** Raymond James initiates coverage on specialty finance company Medallion Financial MFIN.O with a "market perform" rating

** Brokerage cites an industry-leading growth profile and highly scalable operating model, which should lead to positive operating leverage

** Adds MFIN's highly attractive industrial bank charter gives it access to FDIC-insured brokered deposits to sustain its growth

** Brokerage also notes that co's loan book includes a large amount of riskier loans, especially in recreation segment, where many borrowers have weaker credit histories

** One of four analysts rate stock "strong buy" and three "hold"; their median PT is $10.50 - data compiled by LSEG

** Including session's move, stock down 4.5% YTD