PULTEGROUP INCMI

Previous wording

In 2022, the Federal Reserve began raising its benchmark rate in response to persistent inflation that began after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions drove national mortgage and other interest rates higher and negatively impacted home affordability and consumer sentiment. Despite this rise in interest rates, demand for new homes generally remained strong during 2023 and into the first quarter of 2024. However, demand began to weaken during the second quarter of 2024, as evidenced by our net new orders, which decreased 4% compared to the comparable prior year period and decreased 9% compared to the first quarter of 2024. While affordability remains challenged for housing due to the higher interest rates, house price increases, and general inflation in recent years, we have responded by adjusting sales prices where necessary and focusing sales incentives on closing cost incentives, and mortgage interest rate buydowns. Additionally, the rate of customer order cancellations that spiked in 2022 in response to higher inflation and interest rate increases has now normalized to historical levels.

Current wording

In 2022, the Federal Reserve began raising its benchmark interest rate in response to persistent inflation that began after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions drove national mortgage and other interest rates higher and negatively impacted home affordability and consumer sentiment. Despite this rise in interest rates, demand for new homes generally remained strong during 2023 and into 2024. Despite a recent 50 bps cut in the Federal Reserve benchmark interest rate late in the third quarter of 2024, affordability remains challenged for housing due to the higher interest rates, house price increases, and general inflation in recent years as compared with historical levels. We have responded by adjusting sales prices where necessary and focusing sales incentives on closing cost incentives and mortgage interest rate buydowns. Additionally, the rate of customer order cancellations that spiked in 2022 in response to higher inflation and interest rate increases has now normalized to historical levels.

Previous wording

We operate our business to generate a consistent cadence of house starts and an appropriate inventory of quick move-in speculative ("spec") homes as we focus on turning our assets and delivering high returns on investment, which has allowed us to achieve an effective balance of price and pace. Within an evolving macroeconomic environment, consumers across all buyer segments and price points have continued demonstrating a strong desire for homeownership despite continued interest rate variability. During 2023 and the first half of 2024, through a combination of our ongoing cost reduction initiatives, construction pacing, and sales strategies that capitalized on periods of strong consumer demand, we were able to achieve historically strong financial results, including record first half of the year earnings during the six months ended June 30, 2024.

Current wording

We operate our business to generate a consistent cadence of house starts and an appropriate inventory of quick move-in speculative ("spec") homes as we focus on turning our assets and delivering high returns on investment, which has allowed us to achieve an effective balance of price and pace. Within an evolving macroeconomic environment, consumers across all buyer segments and price points have continued demonstrating a strong desire for homeownership despite continued interest rate variability. During 2023 and the first nine months of 2024, through a combination of our ongoing construction cost reduction initiatives, construction pacing, and sales strategies that capitalized on periods of strong consumer demand, we were able to achieve historically strong financial results.

Previous wording

The supply chain constraints that arose in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic improved during 2023 and have continued to ease during the first half of 2024, which has contributed to a shortening of our production cycle times. The time required to construct a home was approximately nine weeks shorter at the end of the second quarter of 2024 compared to the comparable prior year period. This decrease in cycle times, coupled with our strong backlog and focus on spec home production, contributed to an increase in closings of 8% and 9% in the second quarter and first half of 2024, respectively, over the comparable prior year periods. While production cycle times remain elevated versus our historical norms due to the availability of certain materials and construction labor along with extended timelines for municipal approvals and inspections in certain geographies, we continue to make progress. Despite the recent improvements, inflation also continues to impact our business. The price of lumber materials, in particular, has been subject to heightened price volatility in recent years, but prices have trended lower in 2024. Due to the length of our construction cycle times, there is a lag between when such cost changes occur and when they impact our operating results. While we expect to see some benefit in our reported financial results in the second half of 2024 from lower lumber prices, we expect that such benefits will be largely offset by higher sales incentives or other pricing actions in response to the recent softening in consumer demand.

Current wording

The supply chain constraints that arose in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic improved during 2023 and have continued to ease during the first nine months of 2024, which has contributed to a shortening of our production cycle times. The time required to construct a home was approximately seven weeks shorter at the end of the third quarter of 2024 compared to the comparable prior year period, and nearly two weeks shorter than at the end of the second quarter of 2024. This decrease in cycle times, coupled with our strong backlog and focus on spec home production, contributed to an increase in closings of 12% and 10% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, over the comparable prior year periods. While production cycle times remain elevated versus our historical norms due to the availability of certain materials and construction labor, along with extended timelines for municipal approvals and inspections in certain geographies, we continue to make progress. Inflation also continues to impact our business, especially the cost of land and related development expenditures. Due to the length of our construction cycle times, there is a lag between when such cost changes occur and when they impact our operating results.

Previous wording

Although we have seen some moderation in demand in the second quarter of 2024 that has continued into July, the limited supply of both new and existing homes for sale, continuing low levels of unemployment, and demographics supporting housing demand remain favorable. We believe our strategic approach with respect to sales incentives, advertising, and our production cadence will enable us to meet consumer demand at the selling prices necessary to turn our inventory, maintain market share, and generate healthy returns. We remain confident in our ability to navigate this environment and to position the Company to take advantage of opportunities as they arise to support future growth and continued profitability and financial strength.

Current wording

The limited supply of both new and existing homes for sale, continuing low levels of unemployment, and demographics supporting housing demand remain favorable. We believe our strategic approach with respect to sales incentives, advertising, and our production cadence will enable us to meet consumer demand at the selling prices necessary to turn our inventory, maintain market share, and generate healthy returns. We remain confident in our ability to navigate this environment and to position the Company to take advantage of opportunities as they arise to support future growth and continued profitability and financial strength.

Previous wording

(a)SG&A includes insurance reserve reversals of $51.9 million and $78.7 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, and $64.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, (see Note 8).

Current wording

(a)SG&A includes insurance reserve reversals of $78.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and $66.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, (see Note 8).

Previous wording

(b)Equity income from unconsolidated entities includes a gain of $37.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 related to the sale of our minority interest in a joint venture.

Current wording

(b)Equity income from unconsolidated entities includes a gain of $37.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 related to the sale of our minority interest in a joint venture.

Previous wording

Home sale revenues in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 were higher than the prior year period by $389.2 million and $721.2 million, respectively. In the three months ended June 30, 2024, the 10% increase resulted from an 8% increase in closings combined with a 2% increase in average selling price. In the six months ended June 30, 2024, the 10% increase resulted primarily from a 9% increase in closings. The increases in closings were primarily attributable to both a strong backlog and initiatives to prioritize quick move-in spec homes to satisfy customer desire to quickly close on homes due to the volatile interest rate environment and to ensure an efficient production cadence of homes. The increase in average selling price during the three months ended June 30, 2024 reflected the impact of consumer demand and persistent inflation, partially offset by a slight increase in the mix of first-time buyer homes, which typically carry a lower sales price.

Current wording

Home sale revenues in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 were higher than the prior year period by $456.3 million and $1.2 billion, respectively. In the three months ended September 30, 2024, the 12% increase resulted primarily from a 12% increase in closings. In the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the 10% increase resulted primarily from a 10% increase in closings. The increases in closings were primarily attributable to a strong backlog, improved production cycle times, and initiatives to prioritize quick move-in spec homes to satisfy customer desire to quickly close on homes due to the volatile interest rate environment and to ensure an efficient production cadence of homes. Average selling price during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 remained flat compared with the respective prior year periods.

Previous wording

Home sale gross margins were 29.9% and 29.8% in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared with 29.6% and 29.4% in the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. Due to the low supply of new and existing homes for sale, we were generally able to maintain net sales pricing to substantially offset increases in house and land costs and higher sales incentives over these periods.

Current wording

Home sale gross margins were 28.8% and 29.4% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, compared with 29.5% and 29.4% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. Due to the low supply of new and existing homes for sale, we were generally able to maintain net sales pricing to substantially offset increases in house and land costs and higher sales incentives over these periods. However, we expect sales incentives, especially mortgage interest rate buydowns, to remain elevated to address buyer affordability challenges, which will continue to impact our gross margins in the near term.

Previous wording

We periodically elect to sell parcels of land to third parties in the event such assets no longer fit into our strategic operating plans or are zoned for commercial or other development. Land sale and other revenues and their related gains or losses vary between periods, depending on the timing of land sales and our strategic operating decisions. Land sales and other revenues contributed income of $1.0 million and $1.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared with $5.1 million and $10.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively.

Current wording

We periodically elect to sell parcels of land to third parties in the event such assets no longer fit into our strategic operating plans or are zoned for commercial or other development. Land sale and other revenues and their related gains or losses vary between periods, depending on the timing of land sales and our strategic operating decisions. Land sales and other revenues contributed losses of $6.0 million and $4.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, compared with gains of $4.9 million and $15.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

SG&A as a percentage of home sale revenues was 8.1% and 8.7% in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared with 7.8% and 8.6% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. The gross dollar amount of our SG&A increased $46.5 million, or 15%, for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared with the prior year period, and increased $67.6 million, or 10%, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared with the prior year period. The increases in gross dollars for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 resulted primarily from overhead costs to support increased production volumes, partially offset by insurance reserve reversals of $51.9 million and $78.7 million recorded in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, compared with insurance reserve reversals of $64.9 million recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2023.

Current wording

SG&A as a percentage of home sale revenues was 9.4% and 8.9% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, compared with 9.1% and 8.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. The gross dollar amount of our SG&A increased $53.7 million, or 15%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared with the prior year period, and increased $121.3 million, or 12%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared with the prior year period. The increases in gross dollars for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 resulted primarily from overhead costs to support increased production volumes, partially offset by insurance reserve reversals of $78.7 million recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared with insurance reserve reversals of $66.2 million recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Previous wording

Net new orders in units decreased 4% while net new orders in dollars increased 2% in the three months ended June 30, 2024, as compared with the prior year period. Net new orders in units increased 5% while net new orders in dollars increased 12% in the six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared with the prior year period. The lower net new order volume in the three months ended June 30, 2024 over the comparable prior year period was primarily due to some moderation in consumer demand during the second quarter in response to higher mortgage interest rates, while the increase in net new order dollars was primarily attributable to geographic mix, including our West segment, which carries a higher average selling price. The increased net new order volume and dollars in the six months ended June 30, 2024 over the comparable prior year period was primarily attributable to the higher volumes in our West segment. Cancellation rates (canceled orders for the period divided by gross new orders for the period) were 14% and 13% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and 13% for 15% in the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. Cancellation rates began to decrease in 2023 and have now returned to historical levels. Ending backlog dollars, which represents orders for homes that have not yet closed, decreased 1% at June 30, 2024 compared with June 30, 2023.

Current wording

Net new orders in units decreased less than 1% while net new orders in dollars increased 3% in the three months ended September 30, 2024, as compared with the prior year period. Net new orders in units increased 3% while net new orders in dollars increased 9% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared with the prior year period. The increase in net new order dollars in the three months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to geographic mix, including our West segment, which carries a higher average selling price. The increased net new order volume and dollars in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 over the comparable prior year period was primarily attributable to the higher volumes in our West segment. Cancellation rates (canceled orders for the period divided by gross new orders for the period) were 15% and 14% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and 15% in both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. Cancellation rates began to decrease in 2023 and have now returned to historical levels. Ending backlog dollars, which represents orders for homes that have not yet closed, decreased 5% at September 30, 2024 compared with September 30, 2023.

Previous wording

The number of homes in production at June 30, 2024 was 4% higher than at June 30, 2023. This increase was primarily attributable to a higher number of homes under construction and completed homes, which reflects our strategic decision to increase starts of spec units in response to buyer demand for quick move-in homes. This increase was partially offset by a lower number of sold homes in production.

Current wording

The number of homes in production at September 30, 2024 was 1% lower than at September 30, 2023. This decrease was primarily due to a decreased number of sold homes due to increased closings and lower backlog. This decrease was partially offset by a higher number of homes under construction and completed homes, which reflects our strategic decision to increase starts of spec units in response to buyer demand for quick move-in homes.

Previous wording

While competition for well-positioned land is robust, we continued to pursue land investments that we believe can achieve appropriate risk-adjusted returns on invested capital. We have also continued to seek to maintain a high percentage of our lots that are controlled via land option agreements as such contracts enable us to defer acquiring portions of properties owned by third parties or unconsolidated entities until we have determined whether and when to exercise our option, which reduces our financial risks associated with long-term land holdings. The remaining purchase price under our land option agreements totaled $7.4 billion at June 30, 2024.

Current wording

While competition for well-positioned land is robust, we continued to pursue land investments that we believe can achieve appropriate risk-adjusted returns on invested capital. We have also continued to seek to maintain a high percentage of our lots that are controlled via land option agreements as such contracts enable us to defer acquiring portions of properties owned by third parties or unconsolidated entities until we have determined whether and when to exercise our option, which reduces our financial risks associated with long-term land holdings. The remaining purchase price under our land option agreements totaled $8.1 billion at September 30, 2024.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2024, we conducted our operations in 46 markets located throughout 26 states. For reporting purposes, our Homebuilding operations are aggregated into six reportable segments:

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, we conducted our operations in 46 markets located throughout 25 states. For reporting purposes, our Homebuilding operations are aggregated into six reportable segments:

Previous wording

(b) Other homebuilding includes the amortization of intangible assets and capitalized interest and other items not allocated to the other segments. Other homebuilding also includes insurance reserve reversals of $51.9 million and $78.7 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, and $64.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, (see Note 8), and a gain of $37.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 related to the sale of our minority interest in a joint venture.

Current wording

(b) Other homebuilding includes the amortization of intangible assets and capitalized interest and other items not allocated to the other segments. Other homebuilding also includes insurance reserve reversals of $78.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and $66.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, (see Note 8), and a gain of $37.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 related to the sale of our minority interest in a joint venture.

Previous wording

For the second quarter of 2024, Northeast home sale revenues increased by 12% when compared with the prior year period due to a 20% increase in closings partially offset by a 7% decrease in average selling price. The increase in closings and decrease in average selling price occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes increased 18%, primarily due to higher revenues and gross margins across the majority of markets. Net new orders decreased across the majority of markets.

Current wording

For the third quarter of 2024, Northeast home sale revenues increased 13% when compared with the prior year period due to a 14% increase in closings partially offset by a slight decrease in average selling price. The increase in closings and decrease in average selling price occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes increased 9%, primarily due to higher revenues and gross margins across the majority of markets, partially offset by increased overhead costs across the majority of markets. Net new orders increased across the majority of markets.

Previous wording

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, Northeast home sale revenues increased by 2% when compared with the prior year period primarily due to a 2% increase in closings which occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes increased 2% primarily due to higher revenues and gross margins across the majority of markets. Net new orders increased across all markets.

Current wording

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Northeast home sale revenues increased 6% when compared with the prior year period primarily due to a 6% increase in closings partially offset by a slight decrease in average selling price. The increase in closings occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes increased 5% primarily due to higher revenues and gross margins across the majority of markets, partially offset by increased overhead costs across all markets. Net new orders increased across the majority of markets.

Previous wording

For the second quarter of 2024, Southeast home sale revenues increased 6% when compared with the prior year period due to a 7% increase in closings partially offset by a 1% decrease in average selling price. The increase in closings occurred across the majority of markets while the decrease in average selling price was mixed among markets. Income before income taxes increased less than 1%, primarily due to higher revenues and higher gross margins across the majority of markets, partially offset by increased overhead costs, which were mixed among markets. The decrease in net new orders occurred across the majority of markets.

Current wording

For the third quarter of 2024, Southeast home sale revenues increased 3% when compared with the prior year period due to a 4% increase in closings partially offset by a 1% decrease in average selling price. The increase in closings was mixed among markets while the decrease in average selling price occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes increased 1%, primarily due to higher revenues and gross margins which were mixed among markets, partially offset by increased overhead costs, which were also mixed among markets. Net new orders decreased across the majority of markets.

Previous wording

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, Southeast home sale revenues increased 9% when compared with the prior year period due to a 14% increase in closings partially offset by a 4% decrease in average selling price. The increase in closings and the decrease in average selling price occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes increased 7% primarily due to higher revenues and gross margins across the majority of markets. Net new orders decreased across the majority of markets.

Current wording

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Southeast home sale revenues increased 7% when compared with the prior year period due to an 11% increase in closings partially offset by a 3% decrease in average selling price. The increase in closings and decrease in average selling price occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes increased 5%, primarily due to higher revenues which were mixed among markets and higher gross margins across the majority of markets. Net new orders decreased across the majority of markets.

Previous wording

For the second quarter of 2024, Florida home sale revenues increased 7% when compared with the prior year period due to a 4% increase in closings combined with a 3% increase in average selling price. The increase in closings and average selling price occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes increased 4%, primarily due to higher revenues and gross margins across the majority of markets. Net new orders decreased across the majority of markets.

Current wording

For the third quarter of 2024, Florida home sale revenues decreased 2% when compared with the prior year period primarily due to a 3% decrease in average selling price, partially offset by a slight increase in closings. The decrease in average selling price and increase in closings occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes decreased 14%, primarily due to lower revenues and gross margins across the majority of markets. Net new orders increased across the majority of markets.

Previous wording

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, Florida home sale revenues increased 8% when compared with the prior year period due to a 6% increase in closings combined with a 1% increase in the average selling price. The increase in closings and average selling price occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes increased 4% primarily due to higher revenues and gross margins across the majority of markets. Net new orders decreased across the majority of markets.

Current wording

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Florida home sale revenues increased 4% when compared with the prior year period primarily due to a 4% increase in closings partially offset by a slight decrease in the average selling price. The increase in closings and decrease in average selling price occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes decreased 2%, primarily due to higher revenues and gross margins across the majority of markets. Net new orders increased across the majority of markets.

Previous wording

For the second quarter of 2024, Midwest home sale revenues increased 37% when compared with the prior year period due to a 30% increase in closings combined with a 5% increase in average selling price. The increase in closings and average selling price occurred across all markets. Income before income taxes increased 57%, primarily due to higher revenues and higher gross margins across all markets. Net new orders increased across the majority of markets.

Current wording

For the third quarter of 2024, Midwest home sale revenues increased 22% when compared with the prior year period due to a 17% increase in closings combined with a 4% increase in average selling price. The increase in closings occurred across all markets while the increase in average selling price occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes increased 28%, primarily due to higher revenues across the majority of markets and higher gross margins across all markets. Net new orders increased across the majority of markets.

Previous wording

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, Midwest home sale revenues increased 36% when compared with the prior year period due to a 31% increase in closings combined with a 5% increase in average selling price. The increase in closings occurred across all markets while the increase in average selling price occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes increased 59% primarily due to increased revenues and higher gross margins across all markets. Net new orders increased across the majority of markets.

Current wording

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Midwest home sale revenues increased 31% when compared with the prior year period due to a 26% increase in closings combined with a 4% increase in average selling price. The increase in closings occurred across all markets while the increase in average selling price occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes increased 45%, primarily due to higher revenues and gross margins across all markets. Net new orders increased across the majority of markets.

Previous wording

For the second quarter of 2024, Texas home sale revenues decreased 3% when compared with the prior year period due to a 3% decrease in closings combined with a 1% decrease in average selling price. The decrease in closings occurred across all markets while the decrease in average selling price occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes decreased 14%, primarily due to lower revenues and gross margins across the majority of markets. The decrease in net orders was mixed among markets.

Current wording

For the third quarter of 2024, Texas home sale revenues increased 18% when compared with the prior year period due to a 23% increase in closings partially offset by a 4% decrease in average selling price. The increase in closings occurred across all markets while the decrease in average selling price occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes decreased 4%, primarily due to increased overhead costs across all markets and decreased gross margins across the majority of markets. The decrease in net new orders was mixed among markets.

Previous wording

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, Texas home sale revenues increased 2% when compared with the prior year period due to a 3% increase in average selling price partially offset by a 1% decrease in closings. The increase in average selling price occurred across the majority of markets while the decrease in closings was mixed among markets. Income before income taxes decreased 1% primarily due to increased overhead costs across the majority of markets. The decrease in net new orders was mixed among markets.

Current wording

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Texas home sale revenues increased 7% when compared with the prior year period due to a 6% increase in closings combined with a 1% increase in average selling price. The increase in closings occurred across all markets while the increase in average selling price was mixed among markets. Income before income taxes decreased 2%, primarily due to increased overhead costs across all markets and decreased gross margins across the majority of markets. The decrease in net new orders was mixed among markets.

Previous wording

For the second quarter of 2024, West home sale revenues increased 9% compared with the prior year period due to an 8% increase in closings combined with a 1% increase in average selling price. The increase in closings and average selling price occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes increased 33%, primarily due to higher revenues and gross margins across the majority of markets. Net new orders increased across the majority of markets.

Current wording

For the third quarter of 2024, West home sale revenues increased 29% compared with the prior year period due to an 24% increase in closings combined with a 4% increase in average selling price. The increase in closings occurred across the majority of markets while the increase in average selling price was mixed among markets. Income before income taxes increased 42%, primarily due to higher revenues and gross margins across the majority of markets. Net new orders decreased in certain markets.

Previous wording

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, West home sale revenues increased 5% when compared with the prior year period due to a 7% increase in closings partially offset by a 2% decrease in average selling price. The decrease in average selling price was mixed among markets while the increase in closings occurred across the majority of markets. Income before income taxes increased 12% primarily due to higher revenues and increased gross margins across the majority of markets. Net new orders increased across the majority of markets.

Current wording

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, West home sale revenues increased 13% when compared with the prior year period due to a 13% increase in closings combined with a slight increase in average selling price. The increase in closings occurred across the majority of markets while the increase in average selling price was mixed among markets. Income before income taxes increased 22%, primarily due to higher revenues and increased gross margins across the majority of markets. Net new orders increased across all markets.

Previous wording

Total Financial Services revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 increased 21% and 36%, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2023. The increases during 2024 when compared with the prior year periods were primarily due to an increase in origination volumes resulting from higher closings within Homebuilding and improved capture rates. Revenues per loan also increased as the result of a more favorable operating environment for Financial Services. The increased use of closing cost incentives in the form of mortgage interest rate buydowns has also contributed favorably to the Financial Services volumes and revenues per transaction.

Current wording

Total Financial Services revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased 48% and 40%, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2023. The increases during 2024 when compared with the prior year periods were primarily due to an increase in origination volumes resulting from higher closings within Homebuilding and improved capture rates. Revenues per loan also increased as the result of a more favorable operating environment for Financial Services. The increased use of closing cost incentives in the form of mortgage interest rate buydowns has also contributed favorably to the Financial Services volumes and revenues per transaction.

Previous wording

Income before income taxes in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 increased 36% and 73%, respectively, compared with the same period in 2023. The increases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 when compared with the prior year periods were primarily due to the higher loan origination volume, capture rate, and revenue per transaction.

Current wording

Income before income taxes in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased 90% and 78%, respectively, compared with the same period in 2023. The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 when compared with the prior year periods were primarily due to the higher loan origination volume, capture rate, and revenue per transaction.

Previous wording

Our effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was 22.8% and 23.2%, respectively, compared with 24.4% and 24.3% for the same periods in 2023. Our effective tax rate for each of these periods differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state income tax expense. Our income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2024 also reflects a benefit relating to a reduction in income tax liabilities totaling $13.2 million related to the favorable resolution of uncertain state tax positions.

Current wording

Our effective tax rate was 23.0% and 23.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, compared with 24.6% and 24.4% for the same periods in 2023. Our effective tax rate for each of these periods differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state income tax expense. Income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 also includes a benefit of $14.3 million associated with the purchase of transferable federal renewable energy tax credits. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 also reflects a reduction in income tax liabilities totaling $13.2 million related to the favorable resolution of uncertain state tax positions.

Previous wording

At June 30, 2024, we had unrestricted cash and equivalents of $1.4 billion, restricted cash balances of $53.1 million, and $952.6 million available under our Revolving Credit Facility. Our ratio of debt-to-total capitalization, excluding our Financial Services debt, was 12.8% at June 30, 2024, compared with 15.9% at December 31, 2023. We follow a diversified investment approach for our cash and equivalents by maintaining such funds with a portfolio of banks within our group of relationship banks in high quality, highly liquid, short-term deposits and investments, which helps mitigate banking concentration risk.

Current wording

At September 30, 2024, we had unrestricted cash and equivalents of $1.4 billion, restricted cash balances of $57.5 million, and $939.1 million available under our Revolving Credit Facility. Our ratio of debt-to-total capitalization, excluding our Financial Services debt, was 12.3% at September 30, 2024, compared with 15.9% at December 31, 2023. We follow a diversified investment approach for our cash and equivalents by maintaining such funds with a portfolio of banks within our group of relationship banks in high quality, highly liquid, short-term deposits and investments, which helps mitigate banking concentration risk.

Previous wording

For the next twelve months, we expect our principal demand for funds will be for the acquisition and development of land inventory, construction of house inventory, and operating expenses, including our general and administrative expenses. The increase in sales and related increased pace in starts, coupled with the elongation of our production cycle compared to historical levels, has required a greater investment of cash in our homes under production. Additionally, we plan to continue our dividend payments and repurchases of common stock. In August 2024, we need to repay or refinance Pulte Mortgage's master repurchase agreement with third-party lenders (as amended, the "Repurchase Agreement"). While we intend to refinance the Repurchase Agreement, there can be no assurances that the Repurchase Agreement can be renewed or replaced on commercially reasonable terms upon its expiration. However, we believe we have adequate liquidity to meet Pulte Mortgage's anticipated financing needs. Beyond the next twelve months, we will need to repay or refinance our Revolving Credit Facility, which matures in June 2027, and our unsecured senior notes, the next tranche of which becomes due in 2026. We may from time to time repurchase our unsecured senior notes through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. In the three months ended June 30, 2024, we completed repurchases of $193.4 million and $106.6 million of our unsecured senior notes scheduled to mature in 2026 and 2027, respectively, through a cash tender offer, bringing our total repurchases in the six months ended June 30, 2024 to $310.2 million.

Current wording

For the next twelve months, we expect our principal demand for funds will be for the acquisition and development of land inventory, construction of house inventory, and operating expenses, including our general and administrative expenses. The increase in sales and related increased pace in starts, coupled with the elongation of our production cycle compared to historical levels, has required a greater investment of cash in our homes under production. Additionally, we plan to continue our dividend payments and repurchases of common stock. In August 2025, we need to repay or refinance Pulte Mortgage's master repurchase agreement with third-party lenders (as amended, the "Repurchase Agreement"). While we intend to refinance the Repurchase Agreement, there can be no assurances that the Repurchase Agreement can be renewed or replaced on commercially reasonable terms upon its expiration. However, we believe we have adequate liquidity to meet Pulte Mortgage's anticipated financing needs. Beyond the next twelve months, we will need to repay or refinance our Revolving Credit Facility, which matures in June 2027, and our unsecured senior notes, the next tranche of which becomes due in 2026. We may from time to time repurchase our unsecured senior notes through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. In the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we completed repurchases of $193.4 million and $106.6 million aggregate principal amount of our unsecured senior notes scheduled to mature in 2026 and 2027, respectively, through a cash tender offer. Our total repurchases in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, including open market repurchases, were $310.2 million.

Previous wording

Other notes payable include non-recourse and limited recourse secured notes with third parties that totaled $67.9 million and $71.0 million at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. These notes have maturities ranging up to six years, are secured by the applicable land positions to which they relate, and generally have no recourse to other assets. The stated interest rates on these notes range up to 6%.

Current wording

Other notes payable include non-recourse and limited recourse secured notes with third parties that totaled $41.1 million and $71.0 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. These notes have maturities ranging up to six years, are secured by the applicable land positions to which they relate, and generally have no recourse to other assets. The stated interest rates on these notes range up to 5%.

Previous wording

At June 30, 2024, we had no borrowings outstanding, $297.4 million of letters of credit issued, and $952.6 million of remaining capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility. At December 31, 2023, we had no borrowings outstanding, $312.7 million of letters of credit issued, and $937.3 million of remaining capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Current wording

At September 30, 2024, we had no borrowings outstanding, $310.9 million of letters of credit issued, and $939.1 million of remaining capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility. At December 31, 2023, we had no borrowings outstanding, $312.7 million of letters of credit issued, and $937.3 million of remaining capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Previous wording

At June 30, 2024, aggregate outstanding debt of unconsolidated joint ventures was $39.1 million, of which $3.7 million was related to one joint venture in which we have a 50% interest. In connection with this loan, we and our joint venture partner provided customary limited recourse guaranties pursuant to which our maximum financial loss exposure is limited to our pro rata share of the debt outstanding.

Current wording

At September 30, 2024, aggregate outstanding debt of unconsolidated joint ventures was $35.2 million.

Previous wording

In August 2023, Pulte Mortgage entered into the Repurchase Agreement, which matures on August 14, 2024. The maximum aggregate commitment under the Repurchase Agreement was $700.0 million at June 30, 2024, which continues until maturity. The Repurchase Agreement also contains an accordion feature that could increase the commitment by $50.0 million above its active commitment level. Borrowings under the Repurchase Agreement are secured by residential mortgage loans available-for-sale. The Repurchase Agreement contains various affirmative and negative covenants applicable to Pulte Mortgage, including quantitative thresholds related to net worth, net income, and liquidity. At June 30, 2024, Pulte Mortgage had $524.0 million outstanding at a weighted-average interest rate of 7.14% and $176.0 million of remaining capacity under the Repurchase Agreement. At December 31, 2023, Pulte Mortgage had $499.6 million outstanding at a weighted-average interest rate of 7.15% and $350.4 million of remaining capacity under the prior agreement replaced by the Repurchase Agreement. Pulte Mortgage was in compliance with all covenants and requirements as of June 30, 2024.

Current wording

Pulte Mortgage maintains a master repurchase agreement with third-party lenders (as amended, the "Repurchase Agreement") that matures on August 13, 2025. The maximum aggregate commitment under the Repurchase Agreement was $675.0 million at September 30, 2024 and will decrease to $650.0 million on January 14, 2025, which continues until maturity. The Repurchase Agreement also contains an accordion feature that could increase the commitment by $50.0 million above its active commitment level. Borrowings under the Repurchase Agreement are secured by residential mortgage loans available-for-sale. The Repurchase Agreement contains various affirmative and negative covenants applicable to Pulte Mortgage, including quantitative thresholds related to net worth, net income, and liquidity. At September 30, 2024, Pulte Mortgage had $524.1 million outstanding at a weighted-average interest rate of 6.65% and $150.9 million of remaining capacity under the Repurchase Agreement. At December 31, 2023, Pulte Mortgage had $499.6 million outstanding at a weighted-average interest rate of 7.15% and $350.4 million of remaining capacity under the prior agreement replaced by the Repurchase Agreement. Pulte Mortgage was in compliance with all covenants and requirements as of September 30, 2024.

Previous wording

In the six months ended June 30, 2024, we declared cash dividends totaling $84.7 million and repurchased 5.1 million shares under our repurchase authorization for $560.0 million. In the six months ended June 30, 2023, we declared cash dividends totaling $71.8 million and repurchased 6.4 million shares under our repurchase authorization for $400.0 million. On January 30, 2024, the Board of Directors increased our share repurchase authorization by $1.5 billion. At June 30, 2024, we had remaining authorization to repurchase $1.3 billion of common shares.

Current wording

In the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we declared cash dividends totaling $126.2 million and repurchased 7.6 million shares under our repurchase authorization for $880.0 million. In the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we declared cash dividends totaling $106.8 million and repurchased 10.2 million shares under our repurchase authorization for $700.0 million. On January 30, 2024, the Board of Directors increased our share repurchase authorization by $1.5 billion. At September 30, 2024, we had remaining authorization to repurchase $1.0 billion of common shares.

Previous wording

We use letters of credit and surety bonds to guarantee our performance under various contracts, principally in connection with the development of our homebuilding projects and insurance programs. The expiration dates of the letter of credit contracts coincide with the expected completion date of the related homebuilding projects and insurance programs. If the obligations related to a project or program are ongoing, annual extensions of the letters of credit are typically granted on a year-to-year basis. At June 30, 2024, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $297.4 million. Our surety bonds generally do not have stated expiration dates; rather, we are released from the bonds as the contractual performance is completed. These bonds, which approximated $2.7 billion at June 30, 2024, are typically outstanding over a period of approximately three to five years. Because significant construction and development work has been performed related to projects that have not yet received final acceptance by the respective counterparties, the aggregate amount of surety bonds outstanding is in excess of the projected cost of the remaining work to be performed.

Current wording

We use letters of credit and surety bonds to guarantee our performance under various contracts, principally in connection with the development of our homebuilding projects and insurance programs. The expiration dates of the letter of credit contracts coincide with the expected completion date of the related homebuilding projects and insurance programs. If the obligations related to a project or program are ongoing, annual extensions of the letters of credit are typically granted on a year-to-year basis. At September 30, 2024, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $310.9 million. Our surety bonds generally do not have stated expiration dates; rather, we are released from the bonds as the contractual performance is completed. These bonds, which approximated $2.8 billion at September 30, 2024, are typically outstanding over a period of approximately three to five years. Because significant construction and development work has been performed related to projects that have not yet received final acceptance by the respective counterparties, the aggregate amount of surety bonds outstanding is in excess of the projected cost of the remaining work to be performed.

Previous wording

In the ordinary course of business, we enter into land option agreements in order to procure land for the construction of houses in the future. At June 30, 2024, these agreements had an aggregate remaining purchase price of $7.4 billion. Pursuant to these land option agreements, we generally provide a deposit to the seller as consideration for the right to purchase land at different times in the future, usually at predetermined prices. At June 30, 2024, outstanding deposits totaled $488.6 million, of which $23.6 million is refundable.

Current wording

In the ordinary course of business, we enter into land option agreements in order to procure land for the construction of houses in the future. At September 30, 2024, these agreements had an aggregate remaining purchase price of $8.1 billion. Pursuant to these land option agreements, we generally provide a deposit to the seller as consideration for the right to purchase land at different times in the future, usually at predetermined prices. At September 30, 2024, outstanding deposits totaled $556.0 million, of which $16.2 million is refundable.

Previous wording

Net cash provided by operating activities in the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $657.3 million. Generally, the primary drivers of our cash flow from operations are profitability and changes in the levels of inventory and residential mortgage loans available-for-sale, each of which experiences seasonal fluctuations. The cash inflows from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024 were primarily due to net income of $1.5 billion, partially offset by a net increase in inventories of $473.7 million, which was primarily attributable to the increased number of homes in production coupled with land acquisition and development spend to support future growth, and a $55.3 million increase in residential mortgage loans available due to higher loan origination volumes.

Current wording

Net cash provided by operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $1.1 billion. Generally, the primary drivers of our cash flow from operations are profitability and changes in the levels of inventory and residential mortgage loans available-for-sale, each of which experiences seasonal fluctuations. The cash inflows from our operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were primarily due to net income of $2.2 billion, partially offset by a net increase in inventories of $805.3 million, which was primarily attributable to land acquisition, development, and house spend to support future growth, and a $45.2 million increase in residential mortgage loans available due to higher loan origination volumes.