Century munities(US:CCS)2026-01-28 23:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered 3,435 residential units in Q4 2025, exceeding guidance, with a total of 10,792 units delivered for the full year [4] - Net income for Q4 was $36 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, with adjusted net income at $47 million, or $1.59 per diluted share [19] - Home sales revenues for Q4 reached $1.1 billion, up 16% sequentially, while average sales price decreased by 5% to $367,000 [19][20] - The company reduced net leverage to 26% and generated cash flow from operations of over $150 million [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Century Living segment contributed to revenues with the sale of a 300-unit multifamily community for $97 million [20] - The company achieved a record net new contracts of 2,702 homes in Q4, a 10% increase year-over-year and a 13% increase sequentially [9] - Direct construction costs decreased by an average of $13,000 per home, and cycle times improved to a record 114 calendar days [6][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mortgage capture rate was 84% for both Q4 and the full year, representing records for the company [22] - Adjustable rate mortgages accounted for approximately 25% of originated mortgages in Q4, up from nearly 20% in Q3 [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to grow deliveries by 10% annually in 2026 and 2027 based on existing lot counts, assuming improved market conditions [6][15] - A disciplined approach will be maintained in slower market conditions, focusing on flexibility in land acquisition and development [7][15] - The company aims to deepen its market share in existing markets to drive improved margins and returns [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the spring selling season, noting improved order activity and potential consumer interest [28][30] - The company remains cautious, acknowledging that previous expectations for strong sales did not materialize last year [28][52] - Management highlighted the importance of external factors such as interest rate relief and consumer confidence in driving demand [7] Other Important Information - The company repurchased over 7% of its shares outstanding at the beginning of the year and returned a record $178 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [5][23] - The average community count increased by 13% to 318 communities, with expectations for low- to mid-single-digit percentage growth in 2026 [12][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the spring selling season and consumer behavior - Management noted that while January sales pace has been slower, order activity has improved sequentially, and there is hope for a better spring selling season [27][28] Question: Expectations for gross margin in the upcoming quarter - Management indicated that gross margins may see a slight pullback due to incentives but expect a more balanced approach moving forward [39] Question: Geographic performance trends - Management did not identify specific regions outperforming others but noted increased traffic driven by mortgage rate trends [40] Question: Remaining stock repurchase authorization - Approximately 1.5 million shares remain under the stock repurchase program [42] Question: Factors influencing SG&A as a percentage of sales - Management explained that Q1 is typically the lowest closing quarter, contributing to a higher percentage of SG&A [49] Question: Confidence in dialing back incentives - Management expressed caution, indicating that they will need to monitor market conditions closely before adjusting incentives [52]