Wunderlich Has Hold Rating On StanCorp Financial Group

Wunderlich Securities is maintaining its Hold rating and $47 price target on shares of StanCorp Financial Group Inc. SFG, as it previews earnings. In a note to clients, Wunderlich Securities writes, "StanCorp Financial Group (SFG) is expected to report 2Q11 results today, July 21, after the market close. SFG will hold a conference call on Friday, July 22, at 12:00 p.m. ET; the dial-in number is 877-407-8033. We estimate SFG will report 2Q11 operating EPS of $1.03 versus $1.04 a year ago. The consensus estimate is $1.04. We believe the company's Insurance Services Division will report an elevated benefit ratio of 80% and flat premiums compared to a year ago due to weak public sector employment trends and depressed demand. The company's asset management and commercial mortgage divisions are anticipated to report positive results. We maintain our Hold rating and $47 price target on SFG." Shares of SFG closed at $41.44 yesterday.