KB Home(US:KBH)2025-09-24 22:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenues of over $1.6 billion and diluted earnings per share of $1.61, with a gross margin of 18.9% excluding inventory-related charges, exceeding guidance [7][30] - Adjusted housing gross profit margin was 18.9%, which is 180 basis points lower than the previous year due to pricing pressure and higher land costs [31][34] - The company grew its book value per share to over $60, an 11% year-over-year increase [5][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered 3,393 homes in the quarter, exceeding the midpoint of guidance, while net orders totaled 2,950, a 4% decline [30][31] - The average selling price decreased 1% to $475,700, with lower prices in the central and southeast regions offset by increases in the west coast and southwest [31][32] - The company maintained SG&A expenses at 10% of housing revenues, a 20 basis point increase from a year ago [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced stability in demand, with a cancellation rate stable at 17% and a monthly absorption pace per community of 3.8 net orders [9][13] - Mortgage interest rates declined by approximately 60 basis points, equating to about $30,000 of additional purchasing power for buyers [16] - The company opened 32 new communities during the quarter, marking the highest performance in community openings in over a year [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to return to a historical range of built-to-order homes, which has averaged close to 70% over more than a decade, from around 50% currently [10][63] - The focus is on optimizing assets to generate the highest returns while balancing pace and price based on local market conditions [9][11] - The company plans to continue its share repurchase program and maintain a disciplined approach to land investments [25][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a favorable long-term outlook for the housing market driven by demographics and ongoing undersupply of homes [8][26] - The company anticipates generating $1.65 billion in housing revenues for the fourth quarter and $6.15 billion for the fiscal year [12] - Management noted that the current operating environment remains challenging but believes the company is well-positioned to navigate it [30][40] Other Important Information - The company has returned over $490 million in capital to shareholders this year, including $440 million in share repurchases [5][27] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with total liquidity of $1.2 billion [37][38] - The company canceled contracts to purchase approximately 6,800 lots during the third quarter, representing about 45 communities that no longer met underwriting criteria [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Order ASP and its decline - The decline in order ASP is largely driven by mix effects, with more deliveries coming from lower ASP regions [42][43] Question: Demand and conversion of traffic - Management noted that while traffic remains steady, there hasn't been a significant uptick in orders yet, as buyers may be in a wait-and-see mode [46][48] Question: Fourth quarter gross margin expectations - The gross margin beat in the third quarter was due to strong construction performance, with expectations for a slight decline in the fourth quarter due to mix effects [51][52] Question: Revenue outlook for next year - Management did not provide specific guidance for next year but indicated an expectation for improved affordability and community count, which should positively impact revenue [58][59] Question: Direct cost reductions - Direct costs have been lowered across the board, with significant reductions in lumber costs contributing to overall cost management [68][70]