BTIG assumes coverage of NMI Holdings with 'buy' rating; shares rise
** Shares of mortgage insurer NMI Holdings NMIH.O rise nearly 2% to $43.26 in afternoon trading
** BTIG assumes coverage with "buy" rating; PT at $54, implying a 27% upside to stock's last close
** Says combination of faster insurance in force growth and a lower loss ratio translates into the fastest EPS growth and above average ROEs among peers
** Expects the better credit quality of co to result in lower volatility of loss ratios over time
** 6 of 8 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or above, 2 "hold"; median PT at $51 — data compiled by LSEG
** Including session moves, stock has risen 6% YTD