LGI Homes(LGIH) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $474 million, representing a 19.5% sequential increase driven by elevated sales activity [11] - Gross margin before inventory-related charges was over 19%, with an adjusted gross margin of over 22%, although these were below guidance ranges due to the impact of buydowns and price discounts on older inventory [5][6] - Net income for Q4 was $17.3 million, or $0.75 per share, while excluding impairment-related charges, net income was $22.4 million, or $0.97 per share [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4, 1,362 homes were delivered, with 1,301 contributing directly to reported revenue [4] - The average selling price for Q4 closings was $364,000, slightly down compared to the previous year [11] - The wholesale business accounted for 12.1% of Q4 closings, generating significant revenue [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cancellation rate increased to 43.3%, attributed to affordability pressures and economic uncertainty [8] - The backlog grew 133% to 1,394 homes, with a value exceeding $501 million, up 112% year-over-year [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on managing costs, offering competitive financing options, and delivering affordable homes to first-time buyers [10] - Long-term outlook for the housing market remains positive, driven by supply-demand imbalance and favorable demographic trends [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by affordability and rate volatility but expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate these issues [4] - For 2026, the company expects to close between 4,600 and 5,400 homes, with stable selling prices and continued use of incentives to support affordability [22][23] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with $1.7 billion of debt and a net debt to capital ratio of 43.2% [19] - Total liquidity at year-end was $335 million, including cash on hand and revolver availability [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Drivers of sequential decline in gross margin in Q4 - Management indicated that the decline was due to increased incentives and discounts on aged inventory, with expectations for similar conditions in 2026 [26][27] Question: Closings outlook for 2026 - Management confirmed expectations for a similar closings pace in 2026, with wholesale business contributing 10%-15% of total closings [28][30] Question: Profitability on wholesale orders - Management stated that operating margins for wholesale business are similar to retail, but gross margins are lower [35] Question: Community count growth expectations for 2026 - New community openings are expected to be weighted towards the back half of the year, with confidence in achieving the community count guidance [37] Question: Cancellations and buyer financing issues - Management noted that cancellations are primarily due to buyers' ability to secure financing, with customers taking longer to close [43][44] Question: Current market conditions and discounting - Management acknowledged ongoing aggressive discounting in the market, with affordability pressures remaining a significant concern [52] Question: Year-over-year decline in G&A - Management indicated that G&A run rate for 2026 is expected to be similar to 2025, with some fluctuations quarter to quarter [55]