Nucor earnings beat by $0.08, revenue fell short of estimates
On Wednesday, UBS analyst Doug Harter upgraded Chimera Investment Corp (NYSE:CIM) stock rating from Neutral to Buy and increased the price target to $15.00, up from the previous $11.50. Trading at $13.03, InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued, with a price-to-book ratio of just 0.4x. Harter cited the company’s stronger-than-anticipated book value performance in the first quarter and April, along with improved near-term earnings and return on equity (ROE) forecasts as the primary reasons for the upgrade.
Chimera’s ability to optimize its liabilities and free up additional capital for reinvestment was highlighted as a significant factor contributing to the upside potential. According to Harter, Chimera is currently trading at 61% of its book value. This discount is seen as reflective of market expectations that Chimera’s portfolio will likely continue to yield ROEs between 7-8%, whereas UBS’s estimate (UBSe) projects a 9% ROE in the second quarter of 2025, growing to 10% by the fourth quarter of 2025.
Harter also pointed out the possibility of Chimera increasing its dividend, which could act as a catalyst for a higher price-to-book (P/B) multiple. The analyst emphasized the attractiveness of Chimera’s current 11.36% dividend yield and the potential for capital appreciation. The stock has shown strong momentum with an 8.49% return over the past week, while maintaining a "GOOD" Financial Health Score according to InvestingPro’s comprehensive analysis. Based on these factors, UBS foresees a 27% total return potential for Chimera, justifying the upgrade to a Buy rating.
In other recent news, Chimera Investment Corporation reported its Q1 2025 earnings, revealing an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.41, which fell short of the forecasted $0.44. However, the company’s revenue significantly surpassed expectations, reaching $206.5 million compared to the anticipated $75.97 million. This positive revenue performance was further bolstered by the company’s acquisition of Palisades Advisory Services, which has enhanced Chimera’s service offerings. Additionally, Chimera’s economic return on book value stood at 9.2%, indicating a strong financial position.
The company also reported a GAAP net income of $145.9 million, or $1.77 per share, alongside a net interest income of $72.3 million. In terms of strategic financial maneuvers, Chimera exercised its call rights on non-REMIC securitizations and issued new securitizations, unlocking $187 million for reinvestment. Looking forward, Chimera plans to diversify its portfolio and focus on growing recurring fee income, while exploring opportunities in mortgage servicing rights to enhance revenue streams. These developments reflect the company’s strategic direction and operational performance amidst market volatility.
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