Why American Healthcare REIT Stock to Avoid?

$American Healthcare REIT(AHR)$ As of the latest data, American Healthcare REIT (AHR) is ranked #38 out of 282 companies in the real estate investment trust (REIT) industry based on its 2023 revenue of $1.67 billion​. Reported Q3 2024 revenue of approximately $523.81 million, a 12.8% year-over-year increase. This positioning reflects its competitive standing within the sector, though it faces challenges such as profitability and debt management. AHR is actively leveraging its portfolio of healthcare real estate to benefit from demographic trends in the senior housing and outpatient medical sectors.

AHR also revised its full-year 2024 guidance upward, signaling continued growth. The company’s focus on strategic acquisitions, such as Trilogy Holdings, is expected to drive future revenue and operational performance.

American Healthcare REIT (AHR) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) primarily focused on healthcare properties, including outpatient medical buildings, senior housing, and skilled nursing facilities. The company has a diversified portfolio, which positions it well in the healthcare real estate market.

Earning Overview

American Healthcare REIT (AHR) reported its Q3 2024 earnings on November 12, 2024. The company posted a GAAP net loss of $3.1 million but reported a positive increase in Normalized Funds from Operations (NFFO), reaching $0.36 per diluted share. This performance reflects the company's continued growth, particularly within its senior housing and healthcare facility segments. Revenue for Q3 2024 was $523.81 million, a 12.8% year-over-year increase, surpassing analysts' expectations of $474.26 million.

Fundamental Analysis

American Healthcare REIT (AHR) focuses on acquiring and managing healthcare-related real estate properties, such as outpatient medical buildings, senior housing, and skilled nursing facilities. With a market cap of around $1.75 billion, the company has a diversified portfolio of assets valued at over $4.2 billion

Despite its scale, AHR faces some financial challenges. The company has posted a net loss, leading to a negative profit margin of -5.02%. Additionally, its high debt-to-equity ratio of 165% indicates significant reliance on debt, which could add financial risk. Its earnings growth, however, is forecasted to be robust, with a projected increase of 65% annually​.

AHR's stock has exhibited relatively low volatility compared to other healthcare REITs, and it offers a modest dividend yield of 1.68%, appealing to income-focused investors. The company’s focus on healthcare real estate, which benefits from demographic trends such as an aging population, positions it well for potential long-term growth despite current financial strains​.

Free Cash Flow

American Healthcare REIT (AHR) has demonstrated strong free cash flow (FCF) performance in recent years. For the trailing twelve months (TTM) as of September 2024, the company reported an operating cash flow of $142.35 million. After accounting for capital expenditures of approximately $12.13 million, AHR generated a free cash flow of $142.35 million​. This is a positive indicator of AHR's ability to generate cash from its operations, despite ongoing capital investments in real estate assets.

However, AHR's free cash flow growth can fluctuate, as seen with a notable decline in 2022, but it has recovered significantly in 2023. This recovery in FCF highlights the company's ability to manage capital expenditures while maintaining liquidity. Despite a relatively healthy free cash flow, AHR faces significant debt levels, which could impact its future cash flow growth and financial stability​.

Technical Analysis

As of December 2024, the stock has been experiencing neutral signals across several key indicators. The moving averages and oscillators suggest neither strong buying nor selling momentum, indicating a balanced market sentiment​. AHR's stock price is currently at $28.96, with analysts forecasting a slight decline from this level. The average 12-month price target is $25.25, reflecting a potential decrease of about 12.8% from its current price.

In terms of volatility, AHR has had a significant 121.7% price increase from the start of 2024, reflecting strong growth. Technical indicators such as the RSI, MACD, and moving averages do not show a clear directional trend at present, which aligns with the neutral sentiment in the market​

Risks and Challenges

High Leverage: AHR has a significant amount of debt, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 165%. This could expose the company to higher financial risk, particularly if interest rates rise or its properties underperformThe company’s debt load could limit its financial flexibility and affect its ability to invest in new opportunities or respond to market changes.

Profitability Issues: AHR has struggled with profitability, posting net losses in recent years, and its negative profit margin of -5% indicates that the company has not yet achieved consistent profitability. While earnings growth is projected, such losses could hinder investor confidence and stock performance

Market Volatility: Healthcare REITs, like AHR, are exposed to market volatility, which can be amplified by fluctuations in interest rates. AHR’s stock has experienced notable price swings, which could be exacerbated by macroeconomic conditions​. The company's price target predictions also show potential for declines, with analysts forecasting a decrease of about 12.8% over the next year.

Healthcare Sector Risks: AHR’s portfolio is concentrated in healthcare properties, which means it is vulnerable to sector-specific risks, such as changes in healthcare regulations, shifts in patient care trends, or reimbursement rate changes. These factors can impact the profitability of its properties.

Operational and Leasing Risks: The company's ability to lease out its properties or increase rents can be affected by factors such as tenant vacancies, competition, or changes in local healthcare demands. Operational challenges, including maintaining and upgrading aging healthcare facilities, can also result in higher costs.

Valuation

AHR is currently valued at a market capitalization of around $4.75 billion. Its stock is trading at approximately $28.96, reflecting a substantial increase of 130% since the start of 2024.

The company's valuation metrics show a price-to-sales ratio of 3+, indicating a relatively reasonable valuation compared to its revenue​. price-to-sales ratio of 2+.

However, AHR is facing profitability challenges, with negative margins and a reliance on debt to finance its operations, as reflected in its high debt-to-equity ratio of 165%​. Analysts have raised the price target for AHR, with a general range between $25 and $31, implying a potential for both modest upside and downside​. Despite this potential for price fluctuation, the company is valued favorably when considering its earnings growth projections, which forecast an annual growth rate of 65%. risks such as financial leverage, sector-specific challenges, and its reliance on healthcare real estate pose challenges to its long-term valuation.

Conclusion

At All Time High and debt problem American Healthcare REIT is not a solid investment opportunity, especially for those looking for a combination of growth and stability. if economic conditions changes the stock will fall.

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Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

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  • NotWizard
    ·12-03

    I see where you're coming from. Healthcare REITs can be tricky, especially with the ongoing challenges in the sector. It all comes down to your risk tolerance and strategy. Some investors might still see opportunities in certain niches, curious to hear your thoughts!

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  • DIMCO
    ·12-03
    Interesting analysis
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  • bingoo
    ·12-03
    High risk here
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