After a disastrous fiscal year, public builders are reporting their losses, discussing preliminary numbers, and releasing their plans to avoid catastrophe this time around. Here is the latest on the public home builders, courtesy of our sister magazine Big Builder.
Toll reported preliminary sales numbers and, like many builders, says traffic is up.
MDC lost $89 milllion in 2008's fourth quarter, but executives focused on 2009 in their recent conference call with analysts.
Pulte said its founder, William J. Pulte, planned to sell nearly 5 million shares of stock. The company also has hired a replacement for its retiring controller.
Meritage reported that it is swapping stock for debt, improving its balance sheet.
Beazer's home orders were down 56.5% over last year, but CFO Allan Merrill is "very comfortable" with its stock situation.
M/I reports a $75.4 million loss in its 4th quarter, but CEO Robert Schottenstein is hopefully about the unveiling of its "very strong line of affordable homes."
Claire Koltko is associate editor, copy, at BUILDER magazine.
