Jefferies liking a couple of healthcare REITs

• Coming alongside an upgrade of HCP to Buy, Jefferies also boosts Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPW) to a Buy with a price target of $14.
• "We are warming up to the MPW story given 1) an improved growth profile and acquisition outlook, which should support dividend and earnings growth going forward, and 2) increased comfort around the recent deals," says analyst Omotayo Okusanya. "Though there are risks going forward, we believe the stock's valuation at 11.5x FFO and 6.7% implied cap rate makes MPW a compelling risk/reward proposition."
• Like HCP, MPW has struggled mightly since interest rates began their steep rise in May.
• MPW +1.2% premarket