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On Tuesday, Jefferies initiated coverage on Sun Communities (NYSE:SUI) with a Buy rating and a price target set at $150.00, well above the current trading price of $119.23. The firm's analysts highlighted the company's ongoing transformation, driven by cost restructuring, leadership transitions, and the anticipated divestiture of its marina operations, aimed at reducing debt levels. According to InvestingPro data, the company currently maintains a market capitalization of $15.53 billion and shows a Fair Value upside potential, suggesting room for appreciation.
Sun Communities' leverage is projected to decrease to a range between 2.5x and 3.0x from the current 6.0x following the expected sale of the marina business. Although this transaction is forecasted to dilute funds from operations (FFO) growth by 5.7% in 2025, Jefferies anticipates a rebound to mid-single-digit FFO growth in subsequent years, estimating increases of 7.4% and 7.7% for 2026 and 2027, respectively. This growth is expected to be primarily driven by the company's core manufactured housing (MH) and recreational vehicle (RV) segments. The company has demonstrated financial stability with an impressive 33-year streak of maintaining dividend payments, currently offering a 3.15% yield.
The appointment of John McLaren as President has been met with approval as he is on course to achieve the targeted $15-20 million in annualized savings. This progress is seen as indicative of increased operational efficiency within the company. Additionally, the analysts note that the upcoming changes in the board and the appointment of a new CEO in 2025, with McLaren viewed as a strong contender for the role, should further support the company's strategic turnaround.
Jefferies analysts consider the current valuation of Sun Communities, trading at 18.5 times FFO compared to its 5-year and 10-year averages of 21.6x and 21.2x, as an attractive opportunity for investors. The firm's positive outlook is based on the company's strategic initiatives and the robust supply/demand environment that Sun Communities operates within. InvestingPro analysis reveals additional insights through 10 exclusive ProTips and comprehensive financial metrics, available in the detailed Pro Research Report, helping investors make more informed decisions about this prominent player in the Residential REITs industry.
In other recent news, Sun Communities Inc . reported a notable earnings per share (EPS) miss for Q4 2024, with an actual EPS of -1.77 compared to the forecast of 0.08. Despite this, the company's revenue exceeded expectations, reaching $745.9 million. Sun Communities also announced the sale of its Safe Harbor marina business to Blackstone (NYSE:BX) Infrastructure for $5.65 billion, aiming to complete the transaction in the second quarter of 2025. The company plans to use the proceeds from the sale to reduce debt, distribute to shareholders, and reinvest in its core businesses. This strategic move has prompted Moody's to place Sun Communities' ratings under review for a potential upgrade, reflecting the anticipated improvement in the company's leverage metrics. Additionally, Sun Communities appointed Brian Loftus as the new Chief Accounting Officer, bringing extensive experience to his role. These developments are part of Sun's ongoing efforts to streamline operations and focus on its manufactured housing and recreational vehicle segments.
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