KBH Q2 Deep Dive: Lower Guidance and Market Headwinds Shape 2025 Outlook

Homebuilder KB Home (NYSE:KBH) reported revenue ahead of Wall Street’s expectations in Q2 CY2025, but sales fell by 10.5% year on year to $1.53 billion. On the other hand, the company’s full-year revenue guidance of $6.4 billion at the midpoint came in 2.4% below analysts’ estimates. Its GAAP profit of $1.51 per share was 2.7% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy KBH? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

StockStory’s Take

KB Home’s second quarter results for 2025 were met with a negative market reaction, as several evolving market headwinds weighed on performance. Management pointed to subdued demand during the spring selling season, with CEO Jeffrey Mezger citing that "affordability challenges have persisted compounded by the variability in mortgage interest rates, which remain elevated as well as macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty." Operationally, the company highlighted faster build times and reduced direct costs as partial offsets, but acknowledged that consumer caution and higher resale inventory pressured new order volumes and operating margins.

Looking ahead, KB Home’s reduced full-year guidance reflects management’s expectations for continued softness in homebuyer demand and ongoing margin pressures. The company aims to align its cost structure with lower volumes, while maintaining flexibility to adjust pricing and production pace by community. President Rob McGibney noted that "our strategy focuses on delivering the most compelling value and improving affordability with transparency," but also acknowledged the risk of continued demand weakness if mortgage rates and consumer confidence do not improve. Management signaled an intent to prioritize operational efficiency and shareholder returns as they navigate this uncertain environment.

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management attributed second quarter performance to faster build times and cost controls, but noted that consumer confidence and affordability remain key challenges impacting order flow and revenue outlook.

• Build times improved: The company reduced average build times by 7 days quarter-over-quarter, returning to pre-pandemic levels. Management believes this operational gain allows for quicker inventory turnover and the ability to close more homes within the year, supporting delivery targets even as demand softens.
• Sales strategy adjustments: KB Home shifted away from offering incentives and instead focused on adjusting base pricing at the community level. While this approach drove strong net orders in March, management reported a decline in April and May as consumers grew more apprehensive about the economy and mortgage rates.
• Community opening delays: Delays in municipal approvals for new communities pushed back several planned openings, which management estimates cost “a couple of hundred” net orders in the quarter. They are now emphasizing better coordination with local authorities to mitigate future disruptions.
• Cost reduction efforts: Direct costs per home started in the quarter were 3.2% lower year-over-year, driven by value engineering, supply chain negotiations, and simplified studio offerings. However, savings were partially offset by higher land costs and reduced pricing power.
• Land investment moderation: The company scaled back new land spending and canceled contracts for roughly 9,700 lots that no longer met return criteria. Management stated that this measured approach is intended to preserve flexibility and align future community growth with evolving market conditions.

Drivers of Future Performance

Management expects near-term performance to be shaped by cautious consumer sentiment, affordability pressures, and disciplined cost management strategies.

• Sustained affordability challenges: Elevated mortgage rates and higher resale inventory continue to weigh on buyer confidence, leading management to anticipate subdued order volumes and a slower absorption pace in the coming quarters. The company’s pricing strategy remains flexible in response to local market dynamics.
• Margin and cost discipline: Operating margins are expected to be pressured by reduced pricing power, less favorable regional mix, and higher land costs. Management is targeting further reductions in build times and overhead expenses to help offset these headwinds and maintain profitability.
• Shareholder return focus: With lower land investment planned for the remainder of the year, KB Home intends to accelerate share repurchases, supported by a strong balance sheet and liquidity. Management views this as a means to enhance earnings per share and return on equity in a challenging market backdrop.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In the quarters ahead, the StockStory team will monitor (1) the pace of net order recovery as consumer sentiment and mortgage rates evolve, (2) the company’s ability to sustain further reductions in build times and direct costs, and (3) the effectiveness of its strategy to moderate land investment while maintaining a robust pipeline for future community growth. Execution on pricing flexibility and inventory management will also be important indicators of operational resilience.

KB Home currently trades at $52.87, in line with $53.36 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

Now Could Be The Perfect Time To Invest In These Stocks

Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.

While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.