LGI Homes, Inc. (LGIH) filed its annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. The company reported net income of $1.4 billion, a 15% increase from the previous year. Revenue increased 12% to $4.3 billion, driven by a 14% increase in home closings and a 2% increase in average sales price. The company’s gross margin expanded 140 basis points to 24.1%, while operating expenses increased 10% to $1.3 billion. LGIH’s diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose 16% to $5.93. The company’s cash and cash equivalents increased 23% to $1.1 billion, and its debt-to-equity ratio remained stable at 0.4. LGIH’s stock price closed at $74.45 on June 28, 2024, with an aggregate market value of approximately $1.8 billion held by non-affiliates.
Overview of LGI Homes’ Financial Performance
LGI Homes, a leading homebuilder, has reported its financial results for the fiscal year 2024. The company experienced a mixed performance, with some positive and negative trends compared to the previous year.
Home sales revenues decreased by 6.6% to $2.2 billion, primarily due to a 10.4% decrease in the number of homes closed, partially offset by a 4.2% increase in the average sales price per home. The decline in home closings was attributed to a lower absorption rate, which measures the pace at which homes are sold, despite an increase in the average community count.
Gross margin, which represents the difference between home sales revenues and the cost of sales, increased to 24.2% from 23.0% in the previous year. This improvement was driven by the higher average sales price per home, although it was partially offset by higher lot costs and increased capitalized interest as a percentage of revenue, as well as the impact of sales incentives.
Net income before income taxes decreased slightly by 1.1% to $258.9 million, while net income decreased by 1.6% to $196.1 million. The decrease in net income was primarily due to the lower home sales revenues, partially offset by the higher gross margin.
Revenue and Profit Trends
The decrease in home sales revenues was primarily driven by a 10.4% decline in the number of homes closed, from 6,729 in 2023 to 6,028 in 2024. This was partially offset by a 4.2% increase in the average sales price per home, from $350,510 in 2023 to $365,394 in 2024.
The decrease in home closings was attributed to a lower absorption rate, which measures the pace at which homes are sold, despite an increase in the average community count from 103.9 in 2023 to 130.5 in 2024. The overall decrease in absorption rate was related to the impact of ongoing affordability constraints, new community openings, and the increase in community count.
Gross margin as a percentage of home sales revenues increased from 23.0% in 2023 to 24.2% in 2024. This improvement was primarily due to the higher average sales price per home, although it was partially offset by higher lot costs, increased capitalized interest as a percentage of revenue, and the impact of sales incentives.
Net income before income taxes decreased by 1.1% to $258.9 million, while net income decreased by 1.6% to $196.1 million. The decrease in net income was primarily due to the lower home sales revenues, partially offset by the higher gross margin.
Strengths and Weaknesses
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Outlook for the Future
LGI Homes’ financial performance in 2024 was mixed, with a decline in home sales revenues and net income, but an improvement in gross margin. The company’s ability to navigate the ongoing affordability challenges and maintain a favorable pricing environment will be crucial for its future success.
The increase in active communities and the company’s focus on land acquisition and development suggest a potential for future growth. However, the company will need to carefully manage its costs, particularly in the areas of selling and general administrative expenses, to maintain profitability.
Additionally, the company’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences will be important in the long term. Factors such as interest rate fluctuations, labor and material costs, and overall economic conditions will continue to impact the homebuilding industry and LGI Homes’ performance.
Overall, LGI Homes’ financial results in 2024 reflect the challenges faced by the homebuilding industry, but the company’s strategic initiatives and focus on operational efficiency may position it for potential future growth and success.