Ryland Swings To Loss in Fourth Quarter

Calabasas, CA, January 23, 2008--Ryland Group Inc. posted a sizeable loss for the fourth quarter as fewer people bought homes.

Ryland lost $201.9 million, or $4.80 per share, in the fourth quarter, compared to a profit of $87.2 million, or $1.98 per share, in the fourth quarter last year.

The loss included a $242.7 million charge on lower property values.

Excluding charges, profit was 53 cents per share. Sales fell 36 percent to $854.1 million from $1.34 billion.

The company sold 3,061 homes during the quarter, a 30 percent fall from a year ago. New orders also fell 7 percent to 1,596 homes.