common stock vote as a separate class.
This control position may have an adverse effect on the market price of BankAtlantic Bancorps
Class A common stock.
BFC can reduce its economic interest in us and still maintain voting control.
BankAtlantic Bancorps Class A common stock and Class B common stock generally vote together
as a single class, with BankAtlantic Bancorp Class A common stock possessing a fixed 53% of the
aggregate voting power of all of BankAtlantic Bancorp common stock and BankAtlantic Bancorp Class B
common stock possessing a fixed 47% of such aggregate voting power. BankAtlantic Bancorp Class B
common stock currently represents approximately 2% of our common equity and 47% of the total voting
power. As a result, the voting power of BankAtlantic Bancorp Class B common stock does not bear a
direct relationship to the economic interest represented by the shares. Any issuance of shares of
BankAtlantic Bancorp Class A common stock will further dilute the relative economic interest of
BankAtlantic Bancorp Class B common stock, but will not decrease the voting power represented by
its Class B common stock. Further, BankAtlantic Bancorps Restated Articles of Incorporation
provide that these relative voting percentages will remain fixed until such time as BFC and its
affiliates own less than 487,613 shares of BankAtlantic Bancorp Class B common stock, which is
approximately 50% of the number of shares of BankAtlantic Bancorp Class B common stock that BFC now
owns, even if additional shares of BankAtlantic Bancorp Class A common stock are issued. Therefore,
BFC may sell up to approximately 50% of its shares of BankAtlantic Bancorp Class B common stock
(after converting those shares to Class A common stock), and significantly reduce its economic
interest in BankAtlantic Bancorp, while still maintaining its voting power. If BFC were to take
this action, it would widen the disparity between the equity interest represented by BankAtlantic
Bancorp Class B common stock and its voting power. Any conversion of shares of BankAtlantic Bancorp
Class B common stock into shares of BankAtlantic Bancorp Class A common stock would further dilute
the voting interests of the holders of BankAtlantic Bancorp Class A common stock.
Provisions in BankAtlantic Bancorp charter documents may make it difficult for a third party to
acquire BankAtlantic Bancorp and could depress the price of its Class A Common Stock.
BankAtlantic Bancorp Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws
contain provisions that could delay, defer or prevent a change of control of the Company or our
management. These provisions could make it more difficult for shareholders to elect directors and
take other corporate actions. As a result, these provisions could limit the price that investors
are willing to pay in the future for shares of BankAtlantic Bancorp Class A common stock. These
provisions include:
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the provisions in BankAtlantic Bancorp Restated Articles of
Incorporation regarding the voting rights of BankAtlantic Bancorp
Class B common stock; |
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the authority of BankAtlantic Bancorp board of directors to issue
additional shares of common or preferred stock and to fix the relative
rights and preferences of the preferred stock without additional
shareholder approval; |
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the division of BankAtlantic Bancorp board of directors into three
classes of directors with three-year staggered terms; and |
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advance notice procedures to be complied with by shareholders in order
to make shareholder proposals or nominate directors. |
55
A sustained decline in BankAtlantic Bancorps Class A common stock price may result in the
delisting of its Class A common stock from the New York Stock Exchange.
BankAtlantic Bancorps Class A common stock currently trades on the New York Stock Exchange.
Like many other companies involved in the financial services industry, the trading price of
BankAtlantic Bancorps Class A common stock has experienced a substantial decline. A listed
company would be deemed to be below compliance with the continued listing standards of the New York
Stock Exchange if, among other things, the listed companys average closing price was less than
$1.00 over a consecutive 30 trading day period or the listed companys average market
capitalization was less than $15 million over a consecutive 30 trading day period. As of February
25, 2010, the average market price of BankAtlantic Bancorps Class A common stock over the prior 30
trading day period was $1.41, and BankAtlantic Bancorps average market capitalization over that
period was $69.3 million. However, the market price of BankAtlantic Bancorps Class A common stock
is subject to significant volatility and there is no assurance that it will not decrease in the
future so as to cause BankAtlantic Bancorp not to comply with the New York Stock Exchanges
requirement for continued listing.
If BankAtlantic Bancorp does not meet the requirements for continued listing, then
BankAtlantic Bancorps Class A common stock will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. In
such case, BankAtlantic Bancorp would attempt to cause its Class A common stock to be eligible for
quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board. However, in such event, the trading price of BankAtlantic
Bancorps Class A common stock would likely be adversely impacted, it may become more difficult for
the holders of BankAtlantic Bancorps Class A common stock to sell or purchase shares of
BankAtlantic Bancorps Class A common stock, and it may become more difficult for BankAtlantic
Bancorp to raise capital, which could materially and adversely impact our business, prospects,
financial condition and results of operations.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
56
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The principal and executive offices of BFC, Woodbridge and BankAtlantic are located
at 2100 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33309. In May 2008, BFC and BFC Shared
Service Corporation (BFC Shared Service), a wholly-owned subsidiary of BFC, entered into office
lease agreements with BankAtlantic for office space in BankAtlantics corporate headquarters which
is owned by BankAtlantic. Also, in May 2008, BFC entered into an office sub-lease agreement with
Woodbridge pursuant to which Woodbridge leases from BFC office space in BankAtlantics corporate
headquarters.
We own an office building located at 2200 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
33309. Two floors of this office building were previously leased to a third party pursuant to a
lease which expired in March 2010. The tenant has opted not to renew the lease and has vacated the
space. We will continue to seek to sell the building or lease the vacant space available at this
office building to third parties, including to affiliates. In addition to
Woodbridges properties used for offices, we additionally own commercial space in Florida that is
leased to third parties. Because of the nature of Woodbridges real estate operations, significant
amounts of property are held as inventory and property and equipment in the ordinary course of
business.
Bluegreens principal executive office is located in Boca Raton, Florida in approximately
158,838 square feet of leased space. At December 31, 2009, Bluegreen also maintained sales offices
at 21 of its resorts. In addition, Bluegreen maintains four regional sales/administrative
offices for its Communities division.
The following table sets forth BankAtlantic owned and leased stores by region at December 31,
2009:
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Miami - |
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Palm |
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Tampa |
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Dade |
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Broward |
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Beach |
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Bay |
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Owned full-service stores |
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9 |
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13 |
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25 |
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7 |
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Leased full-service stores |
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11 |
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11 |
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5 |
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5 |
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Ground leased full-service stores (1) |
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3 |
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3 |
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1 |
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7 |
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|
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Total full-service stores |
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23 |
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27 |
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31 |
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19 |
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Lease expiration dates |
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2010-2018 |
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2010-2015 |
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2011-2014 |
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2010-2023 |
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Ground lease expiration dates |
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2026-2027 |
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2017-2072 |
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2026 |
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2026-2032 |
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| (1) |
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Stores in which BankAtlantic owns the building and leases the land. |
The following table sets forth BankAtlantic leased drive-through facilities and leased
back-office facilities by region at December 31, 2009:
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Miami - |
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Palm |
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Tampa |
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Orlando / |
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Dade |
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Broward |
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Beach |
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Bay |
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Jacksonville |
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Leased drive-through facilities |
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1 |
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2 |
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Leased drive through expiration
dates |
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2010 |
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2011-2014 |
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Leased back-office facilities |
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2 |
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1 |
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Leased back-office expiration dates |
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2014 |
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2013 |
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As of December 31, 2009, BankAtlantic was seeking to sublease or terminate eight operating
leases and was a party under two ground leases for the construction of new stores. BankAtlantic
also has six parcels of land held for sale with an estimated market value of $6.0 million.
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Miami - |
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Palm |
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Tampa |
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Orlando / |
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Dade |
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Broward |
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Beach |
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Bay |
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Jacksonville |
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Executed leases for new stores |
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1 |
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1 |
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Executed lease expiration dates |
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2030 |
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2028 |
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Executed leases held for sublease |
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1 |
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5 |
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2 |
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Executed lease expiration dates |
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2013 |
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2010-2048 |
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2028-2029 |
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Land held for sale |
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1 |
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1 |
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4 |
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57
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
BFC and its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries
Under Florida law, holders of Woodbridges Class A Common Stock who did not vote to approve
the merger and properly asserted and exercised their appraisal rights with respect to their shares
(Dissenting Holders) are entitled to receive a cash payment in an amount equal to the fair value
of their shares (as determined in accordance with the provisions of Florida law) in lieu of the
shares of BFCs Class A Common Stock which they would otherwise have been entitled to receive.
Dissenting Holders, who owned in the aggregate approximately 4.6 million shares of Woodbridges
Class A Common Stock, provided written notice to Woodbridge regarding their intent to exercise
their appraisal rights. In accordance with Florida law, Woodbridge provided written notices to the
Dissenting Holders setting forth, among other things, its determination that the fair value of
Woodbridges Class A Common Stock immediately prior to the effectiveness of the merger was $1.10
per share. As of the date of this filing, one Dissenting Holder which held approximately 400,000
shares of Woodbridges Class A Common Stock had withdrawn its shares from the appraisal rights
process, while the remaining Dissenting Holders, who collectively held approximately 4.2 million
shares of Woodbridges Class A Common Stock, have rejected Woodbridges offer of $1.10 per share
and requested payment for their shares based on their respective fair value estimates of
Woodbridges Class A Common Stock. Woodbridge is currently in litigation in connection with the
Dissenting Holders appraisal process. In December 2009, a $4.6 million liability was recorded with
a corresponding reduction to additional paid-in capital which is reflected in our consolidated
financial statements representing in the aggregate Woodbridges offer to the Dissenting Holders.
There is no assurance as to the amount of the cash payment that will be required to be made to the
Dissenting Holders, which amount may exceed the $4.6 million that we have accrued related to this
matter.
National Bank of South Carolina v. Core Communities of South Carolina, LLC, et al., South Carolina
Court of Common Pleas, Fourteenth Judicial Circuit
On January 13, 2010, National Bank of South Carolina filed a complaint with the South Carolina
Court of Common Pleas, Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, to commence foreclosure proceedings related to
property at Tradition Hilton Head which served as collateral under a note and mortgage executed and
delivered by Core Communities of South Carolina in favor of the lender. With Cores concurrence,
the property was subsequently placed under the control of a receiver appointed by the court. Core
is secondarily liable to the lender as a guarantor but is not currently a party to the action.
In re: Levitt and Sons, LLC, et al., No. 07-19845-BKC-RBR, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District
of Florida
On November 9, 2007, Levitt and Sons and the Debtors (the Debtors) filed voluntary petitions
for relief under the Chapter 11 Cases in the Bankruptcy Court. The Debtors commenced the Chapter
11 Cases in order to preserve the value of their assets and to facilitate an orderly wind-down of
their businesses and disposition of their assets in a manner intended to maximize the recoveries of
all constituents. On November 27, 2007, the Office of the United States Trustee (the U.S.
Trustee), appointed an official committee of unsecured creditors in the Chapter 11 Cases (the
Creditors Committee). On January 22, 2008, the U.S. Trustee appointed a Joint Home Purchase
Deposit Creditors Committee of Creditors Holding Unsecured Claims (the Deposit Holders Committee,
and together with the Creditors Committee, the Committees) The Committees have a right to
appear and be heard in the Chapter 11 Cases.
In 2008, the Debtors asserted certain claims against Woodbridge, including an entitlement to a
portion of the $29.7 million federal tax refund which Woodbridge received as a consequence of
losses incurred at Levitt and Sons in prior periods. However, on June 27, 2008, Woodbridge entered
into a settlement agreement (the Settlement Agreement) with the Debtors and the Joint Committee
of Unsecured Creditors (the Joint Committee) appointed in the Chapter 11 Cases. Pursuant to the
Settlement Agreement, among other things, (i) Woodbridge agreed to pay to the Debtors bankruptcy
estates the sum of $12.5 million plus accrued interest from May 22, 2008 through the date of
payment, (ii) Woodbridge agreed to waive and release substantially all of the claims it had against
the Debtors, including its administrative expense claims through July 2008, and (iii) the Debtors
(joined by the Joint Committee) agreed to waive and release any claims they had against Woodbridge
and its affiliates. After certain of Levitt and Sons creditors indicated that they objected to the
terms of the Settlement Agreement and stated a desire to pursue claims against Woodbridge,
Woodbridge, the Debtors and the Joint Committee entered into an
amendment to the Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which Woodbridge would, in lieu of the
$12.5 million payment previously agreed to, pay $8 million to the Debtors bankruptcy estates and
place $4.5 million in a release fund to be disbursed to third party creditors in exchange for a
third party release and injunction. The amendment also provided for an additional $300,000 payment
by Woodbridge to a deposit holders fund. The Settlement Agreement, as amended, was subject to a
number of conditions, including the approval of the Bankruptcy Court.
58
As previously reported, on February 20, 2009, the Bankruptcy Court presiding over Levitt and
Sons Chapter 11 bankruptcy case entered an order confirming a plan of liquidation jointly proposed
by Levitt and Sons and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors. That order also approved the
settlement pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, as amended. No appeal or rehearing of the courts
order was filed by any party, and the settlement was consummated on March 3, 2009, at which time,
payment was made in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Settlement Agreement.
Robert D. Dance, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Woodbridge Holdings
Corp. (formerly known as Levitt Corp.), Alan B. Levan, and George P. Scanlon, Case No.
08-60111-Civ-Graham/OSullivan, Southern District of Florida
On January 25, 2008, plaintiff Robert D. Dance filed a purported class action complaint as a
putative purchaser of our securities against us and certain of our officers and directors,
asserting claims under the federal securities law and seeking damages. This action was filed in
the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and is captioned Dance v.
Levitt Corp. et al., No. 08-CV-60111-DLG. The securities litigation purports to be brought on
behalf of all purchasers of our securities beginning on January 31, 2007 and ending on August 14,
2007. The complaint alleges that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange
Act, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by issuing a series of false and/or misleading
statements concerning our financial results, prospects and condition.
Westchester Fire Insurance Company vs. City of Brooksville, United States District Court, Middle
District of Florida, Tampa Division, Case No. 8:09 CV 00062-T23 TBM
This litigation arises from a dispute regarding liability under two performance bonds issued
in connection with a plat issued by the City of Brooksville for a single family housing project
that was not commenced and was abandoned prior to the bankruptcy of Levitt and Sons. Although the
property was deeded over to the lender as part of the bankruptcy, Levitts parent company was a
guarantor on the bonds. The City of Brooksville contends that, notwithstanding that the single
family project was never commenced for which utilities were to be provided, it has a right to
collect the cash sum of the bonds in the amount of approximately $5.4 million. Following Levitt and
Sons failure, Key Bank acquired the property and conveyed it to a buyer who negotiated a new
agreement eliminating any requirement for completing the planned utilities. Nonetheless, the City
continued to assert rights against the bonds. Woodbridge has fully secured the obligations of the
surety under the bonds and will be liable if the Citys position is found to be correct.
Bluegreen Corporation
Kelly Fair Labor Standards Act Lawsuit
In Cause No. 08-cv-401-bbc, styled Steven Craig Kelly and Jack Clark, individually and on
behalf of others similarly situated v. Bluegreen Corporation, in the United States District
Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, two former sales representatives brought a lawsuit on
July 28, 2008 in the Western District of Wisconsin on behalf of themselves and putative class
members who are or were employed by Bluegreen as sales associates and compensated on a
commission-only basis. Plaintiffs alleged that Bluegreen violated the Fair Labor Standards Act
(FLSA) and that they and the collective class are or were covered, non-exempt employees under
federal wage and hour laws, and were entitled to minimum wage and overtime pay consistent with the
FLSA. On July 10, 2009, the parties settled the case and Bluegreen agreed to pay approximately
$1.5 million (including attorneys fees and costs) without admitting any wrongdoing. As of
December 31, 2009, the settlement was paid and the case dismissed.
59
Pennsylvania Attorney General Lawsuit
On October 28, 2008, in Cause No. 479 M.D. 2008, styled Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Acting by Attorney General Thomas W. Corbett, Jr. v. Bluegreen Corporation, Bluegreen Resorts,
Bluegreen Vacations Unlimited, Inc. and Great Vacation Destinations, Inc., in the Commonwealth
Court of Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania acting through its Attorney General filed a
lawsuit against Bluegreen Corporation, Bluegreen Resorts, Bluegreen Vacations Unlimited, Inc. and
Great Vacation Destinations, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Bluegreen Corporation) alleging
violations of Pennsylvanias Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Laws. The lawsuit
seeks civil penalties against Bluegreen and restitution on behalf of Pennsylvania consumers who may
have suffered losses as a result of the alleged unlawful sales and marketing methods and practices.
The lawsuit does not seek to permanently restrain Bluegreen or any of its affiliates from doing
business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The parties have reached settlement on this matter
and on March 15, 2010 Bluegreen signed a consent petition and forwarded it to the Attorney
Generals office for counter-signature and filing with the appropriate court offices. As of
December 31, 2009, Bluegreen had accrued $225,000 in connection with anticipated payments to
resolve this matter.
Destin, Florida Deposit Dispute Lawsuit
In Cause No. 2006-Ca-3374, styled Joseph M. Scheyd, Jr., P.A. vs. Bluegreen Vacations
Unlimited, Inc.,; Hubert A. Laird; and MSB of Destin, Inc., in the Circuit Court of the First
Judicial Circuit in and for Okaloosa County, Florida, the Plaintiff as escrow agent brought an
interpleader action seeking a determination as to whether Bluegreen, as purchaser, or Hubert A.
Laird and MSB of Destin, Inc. as seller, were entitled to the $1.4 million escrow deposit being
maintained with the escrow agent pursuant to a purchase and sale contract for real property located
in Destin, Florida. Both Bluegreen and the seller have brought cross-claims for breach of the
underlying purchase and sale contract. The seller alleges Bluegreen failed to perform under the
terms of the purchase and sale contract and alleges fraud. Bluegreen maintains that its decision
not to close on the purchase of the subject real property was in accordance with the terms of the
purchase and sale contract and therefore Bluegreen is entitled to a return of the full escrow
deposit.
Mountain Lakes Mineral Rights
Bluegreen Southwest One, L.P., (Southwest), a subsidiary of Bluegreen Corporation, is the
developer of the Mountain Lakes subdivision in Texas. In Cause No. 28006, styled Betty Yvon
Lesley et a1 v. Bluff Dale Development Corporation, Bluegreen Southwest One. L.P. et al., in
the 266th Judicial District Court, Erath County, Texas, the plaintiffs filed a declaratory judgment
action against Southwest seeking to develop their reserved mineral interests in, on and under the
Mountain Lakes subdivision. The plaintiffs claims are based on property law, oil and gas law,
contract and tort theories. The property owners association and some of the individual landowners
have filed cross actions against Bluegreen, Southwest and individual directors of the property
owners association related to the mineral rights and certain amenities in the subdivision as
described below. On January 17, 2007, the court ruled that the restrictions placed on the
development that prohibited oil and gas production and development were invalid and not enforceable
as a matter of law, that such restrictions did not prohibit the development of the plaintiffs
prior reserved mineral interests and that Southwest breached its duty to lease the minerals to
third parties for development. The court further ruled that Southwest was the sole holder of the
right to lease the minerals to third parties. The order granting the plaintiffs motion was
severed into a new cause styled Cause No. 28769 Betty Yvon Lesley et a1 v. Bluff Dale
Development Corporation, Bluegreen Southwest One. L.P. et al. in the 266th Judicial District
Court, Erath County, Texas. Southwest appealed the trial courts ruling. On January 22, 2009, in
Bluegreen Southwest One, L.P. et al. v. Betty Yvon Lesley et al., in the 11th Court of
Appeals, Eastland, Texas, the Appellate Court reversed the trial courts decision and ruled in
Southwests favor and determined that all executive rights were owned by Southwest and then
transferred to the individual property owners in connection with the sales of land. All property
owner claims were decided in favor of Southwest. It was also decided that Southwest did not breach
a fiduciary duty to the plaintiffs as an executive rights holder. As a result of this decision, no
damages or attorneys fees are owed to the plaintiffs. On May 14, 2009, the plaintiffs filed an
appeal with the Texas Supreme Court asking the Court to reverse the Appellate Courts decision in
favor of Bluegreen. No information is available as to when the Texas Supreme Court will render a
decision as to whether or not it will take the appeal.
60
Separately, one of the amenity lakes in the Mountain Lakes development did not reach the
expected water level after construction was completed. Owners of home sites within the Mountain
Lakes subdivision and the
property owners Association of Mountain Lakes have asserted cross claims against Southwest and
Bluegreen regarding such failure as part of the Lesley litigation described above as well as in
Cause No. 067-223662-07, Property Owners Association of Mountain Lakes Ranch, Inc. v. Bluegreen
Southwest One, L.P. et al., in the 67th Judicial District Court of Tarrant County,
Texas. This case has been settled and the $3.4 million that was accrued related to this matter as
of December 31, 2009 was paid in March of 2010. Additional claims may be pursued in the future in
connection with these matters, but it is not possible at this time to estimate the likelihood of
loss.
Marshall, et al. Lawsuit regarding Community Amenities
On September 14, 2009, in Cause No. 09-09-08763-CV, styled William Marshall and Patricia
Marshall, et al. v. Bluegreen Southwest One, L.P., Bluegreen Southwest Land, Inc., Bluegreen
Corporation, Stephen Davis, and Bluegreen Communities of Texas, L.P., Plaintiffs brought suit
against Bluegreen alleging fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract, and negligence
with regards to the Ridgelake Shores subdivision Bluegreen developed in Montgomery County, Texas.
More specifically, the Plaintiffs allege misrepresentation concerning the usability of the lakes
within the community for fishing and sporting and the general level of quality at which the
community would be developed and thereafter maintained. The lawsuit seeks material damages and the estimated cost to remediate the lake is $500,000.
Bluegreen intends to vigorously defend the lawsuit.
Schwarz, et al. Lawsuit regarding Community Amenities
On September 18, 2008, in Cause No. 2008-5U-CV-1358-WI, styled Paul A. Schwarz and Barbara
S. Schwarz v. Bluegreen Communities of Georgia, LLC and Bluegreen Corporation, Plaintiffs
brought suit against Bluegreen alleging fraud and misrepresentation with regards to the
construction of a marina at the Sanctuary Cove subdivision located in Camden County, Georgia.
Plaintiff subsequently withdrew the fraud and misrepresentation counts and replaced them with a
count alleging violation of racketeering laws, including mail fraud and wire fraud. On January 25,
2010, Plaintiffs filed a second complaint seeking approval to proceed with the lawsuit as a class
action representing more than 100 persons who were harmed by the alleged racketeering activities in
a similar manner as Plaintiffs. No decision has yet been made by the Court as to whether a class
will be certified. Bluegreen denies the allegations and intends to vigorously defend the lawsuit.
In the ordinary course of Bluegreens business, Bluegreen becomes subject to claims or
proceedings from time to time relating to the purchase, sale or financing of VOIs and real estate.
Additionally, from time to time, Bluegreen becomes involved in disputes with existing and former
employees, vendors, taxing jurisdictions and various other parties.
BankAtlantic Bancorp
In re BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. Securities Litigation, No. 0:07-cv-61542-UU, United States
District Court, Southern District of Florida
On October 29, 2007, Joseph C. Hubbard filed a purported class action in the United States
District Court for the Southern District of Florida against BankAtlantic Bancorp and four of its
current or former officers. The Defendants in this action are BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc., James A.
White, Valerie C. Toalson, Jarett S. Levan, and Alan B. Levan. The Complaint, which was later
amended, alleges that during the purported class period of November 9, 2005 through October 25,
2007, BankAtlantic Bancorp and the named officers knowingly and/or recklessly made
misrepresentations of material fact regarding BankAtlantic and specifically BankAtlantics loan
portfolio and allowance for loan losses. The Complaint seeks to assert claims for violations of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and seeks unspecified
damages. On December 12, 2007, the Court consolidated into Hubbard a separately filed action
captioned Alarm Specialties, Inc. v. BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc., No. 0:07cv-61623-WPD. On
February 5, 2008, the Court appointed State-Boston Retirement System lead plaintiff and Lubaton
Sucharow LLP to serve as lead counsel pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act. BankAtlantic Bancorp believes the claims to be without merit and intends to
vigorously defend the actions.
61
D.W. Hugo, individually and on behalf of Nominal Defendant BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. vs.
BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc., Alan B. Levan, Jarett S. Levan, Jay C. McClung, Marcia K. Snyder,
Valerie Toalson, James A. White, John E. Abdo, D. Keith Cobb, Steven M. Coldren, and David A.
Lieberman, Case No. 0:08-cv-61018-UU, United States District Court, Southern District of Florida
On July 2, 2008, D.W. Hugo filed a purported class action which was brought as a derivative
action on behalf of BankAtlantic Bancorp pursuant to Florida laws in the United States District
Court, Southern District of Florida against BankAtlantic Bancorp and the above listed officers and
directors. The Complaint alleges that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties by
engaging in certain lending practices with respect to BankAtlantic Bancorps Commercial Real Estate
Loan Portfolio. The Complaint further alleges that BankAtlantic Bancorps public filings and
statements did not fully disclose the risks associated with the Commercial Real Estate Loan
Portfolio and seeks damages on behalf of BankAtlantic Bancorp.
On December 2, 2008, the Circuit Court for Broward County stayed a separately filed action
captioned Albert R. Feldman, Derivatively on behalf of Nominal Defendant BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc.
vs. Alan B. Levan, et al., Case No. 0846795 07. The court granted the motion to stay the action
pending further order of the court and allowing any party to move for relief from the stay,
provided the moving party gives at least thirty days written notice to all of the non-moving
parties. BankAtlantic Bancorp believes the claims to be without merit and intends to vigorously
defend the actions.
Wilmine Almonor, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, vs. BankAtlantic
Bancorp, Inc., Steven M. Coldren, Mary E. Ginestra, Willis N. Holcombe, Jarett S. Levan, John E.
Abdo, David A. Lieberman, Charlie C. Winningham II, D. Keith Cobb, Bruno L. DiGiulian, Alan B.
Levan, James A. White, the Security Plus Plan Committee, and Unknown Fiduciary Defendants 1-50, No.
0:07-cv-61862- DMM, United States District Court, Southern District of Florida.
On December 20, 2007, Wilmine Almonor filed a purported class action in the United States
District Court for the Southern District of Florida against BankAtlantic Bancorp and the
above-listed officers, directors, employees, and organizations. The Complaint alleges that during
the purported class period of November 9, 2005 to present, BankAtlantic Bancorp and the individual
defendants violated the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) by permitting company
employees to choose to invest in BankAtlantic Bancorps Class A common stock in light of the facts
alleged in the Hubbard securities lawsuit. The Complaint seeks to assert claims for breach of
fiduciary duties, the duty to provide accurate information, the duty to avoid conflicts of interest
under ERISA and seeks unspecified damages. On February 18, 2009, the Plaintiff filed a Second
Amended Complaint, which, for the first time, identified by name the following additional
Defendants that Plaintiff had previously attempted to identify by position: Anne B. Chervony,
Lewis F. Sarrica, Susan D. McGregor, Jeff Callan, Patricia Lefebvre, Jeffrey Mindling, Tim Watson,
Gino Martone, Jose Valle, Juan Carlos Ortigosa, Gerry Lachnicht, Victoria Bloomenfeld, Rita
McManus, and Kathleen Youlden.
On July 14, 2009, the Court granted in part Defendants motion to dismiss the Second Amended
Complaint, dismissing the following individual Defendants from Count II: Lewis Sarrica, Susan
McGregor, Patricia Lefebvre, Jeffrey Mindling and Gerry Lachnicht. On July 28, 2009, the Court
denied Plaintiffs motion for class certification. On January 13, 2010, the Court ruled that the
Plaintiffs status as a Plan representative threatens the interests of the Plan, and in turn other
Plan participants, and threatens the integrity of the judicial process. The court denied the
Plaintiffs request to proceed as a Plan representative and accordingly, the case is currently
proceeding solely on the basis of the Plaintiffs individual claim. BankAtlantic Bancorp believes
the claim to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action.
SEC Investigation
BankAtlantic Bancorp has received a notice of investigation from the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Miami Regional Office and subpoenas for information. The subpoenas request a broad
range of documents relating to, among other matters, recent and pending litigation to which
BankAtlantic Bancorp is or was a party, certain of BankAtlantics non-performing, non-accrual and
charged-off loans, BankAtlantic Bancorps cost saving measures, BankAtlantic Bancorps recently
formed asset workout subsidiary and any purchases or sales of BankAtlantic Bancorps common stock
by officers or directors of BankAtlantic Bancorp. Various current and
former employees have also received subpoenas for documents and testimony. BankAtlantic
Bancorp is fully cooperating with the SEC.
62
Lashelle Farrington, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. BankAtlantic,
a Federal Savings Bank, Case No. 09-006210 (11), in the Circuit Court of the Seventeenth Judicial
Circuit in and for Broward County, Florida.
The original Farrington complaint was filed on February 2, 2009 against BankAtlantic and
several of BankAtlantics affiliates (namely, BA Financial Services, LLC, BankAtlantic Bancorp,
Inc., BFC Financial Corporation, and Joe Does 1-10), and the Plaintiff subsequently amended the
complaint to drop the non-BankAtlantic defendants. The Amended Complaint alleges that BankAtlantic
breached its Personal Account Depositors Agreement by charging overdraft fees for certain debit
card purchases when the customer allegedly had sufficient funds in her account at the time that the
items were paid even though the account was overdrawn at the close of business. The Plaintiff
seeks to establish a class comprised of all persons or entities with accounts that incurred these
allegedly improper overdraft fees on debit card transactions in the previous 5 years. The
Plaintiff has not yet moved to certify a class. BankAtlantic Bancorp believes the claims to be
without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action
Joel and Elizabeth Rothman, on behalf of themselves and all persons similarly situated vs.
BankAtlantic, Case No. 09-059341 (07), Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit for Broward
County, Florida.
On November 2, 2009, Joel and Elizabeth Rothman filed a purported class action against
BankAtlantic in Florida state court. The Complaint asserts claims for breach of contract, breach of
duty of good faith and fair dealing, unjust enrichment, conversion, and usury. Each of these counts
is related to BankAtlantics collection of overdraft fees. The Complaint alleges that BankAtlantic
failed to adequately warn its customers about overdrafts, failed to give its customers the ability
to opt out of an automatic overdraft protection program and improperly manipulated debit card
transactions. The Plaintiffs seek to represent three classes of BankAtlantic customers in the State
of Florida who were assessed overdraft fees. BankAtlantic Bancorp believes the claims to be without
merit and intends to vigorously defend the action.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are also parties to
lawsuits as plaintiff or defendant involving its bank operations, lending, tax certificates
activities and real estate activities. Additionally, from time to time, Bluegreen becomes involved
in disputes with existing and former employees, vendors, taxing jurisdictions and various other
parties. Although the Company believes it has meritorious defenses in the pending legal actions and
that the outcomes of these pending legal matters should not materially impact us, the ultimate
outcomes of these matters are uncertain.
ITEM 4. REMOVED AND RESERVED
63
PART II
ITEM
5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock have substantially identical terms, except
as follows:
| |
|
|
Each share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share held, with all
holders of Class A Common Stock possessing in the aggregate 22% of the total voting power.
Holders of Class B Common Stock have the remaining 78% of the total voting power. If the
number of shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding decreases to 1,800,000 shares, the
Class A Common Stocks aggregate voting power will increase to 40% and the Class B Common
Stock will have the remaining 60%. If the number of shares of Class B Common Stock
outstanding decreases to 1,400,000 shares, the Class A Common Stocks aggregate voting
power will increase to 53% and the Class B Common Stock will have the remaining 47%. If the
number of shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding decreases to 500,000, the fixed voting
percentages will be eliminated. |
| |
| |
|
|
Each share of Class B Common Stock is convertible at the option of the holder thereof
into one share of Class A Common Stock. |
In addition to any other approval required by Florida law, the foregoing voting structure may
not be amended without the approval of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the
Companys Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate class.
Market Information
Since, December 9, 2008, our Class A Common Stock has been quoted on the Pink Sheets
Electronic Quotation Service (Pink Sheets) under the ticker symbol BFCF.PK. Prior to that time,
our Class A Common Stock traded on NYSE Arca (after the previously trading on the NASDAQ National
Market). Our Class B Common Stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol BFCFB.OB.
The following table sets forth, for the indicated periods, (i) the high and low trading prices
for our Class A Common Stock as reported by NYSE Arca from January 1, 2008 through December 8, 2008
and as quoted on the Pink Sheets from December 9, 2008 through December 31, 2009 and (ii) the high
and low trading prices for our Class B Common Stock as reported by the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The over-the-counter stock prices do not include
retail mark-ups, mark-downs or commissions.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Class A Common Stock: |
|
High |
|
|
Low |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
1.56 |
|
|
$ |
0.50 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
1.26 |
|
|
|
0.57 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
1.04 |
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
0.68 |
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
0.32 |
|
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
0.51 |
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
0.70 |
|
|
|
0.26 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
0.74 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
64
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Class B Common Stock: |
|
High |
|
|
Low |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
1.50 |
|
|
$ |
1.08 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
1.20 |
|
|
|
0.65 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
0.75 |
|
|
|
0.52 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
0.25 |
|
|
$ |
0.25 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
0.51 |
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
0.40 |
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
1.24 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
Holders
On March 26, 2010, there were approximately 684 record holders of our Class A Common Stock and
approximately 452 record holders of our Class B Common Stock.
Dividends
While there are no restrictions on our payment of cash dividends we have never paid cash
dividends on our common stock.
There are restrictions on the payment of dividends by BankAtlantic to BankAtlantic Bancorp and
in certain circumstances on the payment of dividends by BankAtlantic Bancorp to holders of its
common stock, including BFC. BankAtlantic Bancorp does not expect to receive dividend payments from
BankAtlantic, and BankAtlantic Bancorp is currently prohibited from paying dividends on its common
stock due to its decision to defer interest payments on its junior subordinated debentures. See
Financial Services Risk Factors and Financial Services Regulation and Supervision Limitation
on Capital Distributions and Note 23 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for
additional information.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On September 21, 2009, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program which
authorizes the repurchase of up to 20,000,000 shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock at an
aggregate cost of no more than $10 million. The share repurchase program replaced our $10 million
repurchase program that our Board of Directors approved in October 2006 which placed a limitation
on the number of shares which could be repurchased under the program at 1,750,000 shares of Class A
Common Stock. In 2008, we repurchased 100,000 shares of Class A Common Stock at an aggregate cost
of $54,000 under the prior program. The current program, like the prior program, authorizes
management, at its discretion, to repurchase shares from time to time subject to market conditions
and other factors. No shares were repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2009.
65
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data as of and for the
years ended December 31, 2005 through 2009. Certain selected financial data presented below
is derived from our consolidated financial statements. This table is a summary and should be
read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto
which are included elsewhere in this report.
(Dollars in thousands, except for per share data)
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
For the Years Ended December 31, |
|
| |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Statement of Operations Data (e): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real Estate and Other |
|
$ |
39,726 |
|
|
|
16,870 |
|
|
|
415,881 |
|
|
|
573,574 |
|
|
|
564,697 |
|
Financial Services |
|
|
354,087 |
|
|
|
449,571 |
|
|
|
520,793 |
|
|
|
507,746 |
|
|
|
445,537 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
393,813 |
|
|
|
466,441 |
|
|
|
936,674 |
|
|
|
1,081,320 |
|
|
|
1,010,234 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real Estate and Other |
|
|
206,892 |
|
|
|
76,470 |
|
|
|
711,073 |
|
|
|
617,211 |
|
|
|
507,948 |
|
Financial Services |
|
|
573,467 |
|
|
|
634,970 |
|
|
|
579,458 |
|
|
|
474,311 |
|
|
|
381,916 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
780,359 |
|
|
|
711,440 |
|
|
|
1,290,531 |
|
|
|
1,091,522 |
|
|
|
889,864 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on bargain purchase of Bluegreen |
|
|
183,138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on settlement of investment in Woodbridges subsidiary |
|
|
29,679 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates |
|
|
33,381 |
|
|
|
15,064 |
|
|
|
12,724 |
|
|
|
10,935 |
|
|
|
13,404 |
|
Impairment of unconsolidated affiliates |
|
|
(31,181 |
) |
|
|
(96,579 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments gains (losses), interest and other income |
|
|
19,549 |
|
|
|
(5,722 |
) |
|
|
17,183 |
|
|
|
11,479 |
|
|
|
13,033 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|