N.Y. Investment Firm Boosts Freddie Mac To 'Outperform' Rating

Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. has raised its rating for Freddie Mac to "outperform" from "market perform."

The New York investment firm said Freddie Mac - formally known as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. - is positioned to increase earnings per share by 13% to 15% through 2001.

"While the mortgage market has entered a major credit cycle, with delinquencies likely to rise for the next few years, we believe Freddie Mac is well protected by deepened mortgage insurance coverage on low-down- payment loans," wrote analyst Jonathan E. Gray.

Mr. Gray also said that Freddie Mac's exposure to the California market will diminish as that state's economy improves.

The research firm singles out Freddie Mac because, according to Mr. Gray, the agency appears relatively cheaper than Fannie Mae and has a smaller retained portfolio that can be expanded more rapidly to foster per- share earnings growth.

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