SunTrust Robinson Humphrey Capital Markets analystMark Hughesraised his investment opinion of Brown & Brown Inc. to "buy" from"hold," and increased his price target to $63 from $52.
The analyst wrote in a research report: "BRO shouldbenefit from unique tailwinds in the insurance brokerage sector includingcommission gains in its core Florida market, contribution from the 5 for 5sales incentive program, reduced expense pressure from technology/ programinvestments, and tax reform (other potential industry plusses are a flatteningyield curve and inflation). We are raising our pre-reform 2018 EPS estimate to$2.03 from $2.01 and setting a 2019 forecast of $2.25. Tax reform should add$0.50-$0.55 to the bottom line (while a possible shift to cash EPS could addanother $0.60+)."
