Is PulteGroup Stock Underperforming the Dow?

Company Overview - PulteGroup, Inc. (PHM) is one of the largest homebuilders in the U.S., with a market cap of $24.3 billion, operating under brands like Pulte Homes and Centex [1][2] - The company designs and constructs single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums across various price points, benefiting from favorable demographic trends and sustained demand for new construction homes in the U.S. [2] Stock Performance - PHM's shares have slipped 12.1% below its 52-week high of $142.11, reached on September 5, and have declined 11.7% over the past three months, underperforming the Dow Jones Industrial Average's 4.9% rise [3] - Over the past 52 weeks, PHM has fallen 1.5%, lagging behind the Dow Jones Industrial Average's 6.9% uptick, but is up 14.7% year-to-date, outpacing the Dow's 12.2% return [4] Earnings Results - On October 21, PHM reported Q3 earnings with total revenue declining 1.6% year-over-year to $4.4 billion, but exceeding analyst expectations by 2.3% [5] - The company's EPS fell 11.6% from the previous year to $2.96, surpassing consensus estimates by 3.5%, while net new orders dropped by 5.6% to 6,638 homes in the quarter [5] Competitive Position - PHM has outperformed its rival D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI), which declined 3.8% over the past 52 weeks and gained 9% year-to-date [6] - Analysts maintain a moderately optimistic outlook for PHM, with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a mean price target of $138, suggesting a 10.5% premium to current price levels [6]