Our defined approach for running our business emphasizes operational excellence, asset efficiency and the generation of higher returns over the housing cycle. Consistent with this approach, we have implemented critical process changes and related initiatives that yielded material gains in our financial performance including a more than five-fold increase in pretax income and a 50%-plus increase in returns since 2011.
Our improved operating and financial performance has allowed us to invest over $13 billion into our business since 2015. We are reaping the rewards of this investment, as our net income has increased at a compounded annual growth rate of almost 20% since 2015.
Over this same period, we systematically returned $3.1 billion to investors through dividends and share repurchases. Routinely returning capital enhances overall shareholder returns and forces us to be even more disciplined with the dollars available for investment in the business.
Core to creating a business that can generate high returns and consistent performance is how we handle our largest asset: land. We continue to manage our land pipeline to increase asset efficiency while lowering overall market risk. More specifically, we are reducing the years of owned land and targeting development of smaller, faster-turning projects that we expect to generate high returns.
PulteGroup is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, with a strong operating platform that is well diversified across the major homebuying markets. [Click for infographic]
PulteGroup employs a unique multi-branded approach to the market through which it serves all primary buyer categories: first time, move up and active adults. [Click logo for additional information on the brand]