Pulte

Wolfe Research upgraded PulteGroup to Outperform, citing that its 2026 EPS estimate fell only 2.7% since the start of the year versus a 21.4% average cut for peers. The upgrade helped lift PulteGroup shares about 1.8% pre-market, supported by a Q2 EPS beat of $2.48. Citizens kept a Market Outperform rating with a $145 price target, highlighting strong demand from move-up buyers and active adult communities. » More on finance.yahoo.com

PulteGroup has created a new division called "Florida Panhandle" and announced an expansion into northwest Florida. Taylor Larza was named vice president and market manager of the unit. The company has already signed a construction partnership with The St. Joe Company and a contract for 1,326 home sites (with options for up to 2,653) in Bay County; initial land development work is scheduled to begin in 2027. Planned homes will be built under the Pulte Homes, Del Webb and Divosta brands. » More on de.investing.com

PulteGroup reported Q2 net new orders up 6% year over year to 7,536 homes and order value up 5% to $4.1 billion, while home sale revenue fell to $3.8 billion and EPS declined to $2.48 due to fewer closings and a lower average sales price. Homebuilding gross margin held near 25% and incentives eased sequentially to 10.4%, supported by disciplined land buying, lower build costs and a stronger mix in Florida. The company reaffirmed full-year guidance of 28,500–29,000 closings and 24.5%–25.0% gross margin, expects about $1 billion operating cash flow for 2026, and continues a shift toward build-to-order homes while investing heavily in land (about $2.7 billion YTD). » More on finance.yahoo.com