Group 1 - The earnings reports from home builders D.R. Horton (DHI) and Pulte Home (PHM) were not particularly remarkable, but they exceeded market expectations [1] - Both builders reported results that were not as bad as feared and reaffirmed strong market positions [1] Group 2 - The article highlights the importance of expectations in the financial markets, particularly in the context of earnings reports [1]

Core Viewpoint - DR Horton Inc. (DHI) experienced a significant stock increase of 17.02%, marking its best single-day performance since March 2009 [1]. Financial Performance - The company reported third-quarter earnings per share (EPS) and orders that exceeded expectations [2].

Stock Performance - D.R Horton and PulteGroup shares experienced a rise following the release of their latest quarterly results [1] - The quarterly results of both homebuilders exceeded expectations [1]

Core Viewpoint - D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI) reported better-than-expected third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with earnings and total revenues exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimate but showing a decline year-over-year [1][5]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings were $3.36 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.90 by 15.9%, but down 18% from $4.10 a year ago [5][10]. - Total revenues reached $9.23 billion, a decrease of 7% year-over-year, yet exceeding analysts' expectations of $8.78 billion by 5.1% [6][10]. - The consolidated pre-tax profit margin was 14.7%, down from 18.1% a year ago [6]. Segment Performance - Homebuilding revenues were $8.58 billion, down 7% from the prior-year quarter, with home sales at $8.56 billion, a 7.3% decline year-over-year [7]. - Home closings decreased by 4% to 23,160 homes [7]. - Financial Services revenues fell 6% year-over-year to $227.8 million [9]. - The Rental business generated revenues of $380.7 million, down from $413.7 million a year ago [11]. Market Conditions - The housing market remains soft due to declining consumer confidence and affordability concerns, impacting home closings and average selling prices [2]. - The backlog of homes decreased by 16% year-over-year to 14,075 homes, with the backlog value down 19% to $5.3 billion [8][10]. Operational Insights - The company maintains strong liquidity with cash and equivalents totaling $2.66 billion and total liquidity of $5.5 billion [12]. - D.R. Horton has a disciplined approach to capital allocation and flexible lot supply, positioning it to adapt to market conditions [4]. Guidance and Future Outlook - D.R. Horton updated its fiscal 2025 guidance, now expecting consolidated revenues between $33.7 billion and $34.2 billion, down from the previous range of $33.3 billion to $34.8 billion [15]. - Homes closed are anticipated to be between 85,000 and 85,500, compared to the previous expectation of 85,000 to 87,000 [15].

Group 1 - PulteGroup Inc (NYSE:PHM) shares increased by 9.4% to $118.81 after exceeding second-quarter earnings and revenue estimates, aided by buyer incentives [1] - Wedbush raised PulteGroup's price target from $135 to $150 following the earnings report [1] - PulteGroup's stock is up 8.2% year-to-date and has surpassed resistance at the 320-day moving average, reaching its highest levels since late January [1] Group 2 - D.R. Horton Inc (NYSE:DHI) shares rose by 13.8% to $149.47, marking its best day since April 2020, after reporting better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter earnings and revenue [4] - D.R. Horton is now showing a 7.3% year-to-date gain and has broken into positive territory for 2025 [4] - Options trading for D.R. Horton is significantly higher, with 15,000 calls and 11,000 puts traded, which is eight times the typical volume [5]

D.R. HORTON, INC., AMERICA'S BUILDER, REPORTS FISCAL 2025 THIRD QUARTER EARNINGS AND DECLARES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND OF $0.40 PER SHARE ARLINGTON, Texas (Business Wire) - July 22, 2025 Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Highlights D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI), America's Builder, today reported that net income per diluted share attributable to D.R. Horton for its third fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2025 decreased 18% to $3.36 compared to $4.10 in the same quarter of fiscal 2024. Net income attributable to D.R. Horton in ...

Q2 2025 Highlights - Lots Contracted for Sale increased by 41% from Q2 FY 2024 to 25,400 lots[14] - Lot Position increased by 11% from Q2 FY 2024 to 105,900 lots[14] - Book Value Per Share increased by 10% from Q2 FY 2024 to $3236[14] - Revenues increased 5% to $351 million on 3,411 lots sold[17] - Real estate book value increased 30% year-over-year to $28 billion at March 31, 2025[17] Financial Position - Earnings per diluted share of $062 on net income of $316 million[17] - Pre-tax income of $407 million[17] - Net debt to capital of 298%, with total liquidity of $792 million[17] - The company issued $500 million of 650% senior unsecured notes due 2033[17] - The company completed a tender offer to purchase $3294 million of existing 385% senior unsecured notes due 2026[17] Strategic Goals and Market Position - Forestar targets a return on average inventory of >15% and return of phase 1 investment within 36 months[21] - Pre-tax profit margin of 151% for Q2 TTM FY 2025[22] - Forestar is targeting 5% market share within the US single-family residential lot development industry[49] - Owned lots under contract to sell increased 41% year-over-year to 25,400 lots, representing 37% of the owned lot position[84]

Shares of D.R. Horton rose the most in more than five years as the homebuilder posted earnings that beat expectations even as the US housing market remains sluggish https://t.co/l5iHMzVWXg ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings for Q3 2025 were $3.36 per diluted share, down from $4.10 in the prior year quarter [11] - Consolidated revenues for the quarter were $9.2 billion, with a pre-tax income of $1.4 billion and a pre-tax profit margin of 14.7% [7][11] - Net income for the quarter was $1 billion, with home sales revenues of $8.6 billion on 23,160 homes closed, compared to $9.2 billion on 24,155 homes closed in the prior year quarter [11][12] - The cancellation rate for the quarter was 17%, up from 16% sequentially but down from 18% in the prior year quarter [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Home sales gross margin was 21.8%, stable sequentially but expected to decrease in Q4 due to increased sales incentives [13] - Homebuilding SG&A expenses increased 2% year-over-year, with SG&A as a percentage of revenues at 7.8%, up 70 basis points from the prior year [14] - Rental operations generated $55 million of pre-tax income on $381 million of revenues from single-family and multifamily rental homes [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average closing price for the quarter was $369,600, down 1% sequentially and down 3% year-over-year [11] - The average number of active selling communities was up 4% sequentially and up 12% year-over-year [12] - The company ended the quarter with 38,400 homes in inventory, of which 25,000 were unsold [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on maximizing capital efficiency and generating substantial operating cash flows while delivering returns to shareholders [9] - The strategic relationship with Forestar, a majority-owned residential lot development company, is vital for providing finished lots to the homebuilding industry [20] - The company plans to repurchase $4.2 billion to $4.4 billion of common stock in fiscal 2025, subject to cash flow and share price changes [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that new home demand is impacted by affordability constraints and cautious consumer sentiment, with expectations for elevated sales incentives in Q4 [10] - The company has a positive outlook for the housing market over the medium to long term, despite current economic volatility [25] - Management expects consolidated revenues for the full year of fiscal 2025 to be approximately $33.7 billion to $34.2 billion [24] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with low leverage and healthy liquidity, totaling $5.5 billion of consolidated liquidity at June 30 [22] - The return on equity for the trailing twelve months ended June 30 was 16.1%, with a return on assets of 11.1% [23] - The company repurchased 9.7 million shares during the quarter for $1.2 billion, reducing the outstanding share count by 9% from a year ago [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in incentives and competitive pressures - Management indicated that incentives have been choppy throughout the quarter, responding to market conditions and competition [30] Question: Consumer strength and impact of student loan repayments - Management noted an increase in FHA product selection among buyers but did not see significant impacts from student loan repayments [34] Question: Fourth quarter gross margin outlook - Management expects a decline in gross margin due to higher incentives, despite a strong performance in Q3 [39] Question: Community count and market management - Management anticipates moderation in community count as they manage inventory and respond to market absorption rates [56] Question: Resale inventory competition - Management does not see significant competition from resale inventory, as new home construction remains attractive to buyers [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings for Q3 2025 were $3.36 per diluted share, down from $4.10 in the prior year quarter [9] - Consolidated pre-tax income was $1.4 billion on revenues of $9.2 billion, with a pre-tax profit margin of 14.7% [6] - Net income for the quarter was $1 billion, with home sales revenues of $8.6 billion on 23,160 homes closed, compared to $9.2 billion on 24,155 homes closed in the prior year quarter [9][10] - Average closing price for the quarter was $369,600, down 1% sequentially and down 3% year over year [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales orders were flat year-over-year at 23,071 homes, with order value decreasing 3% to $8.4 billion [10] - Home sales gross margin was 21.8%, stable sequentially but expected to decrease in Q4 due to increased incentive costs [11] - Homebuilding SG&A expenses increased 2% from last year, with SG&A as a percentage of revenues at 7.8%, up 70 basis points from the prior year [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average number of active selling communities increased 4% sequentially and 12% year over year [10] - The cancellation rate for the quarter was 17%, up from 16% sequentially but down from 18% in the prior year quarter [10] - The company ended the quarter with 38,400 homes in inventory, of which 25,000 were unsold [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on maximizing capital efficiency to generate substantial operating cash flows and deliver returns to shareholders [7] - The strategic relationship with Forestar, a majority-owned residential lot development company, is vital for providing finished lots to the homebuilding industry [18] - The company plans to repurchase $4.2 billion to $4.4 billion of common stock in fiscal 2025, subject to cash flow and share price changes [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that new home demand is impacted by affordability constraints and cautious consumer sentiment, with expectations for elevated sales incentives in Q4 [8] - The company has a positive outlook for the housing market over the medium to long term, despite current economic volatility [23] - Management emphasized the importance of adjusting to market conditions in a disciplined manner to enhance long-term value [23] Other Important Information - The company generated $2.9 billion of cash from operations over the past twelve months and returned $4.6 billion to shareholders through repurchases and dividends [7] - The company has a strong balance sheet with low leverage and healthy liquidity, providing financial flexibility to adapt to market changes [20] - The average FICO score of borrowers was 720, with first-time homebuyers representing 64% of closings handled by the mortgage company [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in incentives and competitive pressures - Management indicated that incentives have been choppy throughout the quarter, responding to market conditions and competition [27] Question: Consumer strength and impact of student loan repayments - Management noted an increase in FHA product selection among buyers but did not see significant impacts from student loan repayments [31] Question: Fourth quarter gross margin outlook - Management expects a decline in gross margin due to higher incentives, despite a strong performance in Q3 [35] Question: SG&A expenses and long-term targets - Management stated that SG&A improvements are expected to be gradual, with a long-term target of 7% to 8% [42] Question: Community count and 2026 expectations - Management anticipates moderation in community count as they enter 2026, with a focus on managing inventory based on market absorption [54] Question: Resale inventory competition - Management does not see significant competition from resale inventory, as new homes remain attractive to buyers [81] Question: Performance in larger vs smaller markets - Management noted better performance in smaller markets with less public builder competition compared to larger markets [84] Question: Lot cost inflation and future expectations - Management expects mid-single-digit inflation in lot costs in the near term, with potential relief from inflation in the future [86]