M/I Homes(US:MHO)2025-10-22 15:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated $140 million of pre-tax income, down 26% from last year's record third quarter results, with a pre-tax income percentage of 12% of revenue and gross margins of 24% [3][4] - Total revenue decreased 1% to $1.1 billion, with an average closing price of $477,000, a 2% decrease from last year's third quarter average closing price of $489,000 [4][10] - Earnings per diluted share decreased to $3.92 from $5.10 last year, with a book value per share of $120, up 15% from a year ago [12][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed a record 2,296 homes in the third quarter, a 1% increase compared to a year ago, but sold 1,908 homes, down 6% from 2023's third quarter [4][10] - The Smart Series, the most affordable line of homes, comprised about 52% of total sales compared to about 50% a year ago [5] - The mortgage and title operations achieved pre-tax income of $16.6 million, an increase of 28% from $12.9 million in 2024's third quarter, with revenue increasing 16% to a record $34.6 million [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - New contracts in the northern region decreased by 17%, while new contracts in the southern region increased by 3% compared to last year's third quarter [6] - Deliveries in the southern region increased by 8%, while deliveries in the northern region decreased by 7% from a year ago, with 59% of deliveries coming from the southern region [6] - The company ended the quarter with 233 communities, up 7% from 217 a year ago, with the northern region up 9% and the southern region up 6% [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains optimistic about its business, believing the industry will benefit from the undersupply of homes and growing household formations [8] - The company plans to grow its community count by about 5% from 2023, with a strong land position and a total of 50,700 owned and controlled lots, equating to about a five to six-year supply [7][6] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet and liquidity while selectively buying back shares [16][51] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management described the current housing market conditions as "just okay," with continued challenges in demand and market conditions [3] - The company is using mortgage rate buy-downs to incentivize sales and drive traffic, which has been a significant factor in the decline of gross margins [4][21] - Management expressed confidence in the strength of their markets, particularly in Columbus, Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, and Orlando, expecting strong full-year results in these areas [6][8] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with an all-time record $3.1 billion of equity, a debt-to-capital ratio of 18%, and a net debt-to-capital ratio of negative 1% [7][8] - The company spent $115 million on land purchases and $181 million on land development during the third quarter [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about orders and the use of incentives? - Management noted that the market is unpredictable, and they are using selective mortgage rate buy-downs to drive traffic and sales, which has been the primary driver for sales [20][21] Question: Can you comment on gross margin trends in the South? - Management indicated that demand and margins are holding up better in Orlando compared to Tampa and Sarasota, with Texas markets experiencing some struggles [25][26] Question: Have you had discussions with the administration regarding housing? - Management stated they have not had discussions but are aware of the ongoing conversations about improving housing affordability and the impact of local zoning regulations [30][31] Question: What are the expectations for gross margins going forward? - Management believes they are closer to the bottom of margin pressures, with potential for stabilization if costs for mortgage rate buy-downs decrease [34][35] Question: Is there any inclination towards M&A? - Management indicated there is nothing on the horizon but would consider opportunities that make sense within their existing markets [62] Question: What are the expectations for community count growth in 2026? - Management expects community count growth next year, targeting a 5% to 10% increase annually [64][65]