Raymond James maintains Lument Financial stock at Market Perform

Published 20/03/2025, 21:56
Raymond James maintains Lument Financial stock at Market Perform

On Thursday, Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James reiterated its Market Perform rating for Lument Financial Trust (NYSE:LFT), following an analysis of the company’s fourth-quarter results and annual report. According to InvestingPro analysis, LFT appears slightly undervalued at its current price of $2.82, with the stock trading near its 52-week high after delivering an impressive 39% return over the past year. The firm’s analyst noted that while Lument’s net interest income and distributable earnings matched expectations, GAAP earnings and book value fell short due to unanticipated reserve expenses. Consequently, Raymond James has adjusted its 2025 estimates downward in light of a reduced year-end portfolio, which was impacted by higher than usual fourth-quarter repayments.

The analyst anticipates a near-term decline in Lument’s portfolio before a predicted growth in the second half of 2025. This growth is contingent upon the successful refinancing of the 2021-FL1 CLO and the establishment of new financing facilities. The reiteration of the Market Perform rating takes into account the appealing aspects of Lument’s portfolio, which includes a high proportion of multifamily loans and non-mark-to-market (non-MTM) financing, paired with an attractive dividend yield of 11.47%. InvestingPro data reveals the company has maintained dividend payments for 12 consecutive years, with a strong financial health score of 3.23 out of 5.

Raymond James also recognizes the execution risks associated with the new financing transaction. This step is deemed crucial for enabling further growth in Lument’s portfolio. The analyst’s cautious stance reflects a balance between the positive attributes of Lument’s portfolio and the potential challenges that may arise during the financing process. Notably, InvestingPro data shows the company maintains a robust current ratio of 79.53, indicating strong liquidity to meet short-term obligations. For deeper insights into LFT’s financial position and growth prospects, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively to InvestingPro subscribers.

Investors are keeping a close eye on Lument’s upcoming financial moves, especially the refinancing of the 2021-FL1 CLO, as it is expected to be a significant determinant of the company’s ability to expand its portfolio in the latter half of 2025. The company’s ability to navigate these execution risks will likely be a key factor in future assessments of its stock performance.

In other recent news, Lument Finance Trust Inc. reported its Q4 2024 earnings, surpassing analyst expectations. The company’s earnings per share (EPS) reached $0.10, exceeding the forecasted $0.09, while revenue was slightly above expectations at $8.99 million compared to the anticipated $8.95 million. Lument Finance Trust also declared a special dividend of $0.09 per share. The company maintained its net interest income at $9.4 million, consistent with the previous quarter, and reported a net income of $3.6 million. Analysts from Raymond James and Citizens Bank engaged with the company during the earnings call, discussing the company’s financing strategies and portfolio management. The firm is exploring alternative financing options and potential securitization later in 2025. Despite some challenges, including six loan assets rated at a higher risk level, the company remains optimistic about its focus on multifamily-backed loans.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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