10 Best Affordable Housing Stocks to Buy

5. Meritage Homes Corporation (NYSE:MTH)

Forward P/E: 10.00

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 43

As of February 3, Keefe Bruyette analyst Jade Rahmani lowered the firm’s price target on Meritage Homes Corporation (NYSE:MTH) to $76 from $78 while maintaining a Market Perform rating, citing the challenging homebuilding environment and near-term industry headwinds.

During its Q4 2025 earnings call, Meritage Homes Corporation (NYSE:MTH) reported a 15% year-over-year increase in ending community count, reaching a record 336 communities. The company opened 35 new communities in the fourth quarter and over 160 for the full year, reflecting a strategic focus on expanding geographic reach and product availability. Management anticipates a further 5%–10% increase in community count in 2026, positioning the platform to capture demand as market conditions recover. Moreover, Meritage Homes returned approximately $179 million to shareholders in the fourth quarter through a combination of buybacks and dividends, underscoring a commitment to shareholder value.

Meritage Homes Corporation (NYSE:MTH) is a Scottsdale, Arizona-based real estate development company that constructs single-family detached homes across the United States. Founded in 1985, the company continues to pursue measured growth amid a cautious housing market.