Jefferies Raises Nationwide Health Price Target (NHP)

Jefferies & Co. raised its price target on Nationwide Health Properties NHP to $42 from $38 Wednesday. Jefferies also raised its FY10 and FY11 earnings estimates. Jefferies notes that Nationwide Health Properties "has one of the strongest balance sheet and liquidity profiles in our healthcare REIT universe, but we rate NHP stock as a Hold as we believe the current stock price reflects the company's earnings growth potential." Jefferies raised its earnings estimates in light of "2Q10 results, revised acquisition expectations and revised financing assumptions." Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. (NHP) is real estate investment trust (REIT) invests primarily in senior housing, long-term care properties and medical office buildings. Shares of the company are higher by 1% today, to $38.67.