Trico Marine Rated As Strong Buy

Deutsche Banc Alex.Brown said on Thursday that it had started coverage of Trico Marine Services Inc., an energy services provider, with a strong buy rating and a $20-a-share price target. Trico shares closed at $16-1/16 on Wednesday.

Deutsche Banc Alex Brown analysts said shares could rise from earnings leverage due to offshore oil rig use in the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea, expanded deep-water markets of West Africa and Brazil, a projected earnings recovery, and a share price that trades at a discount to its peers.

Trico is expected to report a loss of $.63 a share in 2000 and earn a profit of $.67 a share in 2001, Deutsche Banc Alex.Brown said in a research note.