UPDATE: MLV & Co Initiates Coverage on Resource America with Buy Rating, $11 PT on Strong Return Potential

In a report published Friday, MLV & Co analyst Richard Eckert initiated coverage on Resource America (NASDAQ: REXI) with a Buy rating and $11.00 price target.In the report, MLV & Co noted, “The past, present and future theme is woven throughout our report, embedding itself in both our analysis of REXI's history and business model. Over the years, REXI has evolved from a capital-intensive investor in businesses/assets for its own account to a ‘capital-lite' asset manager that invests alongside and/or on behalf of other parties for a fee. At the same time, it has developed three strategic platforms that, we believe, position it well to capitalize on the interest rate and credit environment we envision over the next 1 1/2 to 2 years. However, neither the potential for outsized increases in revenue and earnings we anticipate nor the evolution of REXI's business model appear to be reflected in the company's share price. If REXI shares were merely to trade up to within 10% of the valuations of the median peer, they would change hands at approximately $11, or 17% higher than where they trade now. Adding a projected dividend yield of 3% brings the total return potential to 20% from current prices. Given what we perceive is the undiscovered nature of this opportunity and the total return potential of 20%, we are initiating coverage of REXI shares with a Buy.”Resource America closed on Thursday at $9.39.