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MHO vs PHM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? M/I Homes (MHO) vs. PulteGroup (PHM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- MHO is a smaller, more rate-sensitive homebuilder trading at a lower valuation, while PHM is a larger, more geographically diversified builder with stronger margins and a lower debt-to-capital ratio.
- Both companies reported softer recent quarterly results amid higher mortgage rates, but PHM has shown greater consistency in gross margins, balance-sheet strength, and shareholder returns.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: PHM (PulteGroup) — the AI currently favors PulteGroup based on more stable trends, broader market positioning, and stronger relative fundamentals.
- For more detail on each company's latest developments and price action, explore MHO Major News and MHO Today's Price Move, as well as PHM Major News and PHM Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are currently positioning across the market, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
M/I Homes, Inc. (MHO) and PulteGroup, Inc. (PHM) are two U.S. homebuilders operating in the same macroeconomic environment, yet they differ meaningfully in scale, geographic reach, and financial profile. This stock comparison examines their relative performance and market positioning at a time when elevated mortgage rates and affordability pressures are weighing on new-home demand. For investors weighing a large-cap, diversified builder against a mid-cap, value-oriented alternative, the contrast between PHM and MHO offers a useful lens on how exposure, balance-sheet strength, and momentum diverge within the same sector.
MHO Overview and Recent Performance
MHO, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, designs, builds, and sells single-family homes and attached townhomes across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Texas, and Florida, while its financial-services arm provides mortgage and title services. With a market capitalization of roughly $3 billion, it is a mid-cap operator whose earnings are comparatively sensitive to swings in mortgage rates. In its most recent quarterly report, revenue declined about 5% year over year, while diluted earnings per share (EPS) fell from $3.92 to $2.56, reflecting softer closings, modestly lower pricing, and margin compression. New contracts and home deliveries each slipped about 2%, and gross margin narrowed to roughly 21% (excluding inventory charges). Positively, MHO maintains a conservative balance sheet, holding roughly $620 million in cash with no revolver borrowings and an 18% homebuilding debt-to-capital ratio. Recent market activity reflects this mixed picture: the stock carries a beta near 1.6, indicating above-average volatility, and trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple in the low teens.
PHM Overview and Recent Performance
PHM, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of America's largest homebuilders, operating in more than 45 markets through brands including Pulte Homes, Centex, Del Webb, and DiVosta Homes. This scale and brand diversity support multiple buyer groups, from first-time purchasers to move-up and active-adult customers. Its most recent quarterly results also showed a demand slowdown: revenue declined roughly 10% year over year, home closings fell about 9% to 6,876 units, and diluted EPS declined from $2.96 to $2.53. Even so, PHM sustained a home-sale gross margin near 24.8% — notably higher than its mid-cap peer — and grew its backlog in both units and dollar value. The company also repurchased $350 million of stock in the quarter, ended the period with about $1.4 billion in cash and a 12% debt-to-capital ratio, and continues to pay a quarterly dividend. Its 52-week share performance and lower beta near 1.0 reflect comparatively steadier trading behavior.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance record, and basket of securities. Because not every bot is suited to every market regime, only the strongest and most appropriate strategies are surfaced in the curated Trending AI Robots section. This selection highlights the automated systems currently best aligned with prevailing conditions, giving traders a data-driven way to track momentum, volatility, and trend signals without manual screening. Whether you are comparing homebuilders like MHO and PHM or scanning the broader market, exploring the Trending AI Robots page can help you identify which strategies are demonstrating the most compelling recent statistics.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two builders is scale and diversification. PHM generates roughly $3.9 billion in quarterly revenue versus about $1.1 billion for MHO, and its national footprint and multi-brand lineup reduce reliance on any single region or buyer segment. On profitability, PHM has held a meaningfully higher gross margin, while MHO has seen sharper margin erosion. On valuation, the trade-off runs the other way: MHO trades at a lower forward P/E, potentially appealing to value-focused investors, though its higher beta signals greater price volatility. Balance-sheet quality favors PHM, whose lower debt-to-capital ratio and consistent dividend-plus-buyback program provide more visible shareholder returns. Risk factors are shared — both face elevated mortgage rates, softer traffic, and affordability headwinds — but PHM has demonstrated greater resilience in preserving margins and growing its backlog, while MHO offers a cheaper, higher-beta exposure to a housing recovery.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, margin stability, balance-sheet strength, and relative market positioning, Tickeron's AI currently leans toward PHM (PulteGroup) as the more favorably positioned of the two. The model weighs PHM's broader geographic diversification, superior gross margins, lower debt-to-capital ratio, and steadier share-price behavior against MHO's more pronounced earnings volatility and higher beta. While MHO may offer greater upside in a sustained rate-driven recovery, its current profile suggests higher relative risk. Accordingly, the AI's probabilistic assessment favors PHM at this time.
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 MHO is a Hold and PHM is a StrongBuy.
MHO's RSI Indicator ascending out of oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for MHO moved out of oversold territory on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 17 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 13 of the 17 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 76%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on MHO as a result. In 57 of 86 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for MHO just turned positive on October 26, 2026. Looking at past instances where MHO's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 39 of 51 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Following a +1.77% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MHO advanced for three days, in 234 of 316 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
MHO may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for MHO moved below the 200-day moving average on October 27, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MHO 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 65%.
The Aroon Indicator for MHO entered a downward trend on October 30, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 12 (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 Valuation Rating of 42 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 (1.005) is normal, around the industry mean (1.826). P/E Ratio (10.541) is within average values for comparable stocks, (9.881). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.050) is also within normal values, averaging (1.217). Dividend Yield (0.001) settles around the average of (0.019) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.880) is also within normal values, averaging (24.205).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 68, placing this stock slightly better than average.
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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. MHO’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 70 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably 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.
PHM's RSI Indicator recovers from oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for PHM moved out of oversold territory on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 16 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 14 of the 16 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 88%.
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 PHM as a result. In 69 of 92 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for PHM just turned positive on October 16, 2026. Looking at past instances where PHM's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 35 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
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.
Following a +4.20% 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%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 6 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for PHM moved below the 200-day moving average on October 07, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
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 October 22, 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.
The Aroon Indicator for PHM entered a downward trend on October 23, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 14 (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 68, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 47 (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 74 (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 (1.826) is normal, around the industry mean (1.826). P/E Ratio (12.651) is within average values for comparable stocks, (9.881). 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).
MHO | PHM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 42 Fair valued | 74 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 45 | 30 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 70 | 57 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 59 | 47 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 12 | 14 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 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.
MHO's Valuation (42) in the Homebuilding industry is in the same range as PHM (74). This means that MHO’s stock grew similarly to PHM’s over the last 12 months.
PHM's Profit vs Risk Rating (30) in the Homebuilding industry is in the same range as MHO (45). This means that PHM’s stock grew similarly to MHO’s over the last 12 months.
PHM's SMR Rating (57) in the Homebuilding industry is in the same range as MHO (70). This means that PHM’s stock grew similarly to MHO’s over the last 12 months.
PHM's Price Growth Rating (47) in the Homebuilding industry is in the same range as MHO (59). This means that PHM’s stock grew similarly to MHO’s over the last 12 months.
MHO's P/E Growth Rating (12) in the Homebuilding industry is in the same range as PHM (14). This means that MHO’s stock grew similarly to PHM’s over the last 12 months.
| MHO | PHM | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 76% | 4 days ago 88% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 66% | 4 days ago 65% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 66% | 4 days ago 75% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 76% | 4 days ago 70% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 75% | 4 days ago 74% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 68% | 4 days ago 73% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 74% | 4 days ago 70% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 15 days ago 65% | 22 days ago 59% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 67% | 4 days ago 53% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 73% | 4 days ago 72% |
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).
MHO’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while PHM’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- MHO’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.
MHO’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while PHM’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- MHO’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- PHM’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
MHO (@Homebuilding) experienced а +3.48% price change this week, while PHM (@Homebuilding) price change was +2.93% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Homebuilding industry was +5.71%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.66%, and the average quarterly price growth was +5.39%.
Reported Earning Dates
MHO is expected to report earnings on Feb 03, 2027.
PHM is expected to report earnings on Feb 02, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Homebuilding (+5.71% 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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MHO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MHO has been closely correlated with MTH. These tickers have moved in lockstep 85% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if MHO jumps, then MTH could also see price increases.