Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE:WD) Receives Consensus Recommendation of “Moderate Buy” from Analysts

Shares of Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE:WD) have earned an average rating of “Moderate Buy” from the seven research firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and five have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $79.20.

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on WD shares. Wall Street Zen upgraded Walker & Dunlop from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Saturday, May 9th. Stephens started coverage on Walker & Dunlop in a research report on Thursday, April 23rd. They set an “overweight” rating and a $69.00 price objective on the stock. Weiss Ratings raised Walker & Dunlop from a “sell (d+)” rating to a “hold (c-)” rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 30th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their target price on Walker & Dunlop from $65.00 to $67.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Friday, May 8th.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Walker & Dunlop

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Walker & Dunlop in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Walker & Dunlop by 107.9% during the 1st quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 580 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 301 shares during the last quarter. Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in shares of Walker & Dunlop during the 1st quarter worth approximately $51,000. Essential Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Walker & Dunlop by 709.1% during the 1st quarter. Essential Partners LLC now owns 623 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 546 shares during the period. Finally, Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd raised its position in shares of Walker & Dunlop by 1,398.0% during the 4th quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 734 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $44,000 after buying an additional 685 shares during the period. 80.97% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Walker & Dunlop Price Performance

NYSE WD traded up $0.30 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $50.28. 153,609 shares of the company’s stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 312,594. The company has a market capitalization of $1.73 billion, a PE ratio of 24.89 and a beta of 1.48. Walker & Dunlop has a 52-week low of $42.12 and a 52-week high of $90.00. The firm’s 50-day moving average is $51.81 and its 200-day moving average is $53.93.

Walker & Dunlop Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 4th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 21st were issued a $0.68 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, May 21st. This represents a $2.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.4%. Walker & Dunlop’s dividend payout ratio is currently 134.65%.

Walker & Dunlop Company Profile

Walker & Dunlop is one of the largest providers of commercial real estate finance in the United States, specializing in the origination, servicing and sale of loans secured by multifamily, seniors housing, healthcare, student housing and manufactured housing properties. The firm offers a full suite of debt and equity solutions, including agency financing through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, HUD and FHA-insured loans, bridge and construction financing, mezzanine debt, preferred equity, and investment sales advisory.

With roots dating back to 1937 and its headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, Walker & Dunlop has expanded its platform through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions.