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Meritage Homes — Jan 28, 2026 release

Fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter results · 8-K Item 2.02 · Exhibit 99.1 · 0000833079-26-000006
Open on SEC.gov ↗
Showing in the filing
Share repurchases
“$400 million”
Period
FY2026
Measure
Declared action
Source
Prose
All guidance in this release · 3
Share repurchases for FY2026
“$400 million”
Home closing revenue for FY2026
“consistent with full year 2025 results”
Home closing volume and revenue for FY2026
“consistent with full year 2025 results”
Exhibit 99.1 · full document
Exhibit 99.1 Contacts: Emily Tadano, VP Investor Relations and External Communications (480) 515-8979 (office) investors@meritagehomes.com Meritage Homes reports fourth quarter 2025 results Reported home closing gross margin of 16.5% and adjusted of 19.3% excluding non-recurring charges SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., January 28, 2026 - 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. Summary Operating Results (unaudited) (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,   2025 2024 % Chg 2025 2024 % Chg Homes closed (units) 3,755  4,044  (7) % 15,026  15,611  (4) % Home closing revenue $ 1,406,449  $ 1,595,928  (12) % $ 5,763,597  $ 6,341,546  (9) % Average sales price - closings $ 375  $ 395  (5) % $ 384  $ 406  (5) % Home orders (units) 3,224  3,304  (2) % 14,650  14,606  —  % Home order value $ 1,206,142  $ 1,320,447  (9) % $ 5,726,846  $ 5,950,708  (4) % Average sales price - orders $ 374  $ 400  (6) % $ 391  $ 407  (4) % Ending backlog (units) 1,168  1,544  (24) % Ending backlog value $ 440,562  $ 629,549  (30) % Average sales price - backlog $ 377  $ 408  (7) % Home closing gross margin 16.5% 23.2% (670) bps 19.7% 24.9% (520) bps Earnings before income taxes $ 103,133  $ 221,562  (53) % $ 584,600  $ 1,002,870  (42) % Net earnings $ 84,031  $ 172,649  (51) % $ 453,013  $ 786,186  (42) % Diluted EPS $ 1.20  $ 2.36  (49) % $ 6.35  $ 10.72  (41) % 1 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. 2 • 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. 3 • 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. 4 • 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. 5 Meritage Homes Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Income Statements (In thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)   Three Months Ended December 31, 2025 2024 Change $ Change % Homebuilding: Home closing revenue $ 1,406,449  $ 1,595,928  $ (189,479) (12) % Land closing revenue 21,072  17,356  3,716  21  % Total closing revenue 1,427,521  1,613,284  (185,763) (12) % Cost of home closings (1,174,192) (1,226,114) 51,922  (4) % Cost of land closings (21,898) (14,026) (7,872) 56  % Total cost of closings (1,196,090) (1,240,140) 44,050  (4) % Home closing gross profit 232,257  369,814  (137,557) (37) % Land closing gross (loss)/profit (826) 3,330  (4,156) (125) % Total closing gross profit 231,431  373,144  (141,713) (38) % Financial Services: Revenue 8,235  8,429  (194) (2) % Expense (4,403) (4,024) (379) 9  % Earnings from financial services unconsolidated entities and other, net 1,132  2,757  (1,625) (59) % Financial services profit 4,964  7,162  (2,198) (31) % Commissions and other sales costs (101,133) (104,956) 3,823  (4) % General and administrative expenses (47,795) (67,742) 19,947  (29) % Interest expense —  —  —  —  % Other income, net 15,666  13,954  1,712  12  % Earnings before income taxes 103,133  221,562  (118,429) (53) % Provision for income taxes (19,102) (48,913) 29,811  (61) % Net earnings $ 84,031  $ 172,649  $ (88,618) (51) % Earnings per common share: Basic Change $ or shares Change % Earnings per common share $ 1.21  $ 2.39  $ (1.18) (49) % Weighted average shares outstanding 69,254  72,188  (2,934) (4) % Diluted Earnings per common share $ 1.20  $ 2.36  $ (1.16) (49) % Weighted average shares outstanding 69,798  73,124  (3,326) (5) % 6 Meritage Homes Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Income Statements (In thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2025 2024 Change $ Change % Homebuilding: Home closing revenue $ 5,763,597  $ 6,341,546  $ (577,949) (9) % Land closing revenue 60,838  22,326  38,512  172  % Total closing revenue 5,824,435  6,363,872  (539,437) (8) % Cost of home closings (4,627,405) (4,761,703) 134,298  (3) % Cost of land closings (59,026) (18,309) (40,717) 222  % Total cost of closings (4,686,431) (4,780,012) 93,581  (2) % Home closing gross profit 1,136,192  1,579,843  (443,651) (28) % Land closing gross profit 1,812  4,017  (2,205) (55) % Total closing gross profit 1,138,004  1,583,860  (445,856) (28) % Financial Services: Revenue 33,202  31,163  2,039  7  % Expense (17,562) (14,657) (2,905) 20  % Earnings/(loss) from financial services unconsolidated entities and other, net 2,978  (2,096) 5,074  242  % Financial services profit 18,618  14,410  4,208  29  % Commissions and other sales costs (404,405) (409,069) 4,664  (1) % General and administrative expenses (211,762) (230,856) 19,094  (8) % Interest expense —  —  —  —  % Other income, net 44,145  45,156  (1,011) (2) % Loss on early extinguishment of debt —  (631) 631  (100) % Earnings before income taxes 584,600  1,002,870  (418,270) (42) % Provision for income taxes (131,587) (216,684) 85,097  (39) % Net earnings $ 453,013  $ 786,186  $ (333,173) (42) % Earnings per common share: Basic Change $ or shares Change % Earnings per common share $ 6.40  $ 10.85  $ (4.45) (41) % Weighted average shares outstanding 70,819  72,476  (1,657) (2) % Diluted Earnings per common share $ 6.35  $ 10.72  $ (4.37) (41) % Weighted average shares outstanding 71,348  73,332  (1,984) (3) % 7 Meritage Homes Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets (Dollars in thousands) (unaudited)   December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 775,157  $ 651,555  Other receivables 306,956  256,282  Real estate (1) 5,987,120  5,728,775  Deposits on real estate under option or contract 174,170  192,405  Investments in unconsolidated entities 57,268  28,735  Property and equipment, net 46,647  47,285  Deferred tax assets, net 53,293  54,524  Prepaids, other assets and goodwill 221,676  203,093  Total assets $ 7,622,287  $ 7,162,654  Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 200,679  $ 212,477  Accrued liabilities 387,698  452,213  Home sale deposits 9,213  20,513  Loans payable and other borrowings 24,328  29,343  Senior and convertible senior notes, net 1,804,726  1,306,535  Total liabilities 2,426,644  2,021,081  Stockholders' Equity: Preferred stock —  —  Common stock, par value $0.01. Authorized 125,000,000 shares; 68,168,923 and 71,921,972 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively (1) 682  360  Additional paid-in capital —  143,036  Retained earnings 5,194,961  4,998,177  Total stockholders’ equity 5,195,643  5,141,573  Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,622,287  $ 7,162,654  (1) Real estate – Allocated costs: Homes completed and under construction 2,069,548  $ 2,375,639  Finished home sites and home sites under development 3,917,572  3,353,136  Total real estate $ 5,987,120  $ 5,728,775  (1) Share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 2-for-1 stock split that was effective on January 2, 2025. 8 Meritage Homes Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows   (In thousands) (unaudited) Twelve Months Ended December 31,   2025 2024 Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 453,013  $ 786,186  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 25,285  25,959  Real estate-related impairments 18,118  —  Write-off of terminated land deals 39,382  6,702  Stock-based compensation 19,683  25,809  Loss on early extinguishment of debt —  631  Equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities (3,973) (9,225) Distribution of earnings from unconsolidated entities 4,143  7,461  Other 1,332  7,758  Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase in real estate (274,052) (979,254) Increase in deposits on real estate under option or contract (5,708) (81,354) (Increase)/decrease in receivables, prepaids and other assets (55,265) 39,776  Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (92,370) (41,933) Decrease in home sale deposits (11,300) (16,092) Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 118,288  (227,576) Cash flows from investing activities: Investments in unconsolidated entities (32,728) (18,545) Distributions of capital from unconsolidated entities 500  2,867  Purchases of property and equipment (25,722) (28,658) Proceeds from sales of property and equipment 251  262  Maturities/sales of investments and securities 1,750  750  Payments to purchase investments and securities (1,750) (750) Net cash used in investing activities (57,699) (44,074) Cash flows from financing activities: Repayment of loans payable and other borrowings (13,005) (8,933) Repayment of senior notes —  (250,695) Proceeds from issuance of senior and convertible senior notes 497,195  575,000  Payment of debt issuance costs (5,106) (17,082) Purchase of capped calls related to issuance of convertible senior notes —  (61,790) Dividends paid (121,072) (108,590) Repurchase of shares (294,999) (125,932) Net cash provided by financing activities 63,013  1,978  Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 123,602  (269,672) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 651,555  921,227  Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 775,157  $ 651,555  9 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   Three months ended December 31,   2025 2024   Homes Value Homes Value Homes Closed: West Region 775  $ 379,933  1,027  $ 490,898  Central Region 1,443  499,643  1,444  518,732  East Region 1,537  526,873  1,573  586,298  Total 3,755  $ 1,406,449  4,044  $ 1,595,928  Homes Ordered: West Region 610  $ 303,063  864  $ 425,038  Central Region 1,288  443,984  1,207  437,319  East Region 1,326  459,095  1,233  458,090  Total 3,224  $ 1,206,142  3,304  $ 1,320,447    Twelve months ended December 31,   2025 2024   Homes Value Homes Value Homes Closed: West Region 3,821  $ 1,829,432  4,526  $ 2,223,876  Central Region 5,264  1,835,691  5,525  2,015,621  East Region 5,941  2,098,474  5,560  2,102,049  Total 15,026  $ 5,763,597  15,611  $ 6,341,546  Homes Ordered: West Region 3,571  $ 1,753,922  4,215  $ 2,084,168  Central Region 5,240  1,877,109  5,165  1,893,202  East Region 5,839  2,095,815  5,226  1,973,338  Total 14,650  $ 5,726,846  14,606  $ 5,950,708  10   At December 31,   2025 2024   Homes Value Homes Value Order Backlog: West Region 185  $ 91,937  435  $ 214,360  Central Region 457  165,002  481  177,516  East Region 526  183,623  628  237,673  Total 1,168  $ 440,562  1,544  $ 629,549    Three months ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,   2025 2024 2025 2024   Ending Average Ending Average Ending Average Ending Average Active Communities: West Region 83  84.0  91  88.5  83  85.8  91  84.6  Central Region 112  104.5  90  86.5  112  93.2  90  91.2  East Region 141  146.5  111  110.0  141  133.8  111  104.6  Total 336  335.0  292  285.0  336  312.8  292  280.4  11 Meritage Homes Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental and Non-GAAP information (Unaudited) Supplemental Information (In thousands):   Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,   2025 2024 2025 2024 Depreciation and amortization $ 6,682  $ 6,601  $ 25,285  $ 25,959  Summary of Capitalized Interest: Capitalized interest, beginning of period $ 71,201  $ 53,732  $ 53,678  $ 54,516  Interest incurred 19,991  12,713  74,750  52,717  Interest expensed —  —  —  —  Interest amortized to cost of home and land closings (14,128) (12,767) (51,364) (53,555) Capitalized interest, end of period $ 77,064  $ 53,678  $ 77,064  $ 53,678  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. Home Closing Gross Profit and Home Closing Gross Margin Three months ended December 31, Twelve months ended December 31, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Home closing gross profit $ 232,257 $ 369,814 $ 1,136,192 $ 1,579,843 Home closing gross margin 16.5  % 23.2  % 19.7  % 24.9  % Add: Real estate-related impairments 7,839 — 16,532 — Add: Write-off of terminated land deals 27,945 2,771 39,382 6,702 Add: Severance expense 3,182 — 4,297 — Adjusted home closing gross profit $ 271,223 $ 372,585 $ 1,196,403 $ 1,586,545 Adjusted home closing gross margin 19.3  % 23.3  % 20.8  % 25.0  % 12 Earnings before income taxes, Net earnings and Diluted earnings per common share Three months ended December 31, Twelve months ended December 31, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Earnings before income taxes $ 103,133 $ 221,562 $ 584,600 $ 1,002,870 Add: Real estate-related impairments 9,314 — 18,606 — Add: Write-off of terminated land deals 27,945 2,771 39,382 6,702 Add: Severance expense 5,719 — 8,415 — Adjusted earnings before income taxes 146,111 224,333 651,003 1,009,572 Incremental tax rate 24.6  % 24.4  % 24.6  % 24.5  % Adjusted provision for income tax (29,679) (49,590) (147,929) (218,323) Adjusted net earnings $ 116,432 $ 174,743 $ 503,074 $ 791,249 Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.20  $ 2.36  $ 6.35  $ 10.72  Adjusted diluted earnings per common share $ 1.67  $ 2.39  $ 7.05  $ 10.79  Debt-to-Capital Ratios   December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Senior and convertible senior notes, net, loans payable and other borrowings $ 1,829,054 $ 1,335,878 Stockholders' equity 5,195,643 5,141,573 Total capital $ 7,024,697 $ 6,477,451 Debt-to-capital 26.0% 20.6% Senior and convertible senior notes, net, loans payable and other borrowings $ 1,829,054 $ 1,335,878 Less: cash and cash equivalents (775,157) (651,555) Net debt $ 1,053,897 $ 684,323 Stockholders’ equity 5,195,643 5,141,573 Total net capital $ 6,249,540 $ 5,825,896 Net debt-to-capital (1) 16.9% 11.7% (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. 13 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 14 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. 15
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other guidance in this release
Text is the filed exhibit, verbatim.