JMP maintains $3.25 target on Lument Finance Trust stock

Published 31/03/2025, 11:52
JMP maintains $3.25 target on Lument Finance Trust stock

On Monday, JMP analysts, led by Steven C. DeLaney, maintained a positive outlook on Lument Finance Trust (NYSE:LFT), reiterating a Market Outperform rating and a $3.25 price target. This valuation is based on 0.96 times the book value (BV) and indicates a potential upside of approximately 21% from the last closing price. The reaffirmation follows a comprehensive analysis of Lument Finance Trust’s fourth-quarter results, the annual report (Form 10-K), and updated financial models. According to InvestingPro data, LFT currently trades at a P/E ratio of 7.8x and a price-to-book ratio of 0.78x, suggesting the stock is currently fairly valued based on InvestingPro’s Fair Value analysis.

Lument Finance Trust has effectively managed its portfolio, which is primarily focused on multifamily housing, without the need for loan modifications that have been more common among its larger peers. This demonstrates the resilience of the affordable housing sector, despite the challenges posed by heightened interest rates. Although the fourth quarter saw a slight increase in the number of loans receiving a 5-rating, indicating potential risks, the company successfully resolved two such loans, fully recouping its capital. InvestingPro analysis reveals the company maintains strong financial health with a "GREAT" overall score of 3.01, particularly noting that liquid assets exceed short-term obligations with an impressive current ratio of 79.5x.

The company’s microcapitalization, valued at approximately $140 million, along with limited trading liquidity, may limit its appeal to a broader range of investors. Nevertheless, JMP analysts believe that the management’s strategic actions are setting Lument Finance Trust up for consistent growth and profitability in the future.

If Lument Finance Trust’s stock reaches the $3.25 price target, based on the last closing price of $2.68, it could yield a near-term total return of roughly 33%. This includes an estimated price appreciation of 21.2% and a projected cash yield of 11.9% over the next twelve months, as per JMP’s dividend forecasts. This projection does not account for any potential special dividends.

In other recent news, Lument Finance Trust reported its fourth-quarter 2024 earnings, surpassing expectations with an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.10, compared to the forecasted $0.09. The company’s revenue also slightly exceeded projections, reaching $8.99 million against an anticipated $8.95 million. Lument maintained its net interest income at $9.4 million, consistent with the previous quarter, and declared a special dividend of $0.09 per share. Meanwhile, Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James maintained its Market Perform rating on Lument Financial Trust, noting that while net interest income and distributable earnings met expectations, GAAP earnings and book value fell short due to unanticipated reserve expenses. The firm adjusted its 2025 estimates downward, citing a reduced year-end portfolio impacted by higher-than-usual fourth-quarter repayments. Raymond James highlighted the execution risks associated with Lument’s new financing transactions as crucial for future growth. Investors are particularly attentive to Lument’s financial strategies, including the refinancing of the 2021-FL1 CLO, which is expected to significantly impact the company’s portfolio expansion in the latter half of 2025.

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