Why Is PulteGroup (PHM) Up 6.1% Since Last Earnings Report?

Core Viewpoint - PulteGroup reported better-than-expected Q2 2024 results, with adjusted earnings and total revenues surpassing estimates, despite challenges in the housing market due to high mortgage rates and economic uncertainty [3][5]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings were $3.03 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.92 by 3.8%, but down from $3.58 in the same quarter last year [5]. - Total revenues reached $4.4 billion, surpassing the consensus mark of $4.37 billion by 0.8%, but decreased 4.3% from $4.6 billion year-over-year [5]. Segment Analysis - Homebuilding segment revenues fell 4.1% year-over-year to $4.3 billion, with home sale revenues also down 4.1% to $4.27 billion [6]. - The number of homes closed decreased by 5.7% to 7,639 units, while the average selling price (ASP) of homes delivered increased by 1.8% to $559,000 [7]. - Net new home orders declined 7.4% year-over-year to 7,083 units, with the value of new orders down 10.8% to $3.89 billion [7][8]. - Financial Services segment revenues dropped 9.4% year-over-year to $101.2 million, with pretax income declining from $63 million to $43 million [9]. Backlog and Margins - The backlog of homes yet to be closed was 10,779 units, down from 12,982 units a year ago, with potential housing revenues from the backlog decreasing to $6.84 billion from $8.11 billion [8]. - Home sales gross margin decreased by 290 basis points year-over-year to 27%, while SG&A expenses as a percentage of home sales revenues increased by 100 basis points to 9.1% [8]. Cash Flow and Share Repurchase - At the end of Q2, cash and cash equivalents were $1.27 billion, down from $1.65 billion at the end of 2024, with net cash provided by operating activities at $421.7 million, down from $657.3 million in the prior year [11]. - The company repurchased 3 million common shares for $300 million at an average price of $100.54 per share [11]. Market Sentiment and Outlook - Recent estimates for PulteGroup have trended downward, indicating a potential decline in stock performance, with a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) suggesting below-average returns in the coming months [12][14]. - The stock has a subpar Growth Score of D and a Momentum Score of D, but a Value Score of B, placing it in the top 40% for value investors [13].