Companies in the Financial sector have received a lot of coverage today as analysts weigh in on Medallion Financial (MFIN), Brighthouse Financial Inc (BHF) and Xenia Hotels & Resorts (XHR).
Medallion Financial (MFIN)
In a report released today, Scott Buck from B.Riley FBR maintained a Buy rating on Medallion Financial, with a price target of $10. The company’s shares opened today at $7.04, close to its 52-week high of $7.25.
Buck observed:
“Buy-rated Medallion Financial (MFIN) is expected to report 3Q18 operating results the week of November 12. While we expect the quarter to be largely positive, we are adjusting our 3Q18 estimates lower to a loss of $0.07, down from a loss of $0.02 as more positive interest income trends are expected to be more than offset by slightly higher provision expense. Our $0.07 EPS loss compares to the Street which is modeling positive EPS of $0.07. 2019 estimates are left unchanged as stronger NII trends are offset by lower loan balances as it appears the company sold loans in the quarter.”
Buck has an average return of 14.0% when recommending Medallion Financial.
According to TipRanks.com, Buck is ranked #4251 out of 4905 analysts.
Medallion Financial has an analyst consensus of Moderate Buy, with a price target consensus of $8.25.
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Brighthouse Financial Inc (BHF)
In a report released today, Randy Binner from B.Riley FBR reiterated a Hold rating on Brighthouse Financial Inc, with a price target of $49. The company’s shares opened today at $44.03.
Binner observed:
“Brighthouse Financial (BHF) reported 3Q18 operating EPS of $2.23, below the B. Riley FBR estimate of $2.29 but above consensus $2.06. The core result was $2.60, adjusting for one- time items. Net investment income (NII) was $852M on a yield of 4.09%, ahead of our $821M forecast. BHF reported capital at $600M above the CTE98 risk management level. The company also bought back $42M of shares in the quarter. BHF continues to show progress on corporate expense management with total expenses down $46M pre-tax from the prior quarter. Overall, we view this as a good quarter for BHF and investor’s should react favorably, in our opinion. However, we reiterate our Neutral rating and $49 PT given the elevated macro profile of the book. That said, shares now trade at 41% of BV ex-AOCI, which is $103.80 at 3Q18.”
According to TipRanks.com, Binner is a 5-star analyst with an average return of 13.5% and a 66.5% success rate. Binner covers the Financial sector, focusing on stocks such as American Equity Investment Life, Health Insurance Innovations, and Prudential Financial Inc.
Brighthouse Financial Inc has an analyst consensus of Hold, with a price target consensus of $46.75, implying a 6.2% upside from current levels. In a report released today, Morgan Stanley also maintained a Hold rating on the stock with a $55 price target.
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Xenia Hotels & Resorts (XHR)
In a report released today, Bryan Maher from B.Riley FBR maintained a Hold rating on Xenia Hotels & Resorts, with a price target of $25. The company’s shares opened today at $19.84, close to its 52-week low of $19.09.
Maher said:
“Xenia Hotels & Resorts (XHR – Neutral, $25 PT) reported 3Q18 results largely below expectations. Adjusted EBITDAre came in at $60.5M, below our $65.1M estimate and consensus’ $62.1M, while AFFO/share came in at $0.46, versus our $0.47 estimate and consensus’ $0.44. From a same-property perspective, RevPAR was flat, driven by an occupancy decline of 189 bps and ADR growth of 2.5%. Xenia management, like most other lodging companies in 3Q18, noted that the holiday shift and tough hurricane comps, versus 2H17, were key drivers behind the RevPAR softness. As noted in details below, Xenia remains an active capital recycler, further upgrading the portfolio with the recent acquisitions of the Fairmont Pittsburgh.”
According to TipRanks.com, Maher is a 2-star analyst with an average return of 0.4% and a 50.8% success rate. Maher covers the Financial sector, focusing on stocks such as Industrial Logistics Properties Trust, Government Properties Income Trust, and Senior Housing Properties Trust.
Xenia Hotels & Resorts has an analyst consensus of Hold, with a price target consensus of $25.
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