Jefferies Mostly Neutral On REIT Sector

Jefferies analyst George Hoglund commented on the REIT sector Thursday and initiated coverage on a handful of companies within the sector.

• Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust (NYSE: RPT): Buy, $22 price target
• DDR Corp (NYSE: DDR): Hold, $19
• Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE: FRT): Hold, $160
• Regency Centers Corp (NYSE: REG): Hold, $78
• Retail Properties of America Inc (NYSE: RPAI): Hold, $17.50
• Weingarten Realty Investors (NYSE: WRI): Hold, $40

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"Shopping center REITs continue to improve portfolio quality via acquisitions, dispositions and redevelopment. Although NT growth is muted during transformation, improved asset quality and LT growth prospects should drive multiple expansion," according to Hoglund.

The Jefferies analyst highlighted shares of Ramco-Gershenson as the firm's top pick within the REIT sector.