On Wednesday, CFRA adjusted its stance on Invitation Homes (NYSE:INVH), moving the rating from Strong Buy to Buy, while maintaining the stock price target at $38.00. The firm revised its 2024 funds from operations (FFO) estimate slightly upward by $0.02 to $1.90, and sustained the 2025 FFO projection at $2.00.
This revision comes in the wake of Invitation Homes' first-quarter 2024 performance, which delivered FFO of $0.47 per share, marginally surpassing the consensus by a penny.
Invitation Homes reported a 4.1% increase in cash net operating income (NOI) for the first quarter. The company has forecasted NOI growth for 2024 to be between 3.5% and 5.5%, with anticipated expense increases of 5.5% to 7% potentially exceeding revenue growth projections of 4.5% to 5.5%. During the same period, the company maintained a 97.6% occupancy rate, which is a slight decrease of 20 basis points compared to the previous year.
The company experienced a year-over-year rise in rental rates by 4.4% on a blended basis. Renewal contracts saw a 5.8% increase, while new lease rates remained unchanged.
Regional performance varied, with South Florida leading at a 6.5% increase in blended rental rates, followed by Tampa, Orlando, and Atlanta each at 5.0%, and Southern California at 4.7%. Conversely, Las Vegas trailed with only a 1.9% rise, with Northern California at 3.0%, Houston at 3.2%, Denver at 3.4%, and Jacksonville at 3.4%.
In terms of real estate activity, Invitation Homes reported property acquisitions amounting to $136 million for 273 homes and dispositions totaling $157 million for 399 homes in the first quarter of 2024. The company has set acquisition targets for 2024 between $600 million to $1 billion and disposition goals ranging from $400 million to $600 million.
InvestingPro Insights
Analysts at CFRA have recently updated their perspective on Invitation Homes, maintaining a positive outlook with a Buy rating. For investors considering this stock, current InvestingPro data can provide additional context. As of the latest metrics, Invitation Homes boasts a substantial market capitalization of $21.16 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the industry.
The company's P/E ratio stands at 38.88, suggesting a premium valuation that investors are willing to pay for its earnings. Notably, the firm has been successful in consistently raising its dividend for 7 consecutive years, which is a testament to its financial stability and commitment to shareholder returns.
While the company is trading at a high earnings multiple, with a P/E ratio adjusted for the last twelve months as of Q4 2023 at 60.96, it's important to note that its liquid assets exceed short-term obligations, indicating a strong liquidity position.
Furthermore, Invitation Homes has been profitable over the last twelve months, and analysts predict the company will continue to be profitable this year. With a dividend yield of 3.27% as of the most recent data, the company presents an attractive option for income-seeking investors.
For those looking to delve deeper into Invitation Homes' financials and future prospects, InvestingPro offers additional insights. There are currently more InvestingPro Tips available, which can be explored further for a more informed investment decision. To access these valuable tips and take advantage of a special offer, use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription at InvestingPro.
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