The Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady gives REIT investors a clearer, if still uncertain, backdrop to work with. Stable rates can influence everything from borrowing costs to property values, and that can matter a lot for how individual REIT stocks behave. This article highlights three US real estate investment trusts from our screener that are closely exposed to the latest Fed move. For each stock, you will see how the news may shape potential risks and opportunities, so you can decide whether these REITs deserve a closer look or a spot on your watchlist.

American Healthcare REIT (AHR)

Overview: American Healthcare REIT owns and operates a large portfolio of income focused healthcare real estate, including senior housing, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient medical buildings, and other clinical properties across the US, U.K., and the Isle of Man, using an integrated platform to manage and sometimes directly operate these assets.

Operations: The company generates most of its revenue from Integrated Senior Health Campuses at about US$1.84b, with additional contributions from Shop properties at US$369.1m, Outpatient Medical at US$123.7m, Triple net Leased Properties at US$39.5m, and almost all of this, around US$2.36b, coming from the United States.

Market Cap: US$9.1b

American Healthcare REIT may interest investors who want income exposure to healthcare real estate while rates stay on hold and also care about growth. The stock is trading well below Simply Wall St’s fair value estimate and analysts see meaningful upside. However, the current P/E of 89.4x and modest forecast ROE near 5% raise fair questions about how durable that earnings profile is. Recent equity raises near US$700m and a quarterly US$0.25 dividend highlight an active approach to funding and income, but also bring dilution and interest coverage risk into focus. With profitability only recently achieved and RIDEA driven segments drawing attention from analysts, the potential opportunity depends on how these elements develop from here.

American Healthcare REIT’s high P/E, recent equity raises and fresh profitability hint at a story investors may be only half seeing; the DCF valuation analysis for American Healthcare REIT could reveal what the current market mood is missing

Welltower (WELL)

Overview: Welltower is a large healthcare REIT focused on rental housing and wellness communities for aging seniors across the US, U.K. and Canada, owning more than 2,000 properties that sit between traditional housing and hospitality to serve older adults. It operates as an "operating company in a real estate wrapper," using data driven partnerships and a company wide business system to run its portfolio.

Operations: Welltower generates most of its revenue from Seniors Housing Operating at about US$9.41b, with additional contributions from Triple Net properties at US$1.33b, Outpatient Medical at US$642.0m and Non Segment or Corporate activities at US$379.1m.

Market Cap: US$150.7b

For investors watching the Federal Reserve keep rates steady, Welltower stands out as a large, income focused way to tap into demand for senior housing and healthcare real estate while getting direct exposure to one of the biggest listed portfolios in the sector. The company’s data science platform, Welltower Business System and recent credit rating upgrade sit alongside rising occupancy and pricing power in its Seniors Housing Operating segment, which analysts see as important drivers for future earnings. At the same time, a very high P/E, heavy use of external borrowing, large one off gains and governance concerns around executive pay and dividend volatility mean the room for error looks narrow. How those strengths and fault lines balance out is where the real story on Welltower lies.

Welltower’s soaring P/E and expanding seniors housing platform suggest the story is still unfolding, but the balance of pricing power, debt and earnings quality is harder to read without the 3 key rewards and 2 important warning signs

CareTrust REIT (CTRE)

Overview: CareTrust REIT is a US based healthcare REIT that owns, develops, finances and leases a large portfolio of skilled nursing facilities, senior housing and other healthcare properties, with over 37,000 beds and units across 32 states and the U.K. that are operated by independent care providers.

Operations: CareTrust REIT generates about US$522.6m in revenue from investments in healthcare related real estate assets, almost all of which comes from the United States.

Market Cap: US$8.7b

CareTrust REIT stands out in a steady rate setting because it is a pure play on senior housing and skilled nursing, with a sizeable US$522.6m portfolio, a growing U.K. presence and an active acquisition pipeline supported by recent equity raises and increased 2026 earnings guidance. Analysts see enough earnings and revenue momentum to justify higher price targets, yet the stock is still flagged as trading well below some fair value estimates, which may interest investors who are comfortable with growth funded by both debt and new shares. At the same time, weaker dividend coverage, all external borrowings and exposure to regulated care markets mean the appeal of CareTrust REIT depends on how investors weigh those funding and policy risks against its growth plans and tenant relationships.

CareTrust REIT’s acquisition pipeline, U.K. expansion and equity funded growth raise a clear question: does the current share price fully reflect that story or underplay key funding and policy trade offs highlighted in the full narrative for CareTrust REIT

The three REITs in this article are only a starting point, with the full US Real Estate Investment Trusts idea uncovering 8 more companies in the US Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) screener that have equally compelling income and growth narratives. Use Simply Wall St to identify and analyze the specific catalysts, financial health markers and dividend or growth profiles that matter most to you, so you can focus on the highest conviction REIT opportunities.

Take Control of Your Investment Journey

If CareTrust REIT or any of these companies sound like a great opportunity, register for FREE with Simply Wall St and add your companies to a Watchlist to monitor the share price against the fair value the ideal entry point. Once you've made your move, manage your holdings with our Portfolio Command Center that filters out the noise to deliver only the most critical, actionable updates. Throughout your journey, our Community allows you to filter the best ideas from thousands of investor perspectives. By uncovering hidden catalysts and risks early, you'll accelerate your decision-making and stay one step ahead of the market.

Seeking Alternatives Before The Crowd?

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.