Pulte Homes (PHM - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr - Rating) projected a hefty loss for the second quarter and posted a 20% drop in orders for the period, joining other homebuilders in reporting still-dismal conditions for the housing market.
The Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based builder said Tuesday that it expects to report a second-quarter loss of $2 to $2.10 a share due to numerous charges. The company expects land impairment charges of $1.85 to $1.92 a share, as well as 10 cents a share in charges for a previously announced restructuring.
Previously, Pulte predicted results ranging from break-even to a loss of 10 cents a share, before any charges. Analysts, on average, forecast a loss of 17 cents a share, according to Thomson Financial.
This is simply another announcement from the housing sector that shows housing is nowhere near a bottom in any way shape or form. Expect more of the same as other builders make their respective announcements.
Pay particular attention to the announcement that came with the announcement:
"The difficult conditions that plagued the homebuilding industry in the first quarter of 2007 worsened in the second quarter, with increased competitive pricing pressures, elevated levels of new and resale home inventory, and weak consumer sentiment for housing affecting the entire industry," said Richard Dugas Jr., president and CEO of Pulte Homes, in a press release.
Note the statement "worsened in the second quarter." This is not a cheery report and indicates management is extremely concerned about the market right now.
