LENNAR CORP /NEW/ Q1 FY26 Results

"Our first quarter of fiscal year 2026 was defined by the same persistent headwinds that have challenged the housing market for over three years - high mortgage rates, constrained affordability, cautious consumer sentiment, and geopolitical uncertainty, especially now including the recent conflict in Iran. As our results reflect, Lennar remained focused on executing our consistent operating strategy to maintain production and support housing supply, while driving structural improvements across our business." "During the first quarter, we delivered 16,863 homes, generated 18,515 new orders, and maintained our disciplined, production-first operating strategy. Our average sales price was $374,000, reflecting the continued use of approximately 14% in incentives, along with base price adjustments necessary to sustain volume in a market where affordability remains the defining constraint. Gross margin came in at 15.2%, with SG&A of 9.8%, resulting in a net margin of 5.3%." "Our strategy has been to actively design around the affordability challenge rather than waiting it out. We have focused on prioritizing volume to create durable scale advantages, delivering that volume at lower prices, and ultimately improving margins. Operationally, our starts pace of 3.4 homes per community per month and sales pace of 3.6 reflect a measured, even-flow approach across our 1,678 active communities. Our cycle time improved to 122 days, our shortest ever, and our inventory turn increased to 2.5 times, reflecting the strength of our land-light model, as well as improved execution across our construction operations and supply chain. Additionally, our construction costs improved just over 2.5% in the first quarter and have decreased 12% over the last two years, even as labor remains constrained and materials face constant pricing pressure." "While the broader market remains challenged in the near term, exacerbated by current events, we are continuing to operate with conviction and clarity. The fundamental shortage of housing in America has not been solved - demand is real, deferred, and building. As affordability gradually improves, as rates find a more stable footing, and as the nation begins in earnest to address the regulatory and entitlement barriers that constrain supply, Lennar is extremely well positioned for long-term growth. But, until then, we are building the homes America needs, at the prices the market can absorb, with an operating platform that is continuously improving and becoming more efficient every quarter."