Macerich Upgraded To Buy At BofA, Shares Rise 2%

Core Viewpoint - BofA Securities upgraded The Macerich Company from Neutral to Buy, increasing its price target to $23 from $19, with shares rising over 2% in pre-market trading [1] Group 1: Portfolio and Financial Improvements - The firm highlighted improvements in portfolio quality, stronger balance sheet deleveraging prospects, and robust leasing progress [2] - Leasing volume exceeded 4 million square feet, with expectations of solid NOI growth from 2026 onward [2] Group 2: Financial Forecasts - BofA raised its 2028 FFO estimates by 6.4%, now 8.2% above consensus, forecasting $1.99 per share, which is at the upper end of management's target range of $1.73–$2.05 [3] - The forecast includes $0.08 accretion from the Crabtree Mall acquisition [3]