NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- WisdomTree Investments (WETF) - Get Report stock is up 4.05% to $20.28 in midday trading Thursday after Citi raised its price target to $24 from $22, while maintaining a "buy" rating. 

"While WisdomTree Investments is generating best-in-class flows, we believe another positive dynamic brewing reflects a favorable fee rate trend given assets under management (AUM) mix shift," Citi analysts said about the asset management company. 

This type of upswing comes at a time of flat/deteriorating trends for many peers and adds earnings upside surprise potential to "Street" estimates, the firm noted. 

While flows are diverse, the bulk of volume is coming from International Hedged Equities, which have higher than corporate average fee rates, according to Citi.

In addition, given the macro backdrop plus real time flow trends, Citi analysts said they expect the management fee rate to blend up into 2015 before leveling off, though at a higher base level versus prior expectations. 

Citi revised 2015, 2016, and 2017 fiscal year earnings estimates to 56 cents, 85 cents and $1.18 per share, from 52 cents, 77 cents, and $1.07 per share, respectively, to reflect stronger than forecast volumes and higher fee rates. 

Separately, TheStreet Ratings team rates WISDOMTREE INVESTMENTS INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate WISDOMTREE INVESTMENTS INC (WETF) a BUY. This is driven by a few notable strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, good cash flow from operations, solid stock price performance and notable return on equity. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income."

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 12.8%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 14.9%. This growth in revenue does not appear to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, displayed by a decline in earnings per share.
• Net operating cash flow has increased to $25.98 million or 15.93% when compared to the same quarter last year. The firm also exceeded the industry average cash flow growth rate of -6.01%.
• Compared to its closing price of one year ago, WETF's share price has jumped by 29.26%, exceeding the performance of the broader market during that same time frame. We feel that the stock's sharp appreciation over the last year has driven it to a price level which is now somewhat expensive compared to the rest of its industry. The other strengths this company shows, however, justify the higher price levels.
• WISDOMTREE INVESTMENTS INC's earnings per share declined by 41.7% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, WISDOMTREE INVESTMENTS INC increased its bottom line by earning $0.45 versus $0.38 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($0.48 versus $0.45).
• Return on equity has greatly decreased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of major weakness within the corporation. Compared to other companies in the Capital Markets industry and the overall market, WISDOMTREE INVESTMENTS INC's return on equity significantly exceeds that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: WETF Ratings Report