The Ryland Group Scores A+ on Big Builder's Public Builder 2014 Report Card

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Ryland Group, Inc. RYL has received an A+ on Big Builder Magazine's annual public builder report card. The 2014 public builder report cards, ultimately graded by Builder Magazine's editors, provide research-based analysis of financial and operational performances, which includes financial, operations, sales and marketing and land, for 17 public home building companies during 2013.

Ryland Homes achieved an A+ for its strong 2013 financial and operational performance. The editors noted that Ryland posted strong numbers in 2013, scoring at or near the top in earnings per share, cash and marketable securities, and pre-tax income from home building. Additionally, Ryland's community count, which grew 21.8 percent in 2013, is expected by Wells Fargo to continue growing and therefore drive an above-average order growth in 2014.

On the scorecard, Ryland received 29 out of 40 points for financial results, 15 out of 20 points for operational results, 19 out of 20 points for land controlled and 15 out of 20 points for sales and marketing execution, making its final performance grade an A+ rating.

“We are excited to receive an A+ on our report card from Big Builder Magazine,” stated Larry Nicholson, Ryland's President and Chief Executive Officer. “In 2013, Ryland's teams throughout our 21 markets worked diligently to execute our customer-centric business model and we are thrilled that industry experts have recognized our excellence. We continue to execute our strategic plan to improve the strength of our organization as well as deliver thousands of energy efficient homes for homebuyers across the country.”

For information regarding the builder report card or Ryland Homes, contact Diane Morrison and visit www.Ryland.com for details on Ryland's homes and communities.

Headquartered in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation's largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. Since its founding in 1967, Ryland has built more than 310,000 homes and financed more than 255,000 mortgages. The Company currently operates in 17 states across the country and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RYL." For more information, please visit www.ryland.com.