Meritage Homes reports fourth quarter 2023 results
- 60% year-over-year increase in sales orders
- Home closing gross margin of 25.2%
- Strong demand from entry-level buyers
- Fourth quarter revenue of $1.6 billion, generating $5.38 in diluted EPS
- 13% decrease in homes closed
- 60% increase in home orders
- 24% decrease in net earnings
- 17% decrease in home closing revenue
- 2% decrease in full-year home closing revenue
- 380 bps decrease in full-year home closing gross margin
Insights
The reported 60% year-over-year increase in sales orders is a significant indicator of Meritage Homes Corporation's growth in demand, which could be attributed to a combination of lower interest rates and a recovering consumer confidence. This surge in orders, especially in the context of a broader housing market that has been cooling due to earlier rising interest rates, suggests that Meritage has effectively capitalized on market conditions and potentially gained market share.
However, the 13% decrease in homes closed and the 17% decrease in home closing revenue indicate a reduction in actual completed sales. This could reflect a lag in the construction cycle or a shift in consumer preferences. Furthermore, the stable home closing gross margin of 25.2% suggests operational efficiency in maintaining profitability despite the lower revenue and volume.
The increase in SG&A expenses to 10.7% of home closing revenue, up from 8.4% in the previous year, raises questions about the scalability of administrative costs in relation to sales. While this could be a result of increased investment in marketing or technology, it's essential to monitor whether these costs will continue to rise or if they will stabilize with increased sales volumes.
The diluted earnings per share (EPS) decrease of 24% is a critical metric for investors, as it reflects the company's profitability on a per-share basis. This decline is directly tied to the lower net earnings reported, which may influence investor sentiment and stock performance. The reported decrease in home closing revenue and increased SG&A expenses have contributed to this EPS decline, despite the growth in sales orders.
From a balance sheet perspective, the increase in cash and cash equivalents, from $861.6 million to $921.2 million, indicates a solid liquidity position. The debt-to-capital and net debt-to-capital ratios have improved, suggesting a stronger financial structure and potentially lower financial risk for the company.
The share repurchase activity, with 1.2% of outstanding shares bought back in the year, reflects a use of capital that can be viewed positively by shareholders, as it often signals confidence from management in the company's intrinsic value. Additionally, the payment of dividends provides a direct return to shareholders, which can be an attractive aspect for income-focused investors.
Meritage's strategy of focusing on entry-level homes, which accounted for 88% of total sales orders, aligns with the current demographic trends where millennials and Generation Z are entering the housing market. This demographic shift is creating a favorable demand environment for entry-level homes, particularly as the shortage of existing homes persists.
The company's spec building strategy, which involves constructing homes without specific buyer contracts in place, appears to be paying off with a record 110% quarterly backlog conversion. This strategy can be risky if demand wanes, but in the current market, it seems to have been a successful approach to quickly capitalize on buyer interest.
It is also noteworthy that the average sales price on orders increased by 6%, which may reflect a strategic shift towards higher-margin homes or a change in geographic market focus. Understanding the drivers behind this ASP increase is crucial for assessing future profitability and market positioning.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meritage Homes Corporation (NYSE: MTH), a leading U.S. homebuilder, today announced fourth quarter and full year results for the periods ended December 31, 2023.
| Summary Operating Results (unaudited) (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | % Chg | 2023 | 2022 | % Chg | ||||||||||||||||
| Homes closed (units) | 3,951 | 4,540 | (13 | )% | 13,976 | 14,106 | (1 | )% | |||||||||||||
| Home closing revenue | $ | 1,641,523 | $ | 1,984,063 | (17 | )% | $ | 6,056,784 | $ | 6,207,498 | (2 | )% | |||||||||
| Average sales price - closings | $ | 415 | $ | 437 | (5 | )% | $ | 433 | $ | 440 | (2 | )% | |||||||||
| Home orders (units) | 2,892 | 1,808 | 60 | % | 13,193 | 11,759 | 12 | % | |||||||||||||
| Home order value | $ | 1,198,744 | $ | 703,706 | 70 | % | $ | 5,675,892 | $ | 5,255,600 | 8 | % | |||||||||
| Average sales price - orders | $ | 415 | $ | 389 | 6 | % | $ | 430 | $ | 447 | (4 | )% | |||||||||
| Ending backlog (units) | 2,549 | 3,332 | (23 | )% | |||||||||||||||||
| Ending backlog value | $ | 1,088,137 | $ | 1,524,775 | (29 | )% | |||||||||||||||
| Average sales price - backlog | $ | 427 | $ | 458 | (7 | )% | |||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | $ | 258,869 | $ | 342,249 | (24 | )% | $ | 949,430 | $ | 1,289,318 | (26 | )% | |||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 198,851 | $ | 262,365 | (24 | )% | $ | 738,748 | $ | 992,192 | (26 | )% | |||||||||
| Diluted EPS | $ | 5.38 | $ | 7.09 | (24 | )% | $ | 19.93 | $ | 26.74 | (25 | )% | |||||||||
MANAGEMENT COMMENTS
"Healthy homebuying demand in the fourth quarter of 2023 led to Meritage's strong orders finish to the year, as interest rates retreated below
"The Meritage team's exceptional execution in the fourth quarter of 2023 and our spec building strategy resulted in 3,951 homes delivered, our second highest quarterly home closings in company history, and a record
Mr. Lord concluded, "Thank you to our employees for achieving yet another great year, generating value for our shareholders. As the economy stabilizes, we believe entry-level buyers will continue to gain confidence that now is the right time to buy a home. With our growing spec inventory levels, Meritage is well-positioned to take advantage of this positive demand environment."
FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS
- Orders of 2,892 homes for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased
60% year-over-year due to a64% increase in average absorption pace to 3.6 per month from 2.2 per month in the fourth quarter of 2022 and a1% decrease in average communities. Entry-level made up88% of total sales orders in the fourth quarter 2023, relatively consistent with the prior year quarter. Fourth quarter 2023 average sales price ("ASP") on orders of$415,000 was up6% year-over-year. With an elevated quarterly cancellation rate of39% in the fourth quarter of 2022, the prior year quarterly results were muted in both volume and ASP due to the greater amount of cancelled homes with higher ASPs that were sold earlier in 2022. The fourth quarter 2023 cancellation rate was13% . - The
17% year-over-year decrease in home closing revenue to$1.6 billion for the fourth quarter of 2023 reflected13% lower home closing volume totaling 3,951 units and5% lower ASPs on closings to$415,000 , compared to prior year. The decrease in ASPs on closings was due to more costly financing incentives and geographic mix. - Home closing gross margin was
25.2% in both fourth quarter periods. The fourth quarter 2023 home closing gross margin benefited from improved cycle time and lower lumber costs, which partially offset increased financing incentives and higher lot costs. Fourth quarter 2023 home closing gross margin included$3.2 million in terminated land deal walk-away charges, compared to$4.2 million in the prior year. Prior year fourth quarter homes closing gross margin also included a nonrecurring charge of$10.9 million in warranty adjustments related to two specific cases, which was partially offset by$5.4 million in retroactive vendor rebates. There were no similar items in the fourth quarter of 2023. Excluding the terminated land deal walk-away charges and the nonrecurring items, adjusted home closing gross margin was25.4% and25.7% for fourth quarter 2023 and 2022, respectively. - Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") were
10.7% of fourth quarter 2023 home closing revenue, which was 230 bps higher than8.4% in the prior year, primarily as a result of increased performance-based compensation costs, higher commission rates and reduced leverage from lower home closing revenue. - Fourth quarter 2023 other income, net was
$12.9 million , a$9.3 million increase from$3.6 million in 2022, due to higher interest income earned on a larger cash balance. - The fourth quarter effective income tax rate was
23.2% in 2023, compared to23.3% in 2022. The rate in both periods benefited from eligible energy tax credits earned on qualifying homes under the Internal Revenue Code's Inflation Reduction Act ("IRA"). The rate for 2023 also reflected the increased per-home energy efficiency credit amount that started in 2023. - Net earnings were
$198.9 million ($5.38 per diluted share) for the fourth quarter of 2023, a24% decrease from$262.4 million ($7.09 per diluted share) for the fourth quarter of 2022. Lower home closing revenue and higher selling, general and administrative expenses led to a24% year-over-year decrease in earnings per diluted share.
YEAR TO DATE RESULTS
- Total sales orders of 13,193 homes for full year 2023 increased
12% over prior year due to an11% year-over-year increase in average absorption pace to 4.0 per month in 2023 while average community count remained essentially flat. - Home closing revenue decreased
2% for full year 2023 to$6.1 billion due to2% decline in ASPs on closings and1% lower home closing volume year-over-year. - Full year 2023 home closing gross margin of
24.8% was down 380 bps from28.6% for full year 2022, due to more costly financing incentives, higher lot costs, and slightly higher full year direct costs, although direct costs per square foot decreased sequentially in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2023, ending the year lower than 2022. Full year 2023 home closing gross margin included$5.3 million in terminated land deal walk-away charges, compared to$15.8 million in 2022. Prior year home closing gross margin also included a nonrecurring charge of$10.9 million in warranty adjustments, which was partially offset by$5.4 million of retroactive vendor rebates. There were no such nonrecurring items in 2023. Excluding the terminated land deal walk-away charges and the nonrecurring items, adjusted home closing gross margin was24.9% and28.9% for 2023 and 2022, respectively. - SG&A as a percentage of home closing revenue of
10.2% was 190 bps higher year-over-year from8.3% in 2022, as a result of higher commissions and marketing costs, reflecting the current sales environment, increased performance-based compensation and insurance spend, and a greater investment in technology. - Other income, net was
$47.9 million in 2023, up$45.2 million from$2.7 million in 2022, due to higher interest income earned on a larger cash balance. - The Company recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of
$0.9 million in 2023 in connection with the$150.0 million partial redemption of its6.00% senior notes due 2025. There were no such redemptions in 2022. - The effective tax rate for full year 2023 was
22.2% , compared to23.0% for full year 2022. The rate in both periods benefited from eligible energy tax credits earned on qualifying homes under the IRA. The lower rate in 2023 is primarily due to the increased per-home energy efficiency credit amount that started in 2023. - Net earnings were
$738.7 million ($19.93 per diluted share) for full year 2023, a26% decrease from$992.2 million ($26.74 per diluted share) for full year 2022, primarily reflecting lower home closing revenue and greater overhead costs in 2023.
BALANCE SHEET & LIQUIDITY
- Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2023 totaled
$921.2 million , compared to$861.6 million at December 31, 2022. - Land acquisition and development spend totaled
$653.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to$350.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Full year 2023 land spend was$1.9 billion compared to$1.5 billion in the prior year. - Approximately 64,300 total lots were owned or controlled as of December 31, 2023, a
2% increase from approximately 63,200 total lots as of December 31, 2022. Over 7,600 net new lots were added in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an estimated 43 future communities, all of which are for entry-level product. In the prior year fourth quarter, no new lots were put under control and roughly 3,700 lots related to underperforming land deals were terminated. - Fourth quarter 2023 average community count of 271 was essentially flat to prior year and down
4% sequentially compared to the third quarter of 2023. - Debt-to-capital and net debt-to-capital ratios were
17.9% and1.9% , respectively as of December 31, 2023, compared to22.6% and6.8% , respectively as of December 31, 2022. - In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company repurchased 24,869 shares of stock, or
0.1% of the outstanding shares at the beginning of the quarter, for$4.1 million . For full year 2023, the Company repurchased 437,882 shares of stock, or1.2% of the outstanding shares at the beginning of the year, for$59.1 million . As of December 31, 2023,$185.0 million remained available to repurchase under the authorized share repurchase program. - The Company declared and paid cash dividends of
$0.27 per share in the fourth quarter of 2023, totaling$9.8 million . For full year 2023, cash dividend payments totaled$39.5 million .
CONFERENCE CALL
Management will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter 2023 results at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time (10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time) on Thursday, February 1, 2024. To listen, please go to Meritage's Investor Relations page for the live webcast or dial in to 1-877-407-6951 US toll free or 1-412-902-0046. A replay will be available on the Investor Relations page.
* The Company's return on equity is calculated as net income for the trailing twelve months divided by average shareholders' equity for the trailing five quarters. The Company's book value per share is calculated as shareholders' equity for the period divided by the shares outstanding as of the last day of the period.
| Meritage Homes Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Income Statements (In thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | Change $ | Change % | ||||||||||||
| Homebuilding: | |||||||||||||||
| Home closing revenue | $ | 1,641,523 | $ | 1,984,063 | $ | (342,540 | ) | (17 | )% | ||||||
| Land closing revenue | 11,682 | 7,328 | 4,354 | 59 | % | ||||||||||
| Total closing revenue | 1,653,205 | 1,991,391 | (338,186 | ) | (17 | )% | |||||||||
| Cost of home closings | (1,228,426 | ) | (1,484,071 | ) | 255,645 | (17 | )% | ||||||||
| Cost of land closings | (9,104 | ) | (7,600 | ) | (1,504 | ) | 20 | % | |||||||
| Total cost of closings | (1,237,530 | ) | (1,491,671 | ) | 254,141 | (17 | )% | ||||||||
| Home closing gross profit | 413,097 | 499,992 | (86,895 | ) | (17 | )% | |||||||||
| Land closing gross profit/(loss) | 2,578 | (272 | ) | 2,850 | (1048 | )% | |||||||||
| Total closing gross profit | 415,675 | 499,720 | (84,045 | ) | (17 | )% | |||||||||
| Financial Services: | |||||||||||||||
| Revenue | 7,200 | 7,357 | (157 | ) | (2 | )% | |||||||||
| Expense | (3,218 | ) | (3,236 | ) | 18 | (1 | )% | ||||||||
| Earnings from financial services unconsolidated entities and other, net | 2,418 | 1,918 | 500 | 26 | % | ||||||||||
| Financial services profit | 6,400 | 6,039 | 361 | 6 | % | ||||||||||
| Commissions and other sales costs | (107,145 | ) | (110,459 | ) | 3,314 | (3 | )% | ||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | (68,972 | ) | (56,614 | ) | (12,358 | ) | 22 | % | |||||||
| Interest expense | — | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||
| Other income, net | 12,911 | 3,563 | 9,348 | 262 | % | ||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 258,869 | 342,249 | (83,380 | ) | (24 | )% | |||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | (60,018 | ) | (79,884 | ) | 19,866 | (25 | )% | ||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 198,851 | $ | 262,365 | $ | (63,514 | ) | (24 | )% | ||||||
| Earnings per common share: | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | Change $ or shares | Change % | |||||||||||||
| Earnings per common share | $ | 5.46 | $ | 7.17 | $ | (1.71 | ) | (24 | )% | ||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding | 36,446 | 36,571 | (125 | ) | — | % | |||||||||
| Diluted | |||||||||||||||
| Earnings per common share | $ | 5.38 | $ | 7.09 | $ | (1.71 | ) | (24 | )% | ||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding | 36,947 | 37,009 | (62 | ) | — | % | |||||||||
| Meritage Homes Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Income Statements (In thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | Change $ | Change % | ||||||||||||
| Homebuilding: | |||||||||||||||
| Home closing revenue | $ | 6,056,784 | $ | 6,207,498 | $ | (150,714 | ) | (2 | )% | ||||||
| Land closing revenue | 56,229 | 61,229 | (5,000 | ) | (8 | )% | |||||||||
| Total closing revenue | 6,113,013 | 6,268,727 | (155,714 | ) | (2 | )% | |||||||||
| Cost of home closings | (4,554,671 | ) | (4,434,480 | ) | (120,191 | ) | 3 | % | |||||||
| Cost of land closings | (51,786 | ) | (49,646 | ) | (2,140 | ) | 4 | % | |||||||
| Total cost of closings | (4,606,457 | ) | (4,484,126 | ) | (122,331 | ) | 3 | % | |||||||
| Home closing gross profit | 1,502,113 | 1,773,018 | (270,905 | ) | (15 | )% | |||||||||
| Land closing gross profit | 4,443 | 11,583 | (7,140 | ) | (62 | )% | |||||||||
| Total closing gross profit | 1,506,556 | 1,784,601 | (278,045 | ) | (16 | )% | |||||||||
| Financial Services: | |||||||||||||||
| Revenue | 25,250 | 23,476 | 1,774 | 8 | % | ||||||||||
| Expense | (12,128 | ) | (11,133 | ) | (995 | ) | 9 | % | |||||||
| (Loss)/earnings from financial services unconsolidated entities and other, net | (656 | ) | 5,951 | (6,607 | ) | (111 | )% | ||||||||
| Financial services profit | 12,466 | 18,294 | (5,828 | ) | (32 | )% | |||||||||
| Commissions and other sales costs | (384,911 | ) | (323,266 | ) | (61,645 | ) | 19 | % | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | (231,722 | ) | (192,984 | ) | (38,738 | ) | 20 | % | |||||||
| Interest expense | — | (41 | ) | 41 | (100 | )% | |||||||||
| Other income, net | 47,948 | 2,714 | 45,234 | 1667 | % | ||||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | (907 | ) | — | (907 | ) | N/A | |||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 949,430 | 1,289,318 | (339,888 | ) | (26 | )% | |||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | (210,682 | ) | (297,126 | ) | 86,444 | (29 | )% | ||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 738,748 | $ | 992,192 | $ | (253,444 | ) | (26 | )% | ||||||
| Earnings per common share: | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | Change $ or shares | Change % | |||||||||||||
| Earnings per common share | $ | 20.17 | $ | 27.04 | $ | (6.87 | ) | (25 | )% | ||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding | 36,619 | 36,694 | (75 | ) | — | % | |||||||||
| Diluted | |||||||||||||||
| Earnings per common share | $ | 19.93 | $ | 26.74 | $ | (6.81 | ) | (25 | )% | ||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding | 37,069 | 37,101 | (32 | ) | — | % | |||||||||
| Meritage Homes Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands) (unaudited) | ||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 921,227 | $ | 861,561 | ||||
| Other receivables | 266,972 | 215,019 | ||||||
| Real estate (1) | 4,721,291 | 4,358,263 | ||||||
| Deposits on real estate under option or contract | 111,364 | 76,729 | ||||||
| Investments in unconsolidated entities | 17,170 | 11,753 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 48,953 | 38,635 | ||||||
| Deferred tax assets, net | 47,573 | 45,452 | ||||||
| Prepaids, other assets and goodwill | 218,584 | 164,689 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 6,353,134 | $ | 5,772,101 | ||||
| Liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 271,650 | $ | 273,267 | ||||
| Accrued liabilities | 424,764 | 360,615 | ||||||
| Home sale deposits | 36,605 | 37,961 | ||||||
| Loans payable and other borrowings | 13,526 | 7,057 | ||||||
| Senior notes, net | 994,689 | 1,143,590 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 1,741,234 | 1,822,490 | ||||||
| Stockholders' Equity: | ||||||||
| Preferred stock | — | — | ||||||
| Common stock | 364 | 366 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 290,955 | 327,878 | ||||||
| Retained earnings | 4,320,581 | 3,621,367 | ||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 4,611,900 | 3,949,611 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 6,353,134 | $ | 5,772,101 | ||||
| (1) Real estate – Allocated costs: | ||||||||
| Homes under contract under construction | 704,206 | $ | 822,428 | |||||
| Unsold homes, completed and under construction | 1,260,855 | 1,155,543 | ||||||
| Model homes | 118,252 | 97,198 | ||||||
| Finished home sites and home sites under development | 2,637,978 | 2,283,094 | ||||||
| Total real estate | $ | 4,721,291 | $ | 4,358,263 | ||||
| Meritage Homes Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands) (unaudited) | ||||||||
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 738,748 | $ | 992,192 | ||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 25,334 | 24,748 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 22,511 | 22,333 | ||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | 907 | — | ||||||
| Equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities | (6,371 | ) | (6,093 | ) | ||||
| Distribution of earnings from unconsolidated entities | 6,792 | 5,900 | ||||||
| Other | 4,115 | 10,863 | ||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Increase in real estate | (357,408 | ) | (624,522 | ) | ||||
| (Increase)/decrease in deposits on real estate under option or contract | (36,140 | ) | 10,463 | |||||
| Increase receivables, prepaids and other assets | (64,169 | ) | (102,950 | ) | ||||
| Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 22,609 | 76,985 | ||||||
| Decrease in home sale deposits | (1,356 | ) | (4,649 | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 355,572 | 405,270 | ||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
| Investments in unconsolidated entities | (5,991 | ) | (5,796 | ) | ||||
| Distributions of capital from unconsolidated entities | 137 | — | ||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | (38,192 | ) | (26,971 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from sales of property and equipment | 423 | 481 | ||||||
| Maturities/sales of investments and securities | 750 | 1,032 | ||||||
| Payments to purchase investments and securities | (750 | ) | (1,032 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (43,623 | ) | (32,286 | ) | ||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
| Repayment of loans payable and other borrowings | (2,798 | ) | (20,455 | ) | ||||
| Repayment of senior notes | (150,884 | ) | — | |||||
| Dividends paid | (39,534 | ) | — | |||||
| Repurchase of shares | (59,067 | ) | (109,303 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (252,283 | ) | (129,758 | ) | ||||
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 59,666 | 243,226 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 861,561 | 618,335 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 921,227 | $ | 861,561 | ||||
| Meritage Homes Corporation and Subsidiaries Operating Data (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) |
We aggregate our homebuilding operating segments into reporting segments based on similar long-term economic characteristics and geographical proximity. Our three reportable homebuilding segments are as follows:
- West: Arizona, California, Colorado, and Utah
- Central: Texas
- East: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee
| Three months ended December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Homes | Value | Homes | Value | |||||||
| Homes Closed: | ||||||||||
| West Region | 1,155 | 563,723 | 1,217 | 662,580 | ||||||
| Central Region | 1,242 | 464,571 | 1,417 | 565,630 | ||||||
| East Region | 1,554 | 613,229 | 1,906 | 755,853 | ||||||
| Total | 3,951 | $ | 1,641,523 | 4,540 | $ | 1,984,063 | ||||
| Homes Ordered: | ||||||||||
| West Region | 722 | 373,941 | 462 | 223,482 | ||||||
| Central Region | 1,054 | 392,421 | 614 | 208,309 | ||||||
| East Region | 1,116 | 432,382 | 732 | 271,915 | ||||||
| Total | 2,892 | $ | 1,198,744 | 1,808 | $ | 703,706 | ||||
| Twelve months ended December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Homes | Value | Homes | Value | |||||||
| Homes Closed: | ||||||||||
| West Region | 4,109 | 2,107,095 | 4,092 | 2,202,109 | ||||||
| Central Region | 4,486 | 1,798,939 | 4,556 | 1,835,498 | ||||||
| East Region | 5,381 | 2,150,750 | 5,458 | 2,169,891 | ||||||
| Total | 13,976 | $ | 6,056,784 | 14,106 | $ | 6,207,498 | ||||
| Homes Ordered: | ||||||||||
| West Region | 3,983 | 2,046,251 | 3,098 | 1,710,156 | ||||||
| Central Region | 4,291 | 1,678,484 | 3,641 | 1,501,591 | ||||||
| East Region | 4,919 | 1,951,157 | 5,020 | 2,043,853 | ||||||
| Total | 13,193 | $ | 5,675,892 | 11,759 | $ | 5,255,600 | ||||
| Order Backlog: | ||||||||||
| West Region | 746 | 379,785 | 872 | 459,873 | ||||||
| Central Region | 768 | 289,375 | 963 | 425,371 | ||||||
| East Region | 1,035 | 418,977 | 1,497 | 639,531 | ||||||
| Total | 2,549 | $ | 1,088,137 | 3,332 | $ | 1,524,775 | ||||
| Three months ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Ending | Average | Ending | Average | Ending | Average | Ending | Average | |||||||||
| Active Communities: | ||||||||||||||||
| West Region | 78 | 81.0 | 94 | 98.0 | 78 | 90.0 | 94 | 92.4 | ||||||||
| Central Region | 88 | 85.0 | 81 | 77.5 | 88 | 83.0 | 81 | 76.6 | ||||||||
| East Region | 104 | 105.0 | 96 | 97.5 | 104 | 103.4 | 96 | 106.2 | ||||||||
| Total | 270 | 271.0 | 271 | 273.0 | 270 | 276.4 | 271 | 275.2 | ||||||||
| Meritage Homes Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental and Non-GAAP information (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
| Supplemental Information (Dollars in thousands): | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | 7,758 | $ | 7,203 | $ | 25,334 | $ | 24,748 | |||||||
| Summary of Capitalized Interest: | |||||||||||||||
| Capitalized interest, beginning of period | $ | 58,476 | $ | 62,090 | $ | 60,169 | $ | 56,253 | |||||||
| Interest incurred | 12,845 | 15,036 | 57,759 | 60,599 | |||||||||||
| Interest expensed | — | — | — | (41 | ) | ||||||||||
| Interest amortized to cost of home and land closings | (16,805 | ) | (16,957 | ) | (63,412 | ) | (56,642 | ) | |||||||
| Capitalized interest, end of period | $ | 54,516 | $ | 60,169 | $ | 54,516 | $ | 60,169 | |||||||
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Information (Dollars in thousands):
This press release and management’s comments and discussion about our operating results included in this press release reflect certain adjustments, including home closing gross profit, home closing gross margin, and debt-to-capital ratios. These are considered non-GAAP financial measures and should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, the comparable GAAP financial measures. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are relevant and useful to investors in understanding our operating results and may be helpful in comparing the Company with other companies in the homebuilding industry to the extent they provide similar information. We encourage investors to understand the methods used by other companies in the homebuilding industry to calculate these non-GAAP financial measures and any adjustments thereto before comparing to our non-GAAP financial measures.
| Home Closing Gross Margin | ||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Home closing gross profit | $ | 413,097 | $ | 499,992 | $ | 1,502,113 | $ | 1,773,018 | ||||||||
| Home closing gross margin | 25.2 | % | 25.2 | % | 24.8 | % | 28.6 | % | ||||||||
| Add: Write-off of terminated land deals | 3,211 | 4,203 | 5,308 | 15,811 | ||||||||||||
| Add: Warranty adjustments | — | 10,916 | — | 10,916 | ||||||||||||
| Less: Retroactive vendor rebates | — | (5,446 | ) | — | (5,446 | ) | ||||||||||
| Adjusted home closing gross profit | $ | 416,308 | $ | 509,665 | $ | 1,507,421 | $ | 1,794,299 | ||||||||
| Adjusted home closing gross margin | 25.4 | % | 25.7 | % | 24.9 | % | 28.9 | % | ||||||||
| Debt-to-Capital Ratios | |||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||
| Senior notes, net, loans payable and other borrowings | $ | 1,008,215 | $ | 1,150,647 | |||
| Stockholders' equity | 4,611,900 | 3,949,611 | |||||
| Total capital | $ | 5,620,115 | $ | 5,100,258 | |||
| Debt-to-capital | 17.9 | % | 22.6 | % | |||
| Senior notes, net, loans payable and other borrowings | $ | 1,008,215 | $ | 1,150,647 | |||
| Less: cash and cash equivalents | (921,227 | ) | (861,561 | ) | |||
| Net debt | $ | 86,988 | $ | 289,086 | |||
| Stockholders’ equity | 4,611,900 | 3,949,611 | |||||
| Total net capital | $ | 4,698,888 | $ | 4,238,697 | |||
| Net debt-to-capital | 1.9 | % | 6.8 | % | |||
ABOUT MERITAGE HOMES CORPORATION
Meritage Homes is the fifth-largest public homebuilder in the United States, based on homes closed in 2022. The Company offers energy-efficient and affordable entry-level and first move-up homes. Operations span across Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Meritage Homes has delivered over 175,000 homes in its 38-year history, and has a reputation for its distinctive style, quality construction, and award-winning customer experience. The Company is an industry leader in energy-efficient homebuilding, a ten-time recipient of both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ("EPA") ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence Award and ENERGY STAR® Residential New Construction Market Leader Award, as well as a three-time recipient of the EPA's 2023 Indoor airPLUS Leader Award.
For more information, visit www.meritagehomes.com.
The information included in this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include expectations about the housing market in general.
Such statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of Company management and current market conditions, which are subject to significant uncertainties and fluctuations. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The Company makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or changes in these expectations. Meritage's business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. As a result of those risks and uncertainties, the Company's stock and note prices may fluctuate dramatically. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: changes in mortgage interest rates and the availability and pricing of residential mortgages; inflation in the cost of materials used to develop communities and construct homes; cancellation rates; supply chain and labor constraints; the ability of our potential buyers to sell their existing homes; our ability to acquire and develop lots may be negatively impacted if we are unable to obtain performance and surety bonds; the adverse effect of slow absorption rates; legislation related to tariffs; impairments of our real estate inventory; competition; home warranty and construction defect claims; failures in health and safety performance; fluctuations in quarterly operating results; our level of indebtedness; our ability to obtain financing if our credit ratings are downgraded; our potential exposure to and impacts from natural disasters or severe weather conditions; the availability and cost of finished lots and undeveloped land; the success of our strategy to offer and market entry-level and first move-up homes; a change to the feasibility of projects under option or contract that could result in the write-down or write-off of earnest money or option deposits; our limited geographic diversification; the replication of our energy-efficient technologies by our competitors; shortages in the availability and cost of subcontract labor; our exposure to information technology failures and security breaches and the impact thereof; the loss of key personnel; changes in tax laws that adversely impact us or our homebuyers; our inability to prevail on contested tax positions; failure of our employees and representatives to comply with laws and regulations; our compliance with government regulations related to our financial services operations; negative publicity that affects our reputation; potential disruptions to our business by an epidemic or pandemic, and measures that federal, state and local governments and/or health authorities implement to address it; and other factors identified in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those set forth in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 under the caption "Risk Factors," which can be found on our website at https://investors.meritagehomes.com.
Contact
Emily Tadano, VP Investor Relations and ESG
(480) 515-8979
investors@meritagehomes.com
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