Fromthe Globe & Mail this morning... Following Tuesday’s release of in-line second-quarter results, CIBC World Markets analyst Nik Priebe raised his recommendation for CI Financial Corp.
to “outperformer” from “neutral” with a $30 target, up from $24 and above the $28.33 average.
Others making changes include:
* Desjardins Securities’ Gary Ho to $29 from $27 with a “buy” rating.
“We maintain our Buy rating on the back of: (1) improving signs of retail net flows; (2) increased traction of the US RIA buildout and solid net organic growth rate as well as the healthy EBITDA margins this platform generates; and (3) valuation remains attractive and CI’s NCIB should support the shares,” said Mr. Ho.
* BMO Nesbitt Burns’ Tom MacKinnon to $30 from $26 with an “outperform” rating.
“We remain constructive on CI’s outlook following a solid Q2/21 beat on adjusted EPS/ EBITDA,” he said. “The U.S. RIA acquisition strategy continues to drive incremental earnings. Increased WM run-rate EBITDA guidance, coupled with better-than-expected July net sales, is encouraging. Buyback remains active. We increased H2/21 by 2 per cent and 2022 EPS estimates by 6 per cent, largely reflecting higher WM EBITDA expectations. Target price goes to $30 (from $26) on increased target multiple of 9.0 times (from 8.5 times) on 2022 estimated EPS, with increased target multiple reflecting improving outlook on both flows and incremental value-add from acquisitions.”
* RBC’s Geoffrey Kwan to $30 from $26 with an “outperform” rating.
“The key takeaway for us is that it appears CIX may be closer to returning to positive net sales than we previously expected. Net sales were positive in Q2/21 and were positive in July 2021, which we attribute to very strong industry net sales, significant improvements in overall fund performance vs. peers (based on 1-year quartiles) and new product launches. While it’s too early to conclude CIX is definitely back to positive net sales, it’s clear that CIX has seen a substantial improvement in net sales this year. Furthermore, CIX remains active acquiring RIAs, including another one announced today. Big picture, we think there is still significant valuation upside in the stock and that additional disclosure on the U.S. RIA strategy could provide further valuation upside,” said Mr. Kwan.
* Canaccord Genuity’s Scott Chan to $31 from $28.50 with a “buy” rating.
* Scotia Capital’s Phil Hardie to $27 from $26 with a “sector perform” rating.