Easterly Government Properties rises after BMO upgrades to 'market perform'

** Shares of commercial real estate investment trust Easterly Government Properties DEA rises about 6% to $24 premarket

** BMO upgrades rating to 'market perform' from 'underperform'; lifts PT to $25 from $24

** New PT shows upside of 9.4% to stock's last close

** BMO says co is pursuing growth through acquisitions and new leases, generating additional cashflow for reinvestment after dividend cut, while maintaining an attractive yield

** Adds co keeps its properties well-leased with reliable tenants, mostly backed by U.S. government and plans to nearly double its rental income

** Lifts 2026 fund from operation forecast to $3.13/unit from $3.09/unit

** Average of seven brokerges rate stock equivalent to 'hold', median PT is $24.25 - data compiled by LSEG

** As of last close, stock down 19.5% YTD