MUFGSecurities Americas Inc. analyst Karin Ford initiated coverage of witha rating of "neutral," and a price target of $11.50.

The analyst wrote in a research report: "Our Neutralrating is based on a balanced view of the company's fundamental backdrop, risks,growth prospects, and valuation. MPW should benefit from well-timedbalance-sheet upgrades. Additionally, the stock trades at a discountedvaluation and offers an attractive 7.7% dividend yield. That said, thisdiscount fairly reflects upcoming challenges for the hospital industry, in ourview. Moreover, we believe that negative sentiment toward the sector, risinginterest-rate expectations, and decelerating external growth may limit upsidein the stock."