Analyst Ryan Kenny of Morgan Stanley maintained a Hold rating on Jefferies, boosting the price target to $74.00.
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Ryan Kenny has given his Hold rating due to a combination of factors that present both opportunities and challenges for Jefferies. On the positive side, the company has shown strength in its Equities Trading and other investment banking segments, with a notable beat in non-compensation expense ratios. Additionally, the forward commentary from management is optimistic, highlighting record Advisory revenues and a strong market position.
However, there are concerns that temper the enthusiasm for a more bullish rating. The core compensation ratio missed expectations, and there was a decline in Fixed Income Trading for the third consecutive quarter. Furthermore, while there is optimism in some areas, the lack of compensation leverage despite significant year-over-year revenue growth is a point of concern. These mixed signals suggest a cautious approach, leading to the Hold rating as investors await further clarity from upcoming management discussions.