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IBP vs PHM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Installed Building Products (IBP) vs. PulteGroup (PHM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both companies are tied to U.S. housing, but IBP is an installer of insulation and complementary building products, while PHM is a large-scale homebuilder.
- IBP has recently expanded margins and beaten earnings expectations, whereas PHM has posted year-over-year declines in revenue and earnings amid affordability pressure.
- IBP is diversifying into commercial construction to offset residential softness, while PHM remains concentrated in single-family homebuilding.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: IBP currently presents the more favorable trend and momentum profile of the two.
- For more context, explore IBP Major News and IBP Today's Price Move, along with PHM Major News and PHM Today's Price Move.
- To see which automated strategies are currently favored, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Installed Building Products (IBP) and PulteGroup (PHM) both derive revenue from U.S. residential construction, yet they occupy very different positions in the housing value chain. This stock comparison is relevant for investors who want to understand how a specialty building-products installer and a diversified homebuilder perform under the same macroeconomic pressures of elevated mortgage rates and shifting consumer confidence. While the two companies share sector exposure, their business models, margin profiles, and recent relative performance have diverged. Comparing them side by side helps clarify which market positioning has held up better in the current environment.
IBP Overview and Recent Performance
Installed Building Products (IBP) is a national installer of insulation, waterproofing, and complementary building products for residential and commercial construction. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the company operates through Installation, Distribution, and Manufacturing segments, with residential new construction historically accounting for roughly 70% of its installation revenue. In recent weeks, IBP has drawn attention for delivering record profitability even as its core residential end markets softened. In its most recent quarterly report, revenue was roughly flat year over year at about $748 million, but adjusted earnings per share (EPS, a measure of profit allocated to each share) came in well above analyst estimates, and adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) reached a record margin near 19%. The company's growing commercial segment, which grew strongly on a same-branch basis, helped offset residential volume declines. Management has also emphasized an acquisition-led growth strategy, completing multiple deals in the recent year, alongside a new share repurchase program. This combination of margin discipline, diversification into commercial work, and capital returns has supported a more constructive investor narrative for IBP.
PHM Overview and Recent Performance
PulteGroup (PHM) is one of America's largest homebuilders, operating across more than 45 markets through brands such as Pulte Homes, Centex, Del Webb, and DiVosta Homes. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the company builds and sells single-family homes and operates a financial services segment offering mortgage and title services. In its most recent quarterly results, PHM reported home sale revenue down about 5% year over year and a decline in earnings per share, driven by lower closings and a slightly lower average selling price. Home sale gross margin narrowed compared with the prior year, reflecting land impairment charges and elevated buyer incentives. On a positive note, net new orders rose modestly and the company's average community count increased, while its balance sheet remained strong, with roughly $2 billion in cash and a debt-to-capital ratio near 11%. PHM has continued aggressive share repurchases, reflecting management's confidence in longer-term housing demand, but softer consumer confidence and affordability concerns have weighed on near-term performance.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between IBP and PHM is their position in the housing cycle. PHM is directly exposed to new-home sales, which makes its revenue and margins sensitive to affordability, mortgage rates, and consumer confidence. IBP, by contrast, supplies installation services across residential new construction, repair and remodel, and a fast-growing commercial segment, providing a broader and increasingly less residential-weighted revenue base. This diversification is a key reason IBP has expanded margins even as residential volumes declined. On valuation, PHM trades at a lower price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple and carries a net-cash balance sheet, while IBP commands a premium multiple supported by its acquisition strategy and margin momentum. Risk profiles also differ: PHM faces land and inventory risk in a softening market, while IBP faces integration risk from frequent acquisitions. In terms of recent sentiment, IBP has shown more consistent positive catalysts, whereas PHM has encountered steady earnings erosion despite a strong capital-return program.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, momentum, and catalysts, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward IBP over PHM. IBP has demonstrated expanding margins, an earnings beat, and a diversifying revenue mix that reduces its dependence on the still-soft residential market. These attributes tend to produce a more stable and upward-trending price pattern. PHM retains a compelling valuation and a fortress-like balance sheet, but its recent earnings trajectory and margin compression present a less favorable relative positioning in the near term. This assessment reflects a probabilistic reading of current data rather than a definitive forecast, and conditions can shift as housing data and interest-rate expectations evolve.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is IBP is a Buy and PHM is a Hold.
IBP in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026
IBP moved above its 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 39 of 45 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 87%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 21, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on IBP as a result. In 66 of 80 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 82%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for IBP just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where IBP's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 34 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
The 10-day moving average for IBP crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 86%.
Following a +9.29% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where IBP advanced for three days, in 229 of 307 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 203 of 284 cases where IBP Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 71%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for IBP moved out of overbought territory on November 05, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 40 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 30 of the 40 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 75%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 51 of 67 cases where IBP's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 76%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where IBP declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
IBP broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 27 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. IBP’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 69, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 68 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 83 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: IBP's P/B Ratio (9.146) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (1.910). P/E Ratio (23.612) is within average values for comparable stocks, (10.592). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.900) is also within normal values, averaging (1.217). Dividend Yield (0.007) settles around the average of (0.019) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.816) is also within normal values, averaging (24.205).
PHM sees MACD Histogram just turned negative
PHM saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on November 13, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 51 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 34 of the 51 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 67%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for PHM moved out of overbought territory on November 06, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 43 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 20 of the 43 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 47%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where PHM declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 59%.
PHM broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 21, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on PHM as a result. In 63 of 92 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
PHM moved above its 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for PHM crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 02, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 7 of 12 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Following a +5.57% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PHM advanced for three days, in 212 of 305 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 209 of 287 cases where PHM Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 73%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 11 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 30 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 69, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. PHM’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.939) is normal, around the industry mean (1.910). P/E Ratio (13.437) is within average values for comparable stocks, (10.592). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.995) is also within normal values, averaging (1.217). Dividend Yield (0.008) settles around the average of (0.019) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.393) is also within normal values, averaging (24.205).
IBP | PHM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 35 | 88 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 83 Overvalued | 75 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 52 | 30 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 27 | 57 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 46 | 43 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 68 | 11 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
PHM's Valuation (75) in the Homebuilding industry is in the same range as IBP (83) in the Building Products industry. This means that PHM’s stock grew similarly to IBP’s over the last 12 months.
PHM's Profit vs Risk Rating (30) in the Homebuilding industry is in the same range as IBP (52) in the Building Products industry. This means that PHM’s stock grew similarly to IBP’s over the last 12 months.
IBP's SMR Rating (27) in the Building Products industry is in the same range as PHM (57) in the Homebuilding industry. This means that IBP’s stock grew similarly to PHM’s over the last 12 months.
PHM's Price Growth Rating (43) in the Homebuilding industry is in the same range as IBP (46) in the Building Products industry. This means that PHM’s stock grew similarly to IBP’s over the last 12 months.
PHM's P/E Growth Rating (11) in the Homebuilding industry is somewhat better than the same rating for IBP (68) in the Building Products industry. This means that PHM’s stock grew somewhat faster than IBP’s over the last 12 months.
| IBP | PHM | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 47% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 83% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 82% | 1 day ago 68% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 72% | 1 day ago 67% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 73% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 13 days ago 70% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 70% | 3 days ago 59% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 57% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 73% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
IBP’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while PHM’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- IBP’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- PHM’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
IBP’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while PHM’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- IBP’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- PHM’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
IBP (@Homebuilding) experienced а +4.06% price change this week, while PHM (@Homebuilding) price change was -4.14% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Homebuilding industry was -4.19%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +7.00%, and the average quarterly price growth was +8.62%.
Reported Earning Dates
IBP is expected to report earnings on Feb 24, 2027.
PHM is expected to report earnings on Feb 02, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Homebuilding (-4.19% weekly)Homebuilding includes companies residential home construction companies, renovators and repair firms. The companies may be building single-family or multifamily homes, condominiums or mobile homes. Over the five years to 2019, the Home Builders industry is estimated to have grown at an annualized rate of 2.5% to reach $89.4 billion, (including expected growth of 2.6% in 2019), according to a study by IbisWorld. After having suffered one of its worst crises a decade ago during the last macroeconomic recession–which had much of its origins in U.S. real estate – the homebuilding industry has been recovering steadily so far. Higher disposable incomes and improving economic activity have bolstered consumers’ purchases of homes. While revenue of the Home Builders industry remains well below its prerecession high, demand growth estimates show promise.
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IBP and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, IBP has been closely correlated with PHM. These tickers have moved in lockstep 70% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if IBP jumps, then PHM could also see price increases.
PHM and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, PHM has been closely correlated with DHI. These tickers have moved in lockstep 93% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if PHM jumps, then DHI could also see price increases.