Saul Centers "neutral," estimates raised

02/06/04 - Advest

NEW YORK, February 6 (New Ratings) - Analysts at Advest maintain their "neutral" rating on Saul Centers Inc (BFS), while raising their estimates for the company.

In a research note published yesterday, the analysts mention that Saul Centers reported Q403 EPS marginally ahead of the estimates but below the consensus. The company's same property net operating income was significantly higher than the estimates, the analysts add. The company's stock is currently trading at premium to that of its peers, warranting the “neutral” rating, Advest says. The EPS estimates for 2004 and 2005 have been raised from $2.15 to $2.20 and from $2.29 to $2.34, respectively.