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BofA Securities has maintained a Neutral rating on Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) with a steady price target of $190.00.
The home construction company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the third fiscal quarter of 2024 at $3.90, surpassing both the analyst's projection of $3.67 and the consensus estimate of $3.65.
The increase was attributed to a higher number of delivered homes and reduced selling, general, and administrative expenses (SG&A).
Lennar's home deliveries for the third fiscal quarter reached 21.5 thousand, exceeding the anticipated 20.7 thousand.
The performance was supported by accelerated cycle times. Additionally, the company's home sales revenue hit $9.0 billion, modestly outperforming the forecasted $8.8 billion.
Looking ahead to the fourth fiscal quarter, Lennar's average selling price (ASP) and delivery outlook were somewhat higher than BofA Securities' expectations.
However, the projections for new orders and gross margin fell short of the forecast. In light of these mixed results, the firm has adjusted its fiscal year 2025 EPS estimate downward by 1.7% to reflect a more conservative gross margin outlook.
In other recent news, Lennar Corporation has seen adjustments in its stock target by several firms, along with promising third-quarter results. Citi raised Lennar's stock target to $196 from $164, maintaining a neutral stance, while RBC Capital Markets increased its target from $145 to $160, keeping an underperform rating. Goldman Sachs maintained a neutral rating with a price target of $190.
These revisions follow Lennar's third fiscal quarter performance, which demonstrated an 8% increase in home starts and a 16% rise in deliveries. Despite a gross margin miss, Lennar managed to leverage selling, general, and administrative expenses by reducing reliance on third-party brokers.
The company's financial services segment reported operating earnings of $144 million, with the multifamily segment generating $79 million. These recent developments highlight Lennar's strategic progress and operational efficiency.
InvestingPro Insights
Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) has demonstrated a robust financial performance with several positive metrics that bode well for its future prospects. According to InvestingPro data, Lennar holds a market capitalization of $50.76 billion, showcasing its substantial presence in the home construction industry. The company's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 11.19, suggesting a potentially attractive valuation when compared with industry peers. Furthermore, the company's revenue growth over the last twelve months as of Q3 2024 has been recorded at 9.04%, indicating a healthy expansion in its business operations.
InvestingPro Tips highlight Lennar's strong financial position, noting that the company holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, which is a reassuring sign for investors concerned about financial stability. Additionally, Lennar's cash flows can sufficiently cover interest payments, another indicator of financial health. For those interested in the company's dividend history, Lennar has maintained dividend payments for 47 consecutive years, reflecting a commitment to returning value to shareholders.
While some analysts have revised their earnings downwards for the upcoming period, Lennar remains a prominent player in the Household Durables industry. Investors seeking further insights can find additional InvestingPro Tips on the company's performance and outlook, available at https://www.investing.com/pro/LEN.
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