Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Smith Douglas Homes reported pretax income of $19.6 million and net earnings of $0.30 per share for Q1 2025, with home closing revenue reaching $225 million, a 19% increase from Q1 2024 [5][11] - Gross margin for the quarter was 23.8%, down from 26.1% in the prior year, reflecting higher average lock costs and increased incentives [12][13] - Net income for the quarter was $18.7 million, compared to $20.5 million in the prior year, with adjusted net income at $14.7 million versus $16.1 million [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed 671 homes in Q1 2025, a 19% increase from 566 closings in the same quarter last year [11] - Average sales price was approximately $335,000, slightly up year over year due to shifts in geographic and product mix [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Backlog at the end of the quarter was 791 homes with an average sales price of $341,000, down from 1,100 homes year over year [16][17] - Monthly sales per community improved from 2.4 in January to 3.8 in March, but dipped back to approximately three in April [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on controlling land through option agreements rather than outright ownership, with less than 5% of unstarted controlled lots owned on the balance sheet [7] - Smith Douglas aims to improve build times and limit spec inventory, emphasizing pre-sales to enhance buyer attachment and reduce cancellation rates [8][9] - The company remains committed to long-term goals of growing market share and achieving better economies of scale while maintaining a strong balance sheet [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there are affordability concerns and macro uncertainties, demand remains consistent across their footprint [6][23] - The outlook for Q2 includes expectations to close between 620 and 650 homes, with gross margin projected between 22.75% and 23.25% [18][19] - Management acknowledged risks related to macroeconomic factors such as inflation and interest rates, which could impact demand and sales timing [19] Other Important Information - The company is in the final stages of amending its credit facility to increase the total facility size by $75 million to $325 million [16] - The mortgage joint venture continues to improve, with a capture rate of 56% for the mortgage partner [58] Q&A Session Summary Question: How would you characterize the spring selling season overall and expectations for that? - Management indicated that demand has been consistent across their markets, with efforts to solve for affordability [23] Question: Any color on the land environment and ability to find new lots? - Management noted that while land inflation has continued, there are signs of a transition to a buyer's market with some moderation in land prices [26][27] Question: Outlook beyond Q2 and guidance for the full year? - Management expressed uncertainty due to macro conditions but indicated a target of 6,100 closings for the year, contingent on market stability [35][36] Question: Update on Houston expansion and cycle time improvements? - Significant improvements in cycle times were reported, with a goal to reach a 70-day schedule by year-end [40] Question: Demand and pricing power observed in May? - Demand remained consistent with April, but affordability challenges persist [43] Question: Any updates on the mortgage joint venture? - The mortgage joint venture is performing well, with a consistent message on incentives and improving capture rates [57] Question: Are you seeing a pullback in starts from competition? - Management has not experienced interruptions in starts and continues to push starts ahead of budget [61]