In recent years, real estate investment trusts (REITs) have notably underperformed compared to broader market indices, largely due to elevated interest rates. High interest rates place significant pressure on REIT share prices for two primary reasons.

Warren Buffett's favorite market indicator is signaling the stock market has reached the top. By comparing the value of the market to the size of the economy, you get an idea of where stock valuations stand, especially for stocks at 52-week highs.

U.S. equity markets posted mixed performance while interest rates dipped to four-month lows as a lukewarm start to corporate earnings season and mixed economic data reinforced Fed rate cut expectations. Another twist in a wild month of politics, President Biden announced that he would not seek reelection, instead endorsing VP Harris, setting the stage for a more competitive November election. The S&P 500 slipped 0.8% on the week as the powerful "value rotation" trade extended into a third-week. The Small-Cap 600 rallied 3.6% while the mega-cap Nasdaq 100 dipped 2.6%.

Invitation Home (INVH) is technically in oversold territory now, so the heavy selling pressure might have exhausted. This along with strong agreement among Wall Street analysts in raising earnings estimates could lead to a trend reversal for the stock.

Despite the elevated supply of new units, high homeownership costs and tech-enabled features are likely to draw healthy rental demand, poising the Zacks Equity REIT - Residential industry players like AVB, EQR and INVH well for growth.

While the top- and bottom-line numbers for Invitation Home (INVH) give a sense of how the business performed in the quarter ended June 2024, it could be worth looking at how some of its key metrics compare to Wall Street estimates and year-ago values.

Invitation Home (INVH) came out with quarterly funds from operations (FFO) of $0.47 per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. This compares to FFO of $0.44 per share a year ago.

REITs are structured for income investors, obligated to pay out 90% of earnings to shareholders, making them an income-producing vehicle. REITs are undervalued and positioned to do well as the rate cut cycle debuts, making them an attractive sector to become overweight. A list of 12 handpicked REITs is provided, offering a combination of high dividend yields, dividend growth, and value for potential investors.

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE: INVH) (“Invitation Homes” or the “Company”) announced today that it has reached an agreement to settle the legal dispute entitled City of San Diego et al v. Invitation Homes, Inc. The complaint in the dispute, also known as a qui tam action filed under the California False Claims Act, alleged that the Company's contractors failed to pull building permits on certain home improvements. The Company has maintained that the complaint was without.

Company Deprived Municipal Entities of Permitting, Inspection Fees Caused Major Potential Public Health & Safety Risks in 12,000 Rental Homes Company Deprived Municipal Entities of Permitting, Inspection Fees Caused Major Potential Public Health & Safety Risks in 12,000 Rental Homes

The REIT sector is likely to see strong upside once interest rates begin to decline in the coming months. Invitation Homes stock appears undervalued and offers strong growth potential through their recent partnerships and solid financials. The REIT's strong dividend coverage, favorable valuation, and potential for share price appreciation make INVH a buy for long-term investors.

INVH owns and leases single-family homes. Its portfolio consists of 84,445 houses in 16 core markets. Though lower interest rates may affect the REIT's growth expectations, the shares are trading at a significant discount to NAV.