Trying to make a quick post here, LEN shows up on the list. This, I believe, is our second home builder...the first being Hovnanian (HOV).
LEN had a GREAT day today, closing at $75.45 up $5.70 or 8.17% on the day. Yesterday, LEN released news on its second quarter earnings. Needless to say this was OUTSTANDING. Revenue recorded was $2.1 billion up 35%. Earnings per share increased to $2.05 this quarter from $1.37/share last year. They raised estimates for 2004 and 2003, and reported a record backlog. All the 'ducks were in a row'.
Morningstar shows a steady 5 year growth in revenue from $2.4 billion in 1998 up to $5.1 billion in 2001 and $7.3 billion in 2002. Free cash flow, while taking a dip in 2001 was back up to $200 million in the trailing twelve months. They have $4 billion in current assets...more than the combined $3.5 billion in current and long-term liabilities. In other words their financial health appears excellent.
There doesn't seem to be anything NOT to like in this stock except the price is a bit high to buy loads of shares...it even pays a SMALL dividend and the p/e is a reasonable 10.75 per Morningstar.
I do not at this time own any shares but if I had some cash would be happy to own some of this home builder's stock!
Have a great Wednesday! Bob