SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meritage Homes Corporation (NYSE: MTH), the fifth largest public homebuilder in the U.S., today announced fourth quarter and full year results for the periods ended December 31, 2025.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTS
"Despite a challenging economic backdrop, Meritage wrapped up 2025 with full year sales orders of 14,650 homes, consistent with prior year. This performance reflected our push to open new communities and capitalize on our strategy of having readily available inventory in all of our stores. Our strong broker engagement was also a key differentiator, enabling us to achieve a better absorption pace than current broader market trends. We believe our affordable price points and move-in ready homes offer certainty to buyers experiencing concerns about the outlook of their personal finances and a housing market impacted by persistent affordability challenges," said Steven J. Hilton, executive chairman of Meritage Homes. "Even as we anticipate ongoing near-term noise in the market, we expect our 15% year-over-year community count growth in 2025 to position us to continue to capture market share when demand improves."

"Our efficient operating model and cycle times resulted in 3,755 closings this quarter, and with approximately 63% of these deliveries coming from intra-quarter sales, a backlog conversion rate of 221%," added Phillippe Lord, chief executive officer of Meritage Homes.

Mr. Lord continued, "We generated home closing revenue of $1.4 billion this quarter and achieved adjusted home closing gross margin of 19.3%, excluding $38.9 million of non-recurring charges, and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.67, excluding $42.9 million of non-recurring charges. These charges were primarily comprised of terminated land deal walk-away expenses as well as real estate inventory impairments and severance costs. We conducted an in-depth review of our optioned land and elected to terminate certain positions to release capital to top-grade our land portfolio as opportunities become available in the marketplace. In the near-term, we are accelerating share repurchases, consistent with our recent announcement, as we believe this represents the most compelling use of capital given the significant undervaluation of our stock. We have also taken steps to reduce our go-forward overhead costs—an intentional decision in response to broader macro conditions, with a strategic focus on both cost cutting and technological efficiencies for certain back-office functions."

"In balancing disciplined growth with shareholder returns in today's market, we invested $416 million in land acquisition and development while returning $179 million of capital to shareholders through cash dividends and share repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2025. For the full year, total capital returned exceeded $416 million, representing 92% of this year's total earnings. As previously announced, we anticipate $400 million in share repurchases during 2026, assuming no material changes to market conditions," concluded Mr. Lord. "As of December 31, 2025, we had a cash balance of $775 million, no borrowings under our revolving credit facility, and a net debt-to-capital ratio of 16.9%. We increased our book value per share 7% year-over-year."

FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS

• Orders of 3,224 for the fourth quarter of 2025 decreased 2% year-over-year primarily due to 18% lower average absorption pace to 3.2 per month from 3.9 per month which was nearly fully offset by an 18% increase in average communities. Fourth quarter 2025 average sales price ("ASP") on orders of $374,000 was down 6% from the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily due to greater utilization of incentives this year and geographic mix.
• The 12% year-over-year decrease in home closing revenue to $1.4 billion for the fourth quarter of 2025 was the result of 7% lower home closing volume of 3,755 combined with ASP on closings down 5% to $375,000. ASP on closings was primarily impacted by greater utilization of incentives this year and geographic mix.
• Home closing gross margin of 16.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025 was down 670 bps from 23.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024 as a result of non-recurring charges, greater utilization of incentives, higher lot costs, and reduced leverage of fixed costs on lower home closing revenue, all of which were partially offset by savings in direct costs and faster cycle times. Excluding $27.9 million in terminated land deal walk-away charges, $7.8 million of real estate inventory impairments, and $3.2 million in severance costs in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to $2.8 million in terminated land deal walk-away charges and no impairments or severance costs in the prior year, adjusted home closing gross margin was 19.3% and 23.3% for the fourth quarters of 2025 and 2024, respectively.
• Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") as a percentage of home closing revenue were 10.6% for the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to 10.8% for the fourth quarter of 2024, primarily due to lower performance-based compensation, which was partially offset by reduced leverage on lower home closing revenue as well as higher external commission rates and technology costs. Fourth quarter 2025 SG&A included $2.4 million of severance costs, with no similar costs in the prior year.
• The fourth quarter effective income tax rate was 18.5% in 2025 compared to 22.1% in 2024. The 2025 tax rate reflected acquired below-market 2025 transferable clean fuel production tax credits, which were partially offset by fewer homes qualifying for energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, given the new higher construction thresholds required to earn the tax credits this year.
• Net earnings were $84.0 million ($1.20 per diluted share) for the fourth quarter of 2025, a 51% decrease from $172.6 million ($2.36 per diluted share) for the fourth quarter of 2024, mainly resulting from lower home closing revenue and gross profit as well as non-recurring charges. Excluding $27.9 million in terminated land deal walk-away charges, $9.3 million of real estate inventory impairments, and $5.7 million in severance costs in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to $2.8 million in terminated land deal walk-away charges and no impairments or severance costs in the prior year, adjusted diluted EPS was $1.67 and $2.39 for fourth quarters 2025 and 2024, respectively.

YEAR TO DATE RESULTS

• Total sales orders of 14,650 homes for full year 2025 remained essentially flat year-over-year, primarily reflecting a 9% decline in average absorption pace which was partially offset by a 12% increase in average communities compared to full year 2024. The 4% year-over-year reduction in ASP on orders of $391,000 for 2025 was mainly due to increased utilization of incentives this year.
• Home closing revenue decreased 9% year-over-year for full year 2025 to $5.8 billion, driven by a 5% decrease in ASP on closings to $384,000 and a 4% decline in home closing volume of 15,026. ASP on closings for full year 2025 was primarily impacted by increased utilization of incentives this year.
• Home closing gross margin of 19.7% decreased 520 bps for full year 2025 from 24.9% in the prior year due to inventory-related charges and severance costs, increased utilization of incentives, higher lot costs, and reduced leverage of fixed costs on lower home closing revenue, all of which were partially offset by savings in direct costs and faster cycle times. Excluding $39.4 million in terminated land deal walk-away charges, $16.5 million of real estate inventory impairments, and $4.3 million of severance costs for full year 2025, compared to $6.7 million in terminated land deal walk-away charges and no impairments or severance costs in the prior year, adjusted home closing gross margin was 20.8% and 25.0% for full year 2025 and 2024, respectively.
• Full year 2025 SG&A as a percentage of home closing revenue was 10.7% compared to 10.1% in 2024, primarily as a result of reduced leverage on lower home closing revenue as well as higher external commission rates, maintenance costs related to increased spec inventory, and spend on technology, all of which were partially offset by lower performance-based compensation.
• The effective tax rate for full year 2025 was 22.5%, compared to 21.6% for full year 2024. The higher tax rate in 2025 reflected fewer homes qualifying for energy tax credits, which was partially offset by the acquired below-market 2025 transferable clean fuel production tax credits.
• Net earnings were $453.0 million ($6.35 per diluted share) for full year 2025, a 42% decrease from $786.2 million ($10.72 per diluted share) for full year 2024, primarily reflecting lower home closing revenue and gross margins, as well as higher tax rates. Excluding $39.4 million in terminated land deal walk-away charges, $18.6 million of real estate inventory impairments, and $8.4 million of severance costs for full year 2025, compared to $6.7 million in terminated land deal walk-away charges and no impairments or severance costs in the prior year, adjusted diluted EPS was $7.05 and $10.79 for full year 2025 and 2024, respectively.

BALANCE SHEET & LIQUIDITY

• Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2025 totaled $775 million, reflecting $492 million of net proceeds from the issuance of senior notes in the first quarter of 2025. This compared to cash and cash equivalents of $652 million at December 31, 2024.
• Land acquisition and development spend, net of land development reimbursements, totaled $416 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting intentionally reduced spend based on market conditions. This compared to $689 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Full year 2025 land acquisition and development spend, net of land development reimbursements, totaled $1.9 billion compared to $2.3 billion in the prior year.
• Approximately 77,600 total lots were owned or controlled as of December 31, 2025, compared to approximately 85,600 lots as of December 31, 2024. Net new lots for the fourth quarter of 2025 totaled approximately (500), which included approximately 3,400 lots that were terminated in the current quarter. Nearly 7,200 lots were terminated in full year 2025.
• Fourth quarter 2025 ending community count of 336 was up 15% compared to prior year and up 1% compared to the third quarter of 2025.
• Debt-to-capital and net debt-to-capital ratios were 26.0% and 16.9%, respectively as of December 31, 2025, compared to 20.6% and 11.7%, respectively as of December 31, 2024.
• The Company declared and paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.43 per share totaling $29 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from $0.375 per share totaling $27 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Full year dividends paid were $121 million and $109 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively.
• The Company repurchased 2,238,534 shares of stock, or 3.2% of shares outstanding at the beginning of the quarter, for $150 million during the fourth quarter. For full year 2025, 4,289,984 shares of stock, or 6.0% of shares outstanding at the beginning of the year, were repurchased for $295 million. As of December 31, 2025, $514 million remained available to repurchase under the program.
• On January 2, 2025, the Company completed a two-for-one stock split (the "Stock Split") of Meritage's common stock in the form of a stock dividend. All share and per share amounts in this press release have been retroactively restated to reflect the Stock Split for the fourth quarter of 2024 and the full year 2024.

GUIDANCE

The Company expects full year 2026 home closing volume and revenue to be consistent with full year 2025 results, assuming no further deterioration from current market conditions.

CONFERENCE CALL
Management will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter 2025 results at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time (10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time) on Thursday, January 29, 2026. To listen, please go to Meritage's Investor Relations page for the live webcast or dial in to 1-800-445-7795 US toll free or 1-785-424-1699. A replay will be available on the Investor Relations page.

(1) Share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 2-for-1 stock split that was effective on January 2, 2025.

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. Effective January 1, 2025, the Tennessee homebuilding operating segment has been reclassified from the East reporting segment to the Central reporting segment for the purpose of making operational and resource decisions and assessing financial performance. Prior period balances have been retroactively adjusted to reflect this reclassification. Our three reportable homebuilding segments are as follows:

• West: Arizona, California, Colorado, and Utah
• Central: Tennessee and Texas
• East: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Information (In thousands):

This press release includes comments and discussion about our operating results that reflect certain adjustments, including to home closing gross profit, home closing gross margin, earnings before income taxes, net earnings, diluted earnings per common share, and debt-to-capital ratios. These adjusted results 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 our company with other companies in the homebuilding and other industries to the extent they provide similar information. We encourage investors to understand the methods used by other companies to calculate these non-GAAP financial measures and any adjustments thereto before comparing to our non-GAAP financial measures.

⁽¹⁾ Net debt-to-capital reflects certain adjustments to the debt-to-capital ratio and is defined as net debt (debt less cash and cash equivalents) divided by total capital (net debt plus stockholders' equity). Net debt-to-capital is considered a non-GAAP financial measure and should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, the comparable GAAP financial measures. We believe this non-GAAP financial measure is 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 non-GAAP financial measures and any adjustments thereto before comparing to our non-GAAP financial measures.

ABOUT MERITAGE HOMES CORPORATION
Meritage is the fifth-largest public homebuilder in the United States, based on homes closed in 2024. The Company offers energy-efficient and affordable entry-level and first move-up homes. Operations span across Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Meritage has delivered over 210,000 homes in its 40-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, an eleven-time recipient of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence Award and Residential New Construction Market Leader Award, as well as a four-time recipient of the EPA's 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 and our future results including our ability to increase market share and our full year 2026 projected share repurchases, home closing volume and home closing revenue.

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: increases in interest rates or decreases in mortgage availability, and the cost and use of rate locks and buy-downs; the cost of materials used to develop communities and construct homes; cancellation rates; supply chain and labor constraints; shortages in the availability and cost of subcontract labor; 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 exposure to counterparty risk with respect to our capped calls; our ability to obtain financing if our credit ratings are downgraded; our 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; 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; liabilities or restrictions resulting from regulations applicable 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, 2024 and our Form 10-Q for subsequent quarters under the caption "Risk Factors," which can be found on our website at https://investors.meritagehomes.com.