Analyst John Kim of BMO Capital maintained a Buy rating on Empire State Realty (ESRT – Research Report), with a price target of $13.00.
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John Kim has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors that highlight Empire State Realty’s strong performance and growth prospects. The company reported a significant beat in its fourth-quarter 2024 Core Funds from Operations per share (FFOps), driven by increased revenue from their Observatory and other sources. This performance was accompanied by robust commercial leasing activities, with a notable increase in leasing volumes and cash spreads.
Moreover, while the 2025 guidance was introduced below consensus expectations, it is viewed as conservative given the company’s improved leased rate, which surpassed year-end occupancy projections. Additionally, the Observatory showed promising growth with a rise in visitor numbers, reversing prior declines. These positive indicators, despite the cautious guidance, underpin the Buy recommendation as they suggest potential for continued financial improvement and operational resilience.