Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a gross margin of 17%, which is a decrease from previous expectations, reflecting ongoing pressure in the housing market [8][16][37] - The average sales price for homes was reported at $386,000, with expectations for the first quarter of 2026 to be between $365,000 and $375,000 [16][36] - The company ended the quarter with $3.4 billion in cash and total liquidity of $6.5 billion, indicating a strong balance sheet [32][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company started 18,443 homes, delivered 23,034 homes, and sold just over 20,000 homes in the fourth quarter, exceeding delivery expectations [15][36] - Sales incentives remained flat at 14%, but the gross margin was reduced to 17%, slightly lower than expected [16][29] - The company achieved a sales pace of four homes per community per month, meeting its sales plan [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The housing market remains challenging, with consumer confidence impacted by economic uncertainties and a government shutdown [10][11] - The supply of owned home sites decreased year-over-year to 0.1 years, while controlled home sites increased to 98% from 82% [30] - The company reported a significant reduction in warranty spend by 45% year-over-year, indicating improved operational efficiency [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining volume and even-flow production while managing an affordable cost structure [9][10] - A shift towards an asset-light model has been completed, with less than 5% of land on the balance sheet, reducing overall inventory from just under $20 billion to just under $12 billion [17][20] - The company aims to leverage its strong market position and efficient product offerings to accommodate pent-up demand as market conditions improve [9][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future market conditions, anticipating that government actions may enhance affordability and activate demand [10][50] - The company is well-positioned to provide affordable housing solutions when demand is activated by lower interest rates or government-sponsored programs [9][10] - Management acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the housing market but remains committed to driving efficiencies and improving margins over time [9][56] Other Important Information - The company completed the Millrose transaction, resulting in a non-cash repurchase of 8 million shares [20][35] - The management team is transitioning leadership roles internally, indicating a strong internal talent pool to maintain operational continuity [21][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is contributing to the continued pressure on margin? - Management noted unexpected headwinds from the government shutdown impacting consumer confidence, which affected pricing stability [43][44] Question: Will government actions improve affordability in 2026? - Management believes that significant attention is being paid to affordability issues, and they expect some form of government action in 2026 [50][51] Question: How does the company envision recapturing margin as the market improves? - The company is focused on maintaining volume and leveraging operational efficiencies to improve margins as incentives decrease [56][57] Question: What is the strategy regarding supply and margin? - Management is committed to maintaining volume while navigating market conditions, with a focus on building efficiencies [82][86] Question: How will the company approach share repurchases in 2026? - Management is optimistic about the balance sheet and expects to continue returning cash to shareholders through repurchases and dividends [89][90]