Redwood Trust price target lowered to $6.50 from $7 at JPMorgan

JPMorgan lowered the firm’s price target on Redwood Trust (RWT) to $6.50 from $7 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares as part of a Q4 earnings preview for the mortgage real estate investment trust group. Commercial real estate borrowers and lenders “have collectively kicked the can down the road,” awaiting a more favorable rate environment, the analyst tells investors in a research note. However, the firm says the higher rate outlook “may dampen the budding optimism” that emerged in mid-2024. With the 10-year Treasury rate now projected above 4% until at least 2027, carrying costs will remain elevated and commercial real estate participants may be forced to resolve deals at “undesirable valuations,” contends JPMorgan. It views Claros Mortgage Trust’s (CMTG) December dividend cut to zero as potentially cautionary for the sector.