D.R. Horton(US:DHI)2025-04-17 16:42Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings for the second quarter were $2.58 per diluted share, down from $3.52 per share in the prior year quarter [13] - Net income for the quarter was $810 million on consolidated revenues of $7.7 billion, with a pre-tax profit margin of 13.8% [7][13] - Home sales revenues decreased 15% to $7.2 billion, with 19,276 homes closed compared to 22,548 homes in the prior year quarter [13] - The average closing price for the quarter was $372,500, down 1% year-over-year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales orders decreased 15% to 22,437 homes, with order value down 17% to $8.4 billion [14] - The gross profit margin on home sales revenue was 21.8%, down 90 basis points sequentially due to higher incentive costs [16] - Homebuilding SG&A expenses increased by 4% year-over-year, with SG&A as a percentage of revenues at 8.9%, up 170 basis points from the prior year [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cancellation rate for the quarter was 16%, down from 18% sequentially but up from 15% in the prior year quarter [14] - The average number of active selling communities increased by 5% sequentially and 10% year-over-year [14] - The company started 20,000 homes in the March quarter and ended with 36,900 homes in inventory, with 23,500 unsold homes [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on improving capital efficiency to generate substantial operating cash flow and deliver returns to shareholders [8] - The management emphasized balancing pace and price to maximize returns in response to market conditions [10][46] - The company plans to adjust product offerings, sales incentives, and inventory based on local market demand [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the spring selling season started slower than expected due to affordability constraints and declining consumer confidence [9] - The company expects consolidated revenues for the third quarter to be in the range of $8.4 billion to $8.9 billion, with homes closed expected to be between 22,000 and 22,500 [37] - Management acknowledged significant current volatility and uncertainty in the economy, committing to adjust operations and capital allocation accordingly [40] Other Important Information - The company plans to repurchase approximately $4 billion of common stock in fiscal 2025, more than double the amount purchased in fiscal 2024 [38] - The rental operations generated $23 million of pre-tax income on $237 million of revenues [25] - Forestar, the company's majority-owned residential lot development company, reported revenues of $351 million for the second quarter [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in Management Approach - Management acknowledged a shift in focus from sheer size to consistent operating cash flow and returns to shareholders [44][46] Question: SG&A Rate Increase - Management confirmed that while SG&A costs have increased, they remain focused on efficiency and expect SG&A to be lower over time as volumes increase [51][55] Question: Third Quarter Gross Margin Expectations - Management indicated that if incentives remain flat, gross margins could reach the higher end of the guidance range [62] Question: Tariff Impact on Costs - Management expressed confidence in their supply chain's ability to manage potential tariff impacts, emphasizing their strong market position [65][66] Question: Spec Count and Future Growth - Management noted that while starts are currently lower, they expect to accelerate starts in response to market demand [73] Question: Performance in Different Markets - Management highlighted strong demand in supply-constrained markets and noted that first-time homebuyers remain a significant portion of their customer base [82][84] Question: Land Costs and Future Expectations - Management reported that land costs are up 10% year-over-year and do not expect significant relief in land prices [140]