PulteGroup Inc. and NVR Inc., two of the biggest homebuilders in the US, reported quarterly earnings that missed estimates as high rates and global turmoil crimped sales. 

As elevated mortgage rates crushed the hopes of many would-be buyers, the two builders saw orders fall and their earnings per share miss analyst estimates. 

"There's so many things out there that we just have zero control over," PulteGroup Chief Executive Officer Ryan Marshall said in a call with analysts Thursday. He rattled off factors including high gasoline prices and weak consumer confidence. 

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Marshall added that some prospective buyers are being held back by difficulties selling their current homes.   

Pending sales of existing US homes fell to a record low in September, according to an index of contract signings from the National Association of Realtors. Confidence among US homebuilders this month fell to a 14-year low.

PulteGroup cut its full-year home delivery guidance by as many as 2,000 homes. NVR missed earnings estimates for a third straight quarter and reported revenue that decreased 13% from the same period last year. 

PulteGroup stock gained as much as 4% in early New York trading. The shares are roughly flat year-to-date. NVR stock was little changed Thursday and is down about 18% this year.