Fed Rate Cuts Could Skyrocket This Growth Stock: Down 69% and Ready to Soar!

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By : Glen Rodrick

Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of stocks, where the AI boom has left few stones unturned? While tech stocks soar to unprecedented heights, one sector seems to have missed the uplift. Let’s unravel the story of the housing sector, spotlighting RH, a company that has faced its share of turbulence but might just be poised for a rebound.

The Struggles and Resilience of RH

RH, previously known as Restoration Hardware, has seen its shares plummet by 69% from its peak during the pandemic. This decline came amidst a time when housing stocks in general sputtered due to elevated mortgage rates and a significant drop in home sales—about 30% since the pre-pandemic era. This downturn has affected various stakeholders from builders to real estate agencies and home-furnishing companies like RH, which rely heavily on housing sales to fuel their business.

Despite these challenges, RH reported a revenue increase of 8.4% to $899.2 million, although this was slightly below the expected $905.4 million. The company also saw a 13.7% rise in demand during this period, signaling resilience in the face of tariff uncertainties and a sluggish housing market. Even more impressive, RH maintained strong profit margins with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 20.6% and a GAAP operating margin of 14.3%. However, its adjusted earnings per share rose to $2.93 from $1.69, missing the consensus estimate of $3.22.

A Glimpse of Hope for RH

Despite the setbacks, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for RH. The company has not only survived the tough times but has also begun to adapt and expand. RH’s CEO, Gary Friedman, attributed much of the company’s difficulties to what he described as the weakest housing market in three decades. However, recent federal rate cuts could be the catalyst needed for a housing market recovery, which would likely lead to increased home buyer and seller activity. This shift could reduce the “lock-in effect” seen during the pandemic, encouraging more transactions and, consequently, more demand for RH’s high-end furnishings.

RH’s strategy doesn’t stop at just waiting for market recovery; the company is actively expanding. It has broadened its reach in Europe and has been experimenting with new galleries and ventures in the U.S., including restaurants, guesthouses, and even yacht and airplane charters. While these expansions into Europe might not directly benefit from U.S. rate cuts, they represent significant growth opportunities for RH.

Should You Consider Investing in RH?

Looking ahead, RH seems poised for potential growth, with its stock currently trading at a forward P/E of 18 based on fiscal 2027 estimates. This valuation appears reasonable given the company’s broadening horizons, which now include RH Residences—fully furnished houses that mark its venture into the real estate market.

While it’s clear that the recovery of the housing market might take some time and the lock-in effect could persist, the anticipated benefits from rate cuts present a promising outlook for the housing sector. For investors who can tolerate some risk, RH might offer a unique opportunity to capitalize on these future market shifts.

Thus, while the broader market enjoys the fruits of the AI boom, keeping an eye on RH and similar stocks could unveil opportunities that others might overlook, making it a potentially smart addition to a diversified investment portfolio.

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