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Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Oct. 31, 2014
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] | Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Toll Brothers, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), a Delaware corporation, and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in 50% or less owned partnerships and affiliates are accounted for using the equity method unless it is determined that we have effective control of the entity, in which case we would consolidate the entity. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents Liquid investments or investments with original maturities of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents. The carrying value of these investments approximates their fair value. Marketable Securities Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and, accordingly, are stated at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices. Changes in unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and are reported as other comprehensive income, net of income tax effects, if any. The cost of marketable securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Restricted Cash Restricted cash primarily represents cash deposits collateralizing certain deductibles under insurance policies, outstanding letters of credit outside of our bank revolving credit facility, and cash deposited into a voluntary employee benefit association to fund certain future employee benefits. Inventory Inventory is stated at cost unless an impairment exists, in which case it is written down to fair value in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment” (“ASC 360”). In addition to direct land acquisition costs, land development costs, and home construction costs, costs also include interest, real estate taxes, and direct overhead related to development and construction, which are capitalized to inventory during the period beginning with the commencement of development and ending with the completion of construction. For those communities that have been temporarily closed, no additional capitalized interest is allocated to a community’s inventory until it reopens. While the community remains closed, carrying costs such as real estate taxes are expensed as incurred. We capitalize certain interest costs to qualified inventory during the development and construction period of our communities in accordance with ASC 835-20, “Capitalization of Interest” (“ASC 835-20”). Capitalized interest is charged to cost of revenues when the related inventory is delivered. Interest incurred on home building indebtedness in excess of qualified inventory, as defined in ASC 835-20, is charged to the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income in the period incurred. Once a parcel of land has been approved for development and we open one of our typical communities, it may take four or more years to fully develop, sell, and deliver all the homes in such community. Longer or shorter time periods are possible depending on the number of home sites in a community and the sales and delivery pace of the homes in a community. Our master planned communities, consisting of several smaller communities, may take up to 10 years or more to complete. Because our inventory is considered a long-lived asset under GAAP, we are required, under ASC 360, to regularly review the carrying value of each community and write down the value of those communities for which we believe the values are not recoverable. Operating Communities: When the profitability of an operating community deteriorates, the sales pace declines significantly, or some other factor indicates a possible impairment in the recoverability of the asset, the asset is reviewed for impairment by comparing the estimated future undiscounted cash flow for the community to its carrying value. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flow is less than the community’s carrying value, the carrying value is written down to its estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is primarily determined by discounting the estimated future cash flow of each community. The impairment is charged to cost of revenues in the period in which the impairment is determined. In estimating the future undiscounted cash flow of a community, we use various estimates such as (i) the expected sales pace in a community, based upon general economic conditions that will have a short-term or long-term impact on the market in which the community is located and on competition within the market, including the number of home sites available and pricing and incentives being offered in other communities owned by us or by other builders; (ii) the expected sales prices and sales incentives to be offered in a community; (iii) costs expended to date and expected to be incurred in the future, including, but not limited to, land and land development, home construction, interest, and overhead costs; (iv) alternative product offerings that may be offered in a community that will have an impact on sales pace, sales price, building cost, or the number of homes that can be built on a particular site; and (v) alternative uses for the property such as the possibility of a sale of the entire community to another builder or the sale of individual home sites. Future Communities: We evaluate all land held for future communities or future sections of operating communities, whether owned or under contract, to determine whether or not we expect to proceed with the development of the land as originally contemplated. This evaluation encompasses the same types of estimates used for operating communities described above, as well as an evaluation of the regulatory environment applicable to the land and the estimated probability of obtaining the necessary approvals, the estimated time and cost it will take to obtain the approvals, and the possible concessions that will be required to be given in order to obtain them. Concessions may include cash payments to fund improvements to public places such as parks and streets, dedication of a portion of the property for use by the public or as open space, or a reduction in the density or size of the homes to be built. Based upon this review, we decide (i) as to land under contract to be purchased, whether the contract will likely be terminated or renegotiated, and (ii) as to land owned, whether the land will likely be developed as contemplated or in an alternative manner, or should be sold. We then further determine whether costs that have been capitalized to the community are recoverable or should be written off. The write-off is charged to cost of revenues in the period in which the need for the write-off is determined. The estimates used in the determination of the estimated cash flows and fair value of both current and future communities are based on factors known to us at the time such estimates are made and our expectations of future operations and economic conditions. Should the estimates or expectations used in determining estimated fair value deteriorate in the future, we may be required to recognize additional impairment charges and write-offs related to current and future communities. Variable Interest Entities We are required to consolidate variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which we have a controlling financial interest in accordance with ASC 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”). A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Our variable interest in VIEs may be in the form of equity ownership, contracts to purchase assets, management services, and development agreements between us and a VIE, loans provided by us to a VIE or other member, and/or guarantees provided by members to banks and other parties. We have a significant number of land purchase contracts and several investments in unconsolidated entities which we evaluate in accordance with ASC 810. We analyze our land purchase contracts and the unconsolidated entities in which we have an investment to determine whether the land sellers and unconsolidated entities are VIEs and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary. We examine specific criteria and use our judgment when determining if we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Factors considered in determining whether we are the primary beneficiary include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of other member(s), voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions, representation on a VIE’s executive committee, existence of unilateral kick-out rights or voting rights, level of economic disproportionality between us and the other member(s), and contracts to purchase assets from VIEs. The determination whether an entity is a VIE and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary may require significant judgment. Property, Construction, and Office Equipment Property, construction, and office equipment are recorded at cost and are stated net of accumulated depreciation of $171.1 million and $159.5 million at October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. In fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recognized $13.4 million, $10.8 million, and $8.1 million of depreciation expense, respectively. Mortgage Loans Held for Sale Residential mortgage loans held for sale are measured at fair value in accordance with the provisions of ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” (“ASC 825”). We believe the use of ASC 825 improves consistency of mortgage loan valuations between the date the borrower locks in the interest rate on the pending mortgage loan and the date of the mortgage loan sale. At the end of the reporting period, we determine the fair value of our mortgage loans held for sale and the forward loan commitments we have entered into as a hedge against the interest rate risk of our mortgage loans using the market approach to determine fair value. The evaluation is based on the current market pricing of mortgage loans with similar terms and values as of the reporting date, and such pricing is applied to the mortgage loan portfolio. We recognize the difference between the fair value and the unpaid principal balance of mortgage loans held for sale as a gain or loss. In addition, we recognize the fair value of our forward loan commitments as a gain or loss. Interest income on mortgage loans held for sale is calculated based upon the stated interest rate of each loan. In addition, the recognition of net origination costs and fees associated with residential mortgage loans originated are expensed as incurred. These gains and losses, interest income, and origination costs and fees are recognized in “Other income - net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Entities In accordance with ASC 323, “Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures,” we review each of our investments on a quarterly basis for indicators of impairment. A series of operating losses of an investee, the inability to recover our invested capital, or other factors may indicate that a loss in value of our investment in the unconsolidated entity has occurred. If a loss exists, we further review the investment to determine if the loss is other than temporary, in which case we write down the investment to its fair value. The evaluation of our investment in unconsolidated entities entails a detailed cash flow analysis using many estimates, including, but not limited to, expected sales pace, expected sales prices, expected incentives, costs incurred and anticipated, sufficiency of financing and capital, competition, market conditions, and anticipated cash receipts, in order to determine projected future distributions. Each of the unconsolidated entities evaluates its inventory in a similar manner as we do. See “Inventory” above for more detailed disclosure on our evaluation of inventory. If a valuation adjustment is recorded by an unconsolidated entity related to its assets, our proportionate share is reflected in income (loss) from unconsolidated entities with a corresponding decrease to our investment in unconsolidated entities. We are a party to several joint ventures with unrelated parties to develop and sell land that is owned by the joint ventures. We recognize our proportionate share of the earnings from the sale of home sites to other builders, including our joint venture partners. We do not recognize earnings from the home sites we purchase from these ventures, at the time of purchase, instead our cost basis in those home sites is reduced by our share of the earnings realized by the joint venture from sales of those home sites to us. We are also a party to several other joint ventures. We recognize our proportionate share of the earnings and losses of our unconsolidated entities. Investments in Distressed Loans and Foreclosed Real Estate Our investments in distressed loans are initially recorded at cost which we believe is fair value. The fair value is determined by discounting the cash flows expected to be collected from the portfolios using a discount rate that we believe a market participant would use in determining fair value. We estimate cash flows expected to be collected on a loan-by-loan basis considering the contractual terms of the loan, current and expected loan performance, the manner and timing of disposition, the nature and estimated fair value of real estate or other collateral, and other factors we deem appropriate. The estimated fair value of the loans at acquisition was significantly less than the contractual amounts due under the terms of the loan agreements. At the acquisition of a distressed loan, if we expect to collect less than the full contractual amounts due under the terms of the loans based, at least in part, on the assessment of the credit quality of the borrowers, the loans are accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality” (“ASC 310-30”). Under ASC 310-30, the accretable yield, or the amount by which the cash flows expected to be collected at the acquisition date exceed the estimated fair value of the loan, is recognized in other income – net over the estimated remaining life of the loan using a level yield methodology, provided we do not presently have the intention to utilize real estate secured by the loans for use in our operations or to significantly improve the collateral for resale. The difference between the contractually required payments on the loan as of the acquisition date and the total cash flows expected to be collected, or the nonaccretable difference, is not recognized. Pursuant to ASC 310-30, we aggregate loans with common risk characteristics into pools for purposes of recognizing interest income and evaluating changes in estimated cash flows. Loan pools are evaluated as a single loan for purposes of placing the pool on nonaccrual status or evaluating loan impairment. Generally, a loan pool is classified as nonaccrual when management is unable to reasonably estimate the timing or amount of cash flows expected to be collected from the loan pool or has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest. Proceeds received on nonaccrual loan pools generally are either applied against principal or reported as other income - net, depending on management’s judgment as to the collectability of principal. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, none of our loan pools were on nonaccrual status. A loan is removed from a loan pool only when we sell, foreclose, or otherwise receive assets in satisfaction of the loan, or the loan is written off. Loans removed from a pool are removed at their amortized cost (unpaid principal balance less unamortized discount and provision for loan loss) as of the date of resolution. We periodically re-evaluate cash flows expected to be collected for each loan pool based upon all available information as of the measurement date. Subsequent increases in cash flows expected to be collected are recognized prospectively through an adjustment to the loan pool’s yield over its remaining life, which may result in a reclassification from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield. Subsequent decreases in cash flows expected to be collected are evaluated to determine whether a provision for loan loss should be established. If decreases in expected cash flows result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of the loan pool below its amortized cost, the loan pool is deemed to be impaired and we will record a provision for loan losses to write the loan pool down to its estimated fair value. For the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recorded provisions for loan losses of $1.5 million and $0.7 million, and $2.3 million, respectively. Our investments in distressed loans are classified as held for investment because we have the intent and ability to hold them for the foreseeable future. Foreclosed Real Estate Owned (“REO”): REO assets, either directly owned or owned through a participation arrangement, acquired through subsequent foreclosure or deed in lieu actions on non-performing loans, are initially recorded at fair value based upon third-party appraisals, broker opinions of value, or internal valuation methodologies (which may include discounted cash flows, capitalization rate analysis, or comparable transactional analysis). Unobservable inputs used in estimating the fair value of REO assets are based upon the best information available under the circumstances and take into consideration the financial condition and operating results of the asset, local market conditions, the availability of capital, interest and inflation rates, and other factors deemed appropriate by management. REO assets acquired are reviewed to determine if they should be classified as “held and used” or “held for sale.” REO classified as “held and used” is stated at carrying cost unless an impairment exists, in which case it is written down to fair value in accordance with ASC 360-10-35. REO classified as “held for sale” is carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. An impairment charge is recognized for any decreases in estimated fair value subsequent to the acquisition date. For both classifications, carrying costs incurred after the acquisition, including property taxes and insurance, are expensed. For the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recorded impairments on REO of $1.4 million, $0.5 million, and $0.1 million, respectively. Loan Sales: As part of our disposition strategy for the loan portfolios, we may sell certain loans to third-party purchasers. We recognize gains or losses on the sale of mortgage loans when the loans have been legally isolated from us and we no longer maintain effective control over the transferred assets. Fair Value Disclosures We use ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), to measure the fair value of certain assets and liabilities. ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value, and requires certain disclosures about fair value measurements. The fair value hierarchy is summarized below:
Level 1: |  | Fair value determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: |  | Fair value determined using significant observable inputs, generally either quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities or quoted prices in markets that are not active.
Level 3: |  | Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs, such as pricing models, discounted cash flows, or similar techniques.
Treasury Stock Treasury stock is recorded at cost. Issuance of treasury stock is accounted for on a first-in, first-out basis. Differences between the cost of treasury stock and the re-issuance proceeds are charged to additional paid-in capital. Revenue and Cost Recognition The construction time of our homes is generally less than one year from when construction of the home begins, although some homes may take more than one year to complete. Revenues and cost of revenues from these home sales are recorded at the time each home is delivered and title and possession are transferred to the buyer. For our standard attached and detached homes, land, land development, and related costs, both incurred and estimated to be incurred in the future, are amortized to the cost of homes closed based upon the total number of homes to be constructed in each community. Any changes resulting from a change in the estimated number of homes to be constructed or in the estimated costs subsequent to the commencement of delivery of homes are allocated to the remaining undelivered homes in the community. Home construction and related costs are charged to the cost of homes closed under the specific identification method. The estimated land, common area development, and related costs of master planned communities, including the cost of golf courses, net of their estimated residual value, are allocated to individual communities within a master planned community on a relative sales value basis. Any changes resulting from a change in the estimated number of homes to be constructed or in the estimated costs are allocated to the remaining home sites in each of the communities of the master planned community. For high-rise/mid-rise projects that do not qualify for percentage of completion accounting, land, land development, construction, and related costs, both incurred and estimated to be incurred in the future, are generally amortized to the cost of units closed based upon an estimated relative sales value of the units closed to the total estimated sales value. Any changes resulting from a change in the estimated total costs or revenues of the project are allocated to the remaining units to be delivered. Forfeited Customer Deposits: Forfeited customer deposits are recognized in other income - net in the period in which we determine that the customer will not complete the purchase of the home and we have the right to retain the deposit. Sales Incentives: In order to promote sales of our homes, we grant our home buyers sales incentives from time to time. These incentives will vary by type of incentive and by amount on a community-by-community and home-by-home basis. Incentives that impact the value of the home or the sales price paid, such as special or additional options, are generally reflected as a reduction in sales revenues. Incentives that we pay to an outside party, such as paying some or all of a home buyer’s closing costs, are recorded as an additional cost of revenues. Incentives are recognized at the time the home is delivered to the home buyer and we receive the sales proceeds. Advertising Costs We expense advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs were $15.6 million, $11.6 million, and $11.4 million for the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Warranty and Self-Insurance Warranty: We provide all of our home buyers with a limited warranty as to workmanship and mechanical equipment. We also provide many of our home buyers with a limited 10-year warranty as to structural integrity. We accrue for expected warranty costs at the time each home is closed and title and possession are transferred to the home buyer. Warranty costs are accrued based upon historical experience. Adjustments to our warranty liabilities related to homes delivered in prior years are recorded in the period in which a change in our estimate occurs. Self-Insurance: We maintain, and require the majority of our subcontractors to maintain, general liability insurance (including construction defect and bodily injury coverage) and workers’ compensation insurance. These insurance policies protect us against a portion of our risk of loss from claims related to our home building activities, subject to certain self-insured retentions, deductibles and other coverage limits (“self-insured liability”). We also provide general liability insurance for our subcontractors in Arizona, California, Nevada and Washington, where eligible subcontractors are enrolled as insureds under our general liability insurance policies in each community in which they perform work. For those enrolled subcontractors, we absorb their general liability associated with the work performed on our homes within the applicable community as part of our overall general liability insurance and our self-insurance through our captive insurance subsidiary. We record expenses and liabilities based on the estimated costs required to cover our self-insured liability and the estimated costs of potential claims and claim adjustment expenses that are above our coverage limits or that are not covered by our insurance policies. These estimated costs are based on an analysis of our historical claims and industry data, and include an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”). We engage a third-party actuary that uses our historical claim and expense data, input from our internal legal and risk management groups, as well as industry data, to estimate our liabilities related to unpaid claims, IBNR associated with the risks that we are assuming for our self-insured liability and other required costs to administer current and expected claims. These estimates are subject to uncertainty due to a variety of factors, the most significant being the long period of time between the delivery of a home to a home buyer and when a structural warranty or construction defect claim is made, and the ultimate resolution of the claim. Though state regulations vary, construction defect claims are reported and resolved over a prolonged period of time, which can extend for 10 years or longer. As a result, the majority of the estimated liability relates to IBNR. Adjustments to our liabilities related to homes delivered in prior years are recorded in the period in which a change in our estimate occurs. The projection of losses related to these liabilities requires actuarial assumptions that are subject to variability due to uncertainties regarding construction defect claims relative to our markets and the types of product we build, insurance industry practices and legal or regulatory actions and/or interpretations, among other factors. Key assumptions used in these estimates include claim frequencies, severities, and settlement patterns, which can occur over an extended period of time. In addition, changes in the frequency and severity of reported claims and the estimates to settle claims can impact the trends and assumptions used in the actuarial analysis, which could be material to our consolidated financial statements. Due to the degree of judgment required, the potential for variability in these underlying assumptions, our actual future costs could differ from those estimated, and the difference could be material to our consolidated financial statements. Stock-Based Compensation We account for our stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). We use a lattice model for the valuation for our stock option grants. The option pricing models used are designed to estimate the value of options that, unlike employee stock options and restricted stock units, can be traded at any time and are transferable. In addition to restrictions on trading, employee stock options and restricted stock units may include other restrictions such as vesting periods. Further, such models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the stock price. Stock-based compensation expense is generally included in “Selling, general and administrative” expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Income Taxes We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on temporary differences between the amounts reported for financial reporting purposes and the amounts reported for income tax purposes. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 740, we assess the realizability of our deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance must be established when, based upon available evidence, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. See “Income Taxes – Valuation Allowance” below. Federal and state income taxes are calculated on reported pre-tax earnings based on current tax law and also include, in the applicable period, the cumulative effect of any changes in tax rates from those used previously in determining deferred tax assets and liabilities. Such provisions (benefits) differ from the amounts currently receivable or payable because certain items of income and expense are recognized for financial reporting purposes in different periods than for income tax purposes. Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions (benefits) and evaluating tax positions. We establish reserves for income taxes when, despite the belief that our tax positions are fully supportable, we believe that our positions may be challenged and disallowed by various tax authorities. The consolidated tax provisions (benefits) and related accruals include the impact of such reasonably estimable disallowances as deemed appropriate. To the extent that the probable tax outcome of these matters changes, such changes in estimates will impact the income tax provision (benefit) in the period in which such determination is made. ASC 740 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attributes for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC 740 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. ASC 740 requires a company to recognize the financial statement effect of a tax position when it is “more-likely-than-not” (defined as a substantiated likelihood of more than 50%), based on the technical merits of the position, that the position will be sustained upon examination. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements based upon the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Our inability to determine that a tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold does not mean that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or any other taxing authority will disagree with the position that we have taken. If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, despite our belief that our filing position is supportable, the benefit of that tax position is not recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income and we are required to accrue potential interest and penalties until the uncertainty is resolved. Potential interest and penalties are recognized as a component of the provision for income taxes. Differences between amounts taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements are considered unrecognized tax benefits. We believe that we have a reasonable basis for each of our filing positions and intend to defend those positions if challenged by the IRS or other taxing jurisdiction. If the IRS or other taxing authorities do not disagree with our position, and after the statute of limitations expires, we will recognize the unrecognized tax benefit in the period that the uncertainty of the tax position is eliminated. Income Taxes — Valuation Allowance Significant judgment is applied in assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets. In accordance with GAAP, a valuation allowance is established against a deferred tax asset if, based on the available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that such asset will not be realized. The realization of a deferred tax asset ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in either the carryback or carryforward periods under tax law. We assess the need for valuation allowances for deferred tax assets based on GAAP’s more-likely-than-not realization threshold criteria. In our assessment, appropriate consideration is given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. Forming a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed is difficult when there is significant negative evidence such as cumulative losses in recent years. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, consistency, and magnitude of current and cumulative income and losses; forecasts of future profitability; the duration of statutory carryback or carryforward periods; our experience with operating loss and tax credit carryforwards being used before expiration; and tax planning alternatives. Our assessment of the need for a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets includes assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Changes in existing tax laws or rates could affect our actual tax results, and our future business results may affect the amount of our deferred tax liabilities or the valuation of our deferred tax assets over time. Our accounting for deferred tax assets represents our best estimate of future events. Due to uncertainties in the estimation process, particularly with respect to changes in facts and circumstances in future reporting periods (carryforward period assumptions), actual results could differ from the estimates used in our analysis. Our assumptions require significant judgment because the residential home building industry is cyclical and is highly sensitive to changes in economic conditions. If our results of operations are less than projected and there is insufficient objectively verifiable positive evidence to support the more-likely-than-not realization of our deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance would be required to reduce or eliminate our deferred tax assets. Noncontrolling Interest We have a 67% interest in an entity that is developing land. The financial statements of this entity are consolidated in our consolidated financial statements. The amounts shown in our Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Noncontrolling interest” represent the noncontrolling interest attributable to the 33% minority interest not owned by us. Segment Reporting We operate in two segments: traditional home building and urban infill. We build and sell homes for detached and attached homes in luxury residential communities located in affluent suburban markets and cater to move-up, empty-nester, active-adult, age-qualified, and second-home buyers in the United States (“Traditional Home Building”). We also build and sell homes in urban infill markets through Toll Brothers City Living® (“City Living”). We have determined that our Traditional Home Building operations operate in four geographic segments: North, Mid-Atlantic, South, and West. The states comprising each geographic segment are as follows: North: Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York Mid-Atlantic: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia South: Florida, North Carolina, and Texas West: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington Related Party Transactions See Note 4, “Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Entities,” for information regarding Toll Brothers Realty Trust. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), which provides guidance for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. This ASU also supersedes some cost guidance included in Subtopic 605-35, “Revenue Recognition-Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts.” The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price, and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for us beginning November 1, 2017, and, at that time, we may adopt the new standard under the full retrospective approach or the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04, “Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors” (“ASU 2014-04”), which clarifies when in substance repossession or foreclosure of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan has occurred. By doing so, this guidance helps determine when the creditor should derecognize the loan receivable and recognize the real estate property. ASU 2014-04 is effective prospectively for us beginning November 1, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2014-04 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures. In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 is intended to end inconsistent practices regarding the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is available to reduce the taxable income or tax payable that would result from the disallowance of a tax position. ASU 2013-11 is effective for us beginning November 1, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures. In April 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-04, “Liabilities” (“ASU 2013-04”), which provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. ASU 2013-04 is effective for us beginning November 1, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-04 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

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