Hovnanian Enterprises(HOV) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q4 2025 reached $818 million, a 17% decline year-over-year, primarily due to a 13% reduction in deliveries and the absence of a significant land sale from the previous year [6][18] - Adjusted gross margin was 16.3%, showing a year-over-year decline driven by higher incentives to support affordability, with incentives accounting for 12.2% of the average sales price [7][12] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $89 million, exceeding guidance, while adjusted pre-tax income was $49 million, close to the midpoint of guidance [5][6] - The company reported a total interest expense ratio increase compared to last year, mainly due to interest expensed immediately for large communities in planning [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The number of contracts in Q4 fell by 8% compared to last year, reflecting overall market conditions, with traffic per community increasing significantly in three of the four months [9][10] - Sales pace for each month in Q4 was lower than the same months last year, with contracts per community in Q4 2025 being 16% below levels seen during the 1997-2002 period [10][11] - Quick-moving homes (QMIs) comprised 73% of total sales in Q4, down from 79% in prior quarters, indicating a focus on aligning starts with sales pace [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended Q4 with 156 communities open for sale, reflecting steady growth despite a challenging market [18] - The lot count decreased 14% year-over-year, with a disciplined land acquisition strategy leading to a reduction in controlled lots [19][20] - The company managed to increase net prices in 36% of communities during Q4, particularly in stronger markets like Delaware and New Jersey [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on sales pace over price, moving through lower margin lots to clear the balance sheet for new land acquisitions projected to carry higher margins [8][21] - A strategic decision was made to sell through lower margin lots to make room for new land acquisitions that meet internal return targets [21] - The company is actively working with land sellers to find mutually beneficial solutions in the current market [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about performance bottoming out in the upcoming quarter, with expectations for gradual improvement in margins [35] - The company anticipates that gross margin percentage will bottom in Q1 of fiscal 2026 and gradually improve in subsequent quarters [25][34] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a robust inventory of QMIs to meet buyer needs while optimizing operational efficiency [15][22] Other Important Information - The company ended Q4 with $404 million in liquidity, well above targeted ranges, and completed significant refinancing, marking a milestone with nearly all debt now being unsecured [22][23] - Equity has grown by $1.3 billion, and debt has been reduced by $754 million, improving the net debt to capital ratio to 44.2% [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there any actions being taken to offset pressure on gross margins? - The company has been re-bidding with suppliers and trade partners, achieving some cost reductions, and managing costs flat despite increases from tariffs [38] Question: When is an expected increase in gross margin anticipated? - The expected increase in gross margin is driven by a mix of working through older properties and bringing on newer deals identified in 2024 and 2025 [40]