Raymond James Raises PulteGroup Price Target to $145, Retains Outperform Rating
Raymond James reaffirmed its Outperform rating for PulteGroup and lifted its price target from $140 to $145, signaling optimism about the homebuilder’s growth. The company reported fourth-quarter net income of $502 million alongside $81 million in asset-divestiture charges and $35 million in land-impairment costs.
1. Board Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend
PulteGroup’s Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share, payable on April 2, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 17, 2026. This marks the company’s 24th consecutive quarterly payout, reflecting a cumulative dividend increase of 86% since the first quarter of 2020. The decision underscores PulteGroup’s strong free cash flow generation, which reached $1.1 billion in full-year 2025, and its commitment to returning capital to shareholders while maintaining a conservative net debt-to-capital ratio of 20%.
2. Extension of Build Your Future Scholarship Program
PulteGroup has renewed its Build Your Future SkillPointe Scholarship for 2026, allocating awards of $3,000 to $5,000 each to individuals pursuing residential homebuilding careers that do not require a four-year degree. The program is managed by the Atlanta-based SkillPointe Foundation and targets applicants in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to over 600 students. Applicants may submit materials through SkillPointeFoundation.org by the May 8, 2026 deadline.
3. Raymond James Maintains Outperform Rating and Reports Q4 Earnings
On February 3, 2026, Raymond James reaffirmed its Outperform rating on PulteGroup, citing sustained demand across its 45-plus operating markets and a balanced order book. In the fourth quarter of 2025, PulteGroup reported net income of $502 million, or $2.56 per share, which included pre-tax charges of $81 million related to a planned divestiture of manufacturing assets and $35 million in land impairment charges. Full-year 2025 revenue rose 8% year-over-year to $12.3 billion, driven by a 5% increase in average selling price and a 3% boost in homes closed, highlighting the company’s ability to navigate cost pressures and generate robust margins.