3 Residential REITs Set to Gain From Strong Sector Fundamentals

Industry Overview - The Zacks REIT and Equity Trust - Residential industry includes companies that own, develop, and manage various residential properties, generating revenues by renting spaces to tenants [3] - The demand for student housing is closely tied to enrollment growth at educational institutions, making it a key driver for this market segment [3] Current Market Dynamics - Strong rental demand is supported by a resilient labor market, demographic trends driving household formation, and rising homeownership costs making renting more attractive [1][4] - Residential REITs are leveraging technology to enhance tenant experience and improve operational efficiency [5] - Economic uncertainty and regional oversupply of apartments are creating challenges, potentially dampening consumer confidence and affecting renter affordability [2][6][7] Performance Metrics - The REIT and Equity Trust - Residential industry has underperformed the broader Zacks Finance sector and the S&P 500 over the past year, returning 0.5% compared to the S&P 500's increase of 9.6% [11] - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-FFO ratio of 16.46, above the Finance sector's forward P/E of 16.11 but below the S&P 500's forward P/E of 21.89 [14] Future Outlook - The industry is positioned in the top 38% of around 250 Zacks industries, indicating robust near-term prospects [8][9] - Analysts are gaining confidence in the growth potential of the industry, as reflected in upward revisions of funds from operations (FFO) per share estimates [10] Investment Opportunities - Veris Residential focuses on Class A multifamily properties in high-demand Northeast markets, with upward revisions in FFO per share estimates suggesting growth potential [19][21] - Elme Communities targets value-oriented multifamily assets in supply-constrained markets, with a projected net operating income upside in 2025 [23][24][25] - NexPoint Residential Trust offers exposure to middle-income multifamily assets in high-growth Sunbelt markets, with upward revisions in FFO per share estimates indicating strong performance [26][27][28]