MGM Resorts rises after BTIG initiates with 'buy' rating

** Casino operator MGM Resorts International's shares MGM rise 2.5% to $43.39 after BTIG initiates with "buy" rating

** Sets price target of $52, representing a ~23% upside to the stock's last close

** BTIG sees profit upside for MGM driven by its Vegas and China properties

** Brokerage says investors are undermining co's growth opportunities via portfolio expansion and scaling its nascent digital business

** 19 of 23 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher and 4 "hold"; their median PT is $56 - LSEG data

** Stock had fallen 3.5% YTD