Average paid worksite employees increased 0.7% over Q2 2024 to 309,115, with new sales increasing worksite employees by 2%.
Benefits cost per covered employee increased 9.6% year-over-year in Q2 and 9% year-to-date, slightly above prior forecast range.
Benefits costs exceeded forecast by $12 million, driven by $8 million higher pharmacy costs due to specialty drug utilization and $4 million from increased incurred but not reported claims.
Client retention remained strong at 99% monthly, consistent with prior year results.
Ended quarter with $114 million adjusted cash and $280 million available credit facility.
Gross profit per worksite employee was $240 per month, down from $282 in Q2 2024, impacted by unfavorable benefits cost trends.
Operating expenses decreased 3% year-over-year, with reductions in travel, professional fees, and G&A costs, while investing $14 million in the Workday partnership.
Reported second quarter EPS of $0.26 and adjusted EBITDA of $32 million, slightly below the low end of forecast by $0.03 per share and $1 million respectively, mainly due to higher-than-expected benefits costs.
Returned $22 million in cash dividends in Q2 and repurchased 224,000 shares for $19 million year-to-date.
Adjusted home closing gross margin was 21.4% excluding $4.2 million terminated land deal charges, down 480 bps from 25.9% in Q2 2024.
Diluted EPS declined 35% year-over-year to $2.04 from $3.15, driven by lower margins, higher SG&A, and a higher effective tax rate of 23.9%.
Land acquisition and development spend decreased 12% to $509 million in Q2 2025, with a full-year land spend target lowered from $2.5 billion to $2 billion.
Meritage Homes delivered 4,170 homes in Q2 2025 with home closing revenue of $1.6 billion, down 5% year-over-year due to increased financing incentives lowering ASP to $387,000.
Return on equity was 12.5% for the 12 months ended June 30, 2025.
SG&A was 10.2% of home closing revenue, up from 9.3% due to higher commissions, start-up costs, and increased spec inventory carrying costs.
Share repurchases totaled $45 million in Q2 2025, with $219 million remaining under authorization; quarterly cash dividend increased 15% to $0.43 per share.