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Dec 31, 2023

Meritage Homes Q4 2023 Earnings Report

Meritage Homes reported strong orders and solid financial performance, driven by healthy demand and effective execution.

Key Takeaways

Meritage Homes reported a 60% year-over-year increase in sales orders for Q4 2023, driven by decreasing interest rates and recovering consumer confidence. Home closing revenue was $1.6 billion, and diluted EPS was $5.38. The company's backlog conversion reached a record 110%.

Sales orders increased by 60% year-over-year due to higher absorption pace.

Home closing revenue was $1.6 billion, reflecting lower volume and ASP.

Home closing gross margin was 25.2%, benefiting from improved cycle time and lower lumber costs.

Net earnings decreased by 24% to $198.9 million, with diluted EPS at $5.38.

Total Revenue
$1.64B
Previous year: $1.98B
-17.2%
EPS
$2.69
Previous year: $3.55
-24.2%
Total Homes Backlog
2.55K
Previous year: 3.33K
-23.5%
Total Value Backlog
$1.09B
Previous year: $1.52B
-28.6%
Total Avg Sales Price Backlog
$427
Previous year: $458K
-99.9%
Gross Profit
$416M
Cash and Equivalents
$921M
Previous year: $862M
+6.9%
Free Cash Flow
-$112M
Previous year: $568M
-119.6%
Total Assets
$6.35B
Previous year: $5.77B
+10.1%

Meritage Homes

Meritage Homes

Forward Guidance

Meritage Homes anticipates continued confidence from entry-level buyers and is well-positioned to leverage its spec inventory in the current demand environment as the economy stabilizes.

Positive Outlook

  • Growing spec inventory levels
  • Well-positioned to take advantage of positive demand environment
  • Entry-level buyers will continue to gain confidence
  • Favorable need-based demand for millennials and Gen Z
  • Continuing shortage of existing homes for sale

Challenges Ahead

  • Changes in mortgage interest rates
  • Inflation in the cost of materials
  • Supply chain and labor constraints
  • Adverse effect of slow absorption rates
  • Potential exposure to impacts from natural disasters