Analysts at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods have revised their price target for Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD) from $82.00 to $80.00 in a research report released on November 6, 2023. Despite this adjustment, the firm maintains an “outperform” rating on the stock, indicating a positive outlook for the financial services provider.
The new price target suggests a potential upside of approximately 28.47% based on Walker & Dunlop’s previous closing price. This adjustment follows a trend among various analysts who have recently evaluated the company’s performance. For instance, Weiss Ratings reissued a “hold (c-)” rating on December 29, while Citigroup reaffirmed a “market outperform” rating on December 5.
Recent Analyst Ratings and Market Performance
Additionally, Wall Street Zen downgraded the stock from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating on November 8. In contrast, JMP Securities established a target price of $95.00 with a “market outperform” rating on October 10. Furthermore, Citizens JMP upgraded its rating from “market perform” to “outperform” with the same target price.
Overall, five investment analysts have rated Walker & Dunlop with a Buy rating, and two have issued a Hold rating. According to MarketBeat, the company currently enjoys an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $87.00.
Walker & Dunlop’s stock performance has been closely watched following its latest earnings report. The company announced on November 6 that it achieved an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.22 for the quarter, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.21. The firm also reported a net margin of 9.31% and a return on equity of 8.85%, with total revenue reaching $337.68 million, exceeding analysts’ expectations of $325.10 million.
Institutional Investment Trends
Recent activity among institutional investors shows a growing interest in Walker & Dunlop’s stock. Allworth Financial LP increased its position by 115.8% during the second quarter, now holding 479 shares valued at approximately $34,000. Similarly, GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake by 65.7%, while Huntington National Bank boosted its holdings by 49.6% in the third quarter.
New investments have also been made, with Strs Ohio acquiring a stake valued at about $51,000 in the first quarter, and CWM LLC increasing its holdings by an impressive 261.6% during the third quarter, now owning 1,338 shares worth $112,000. Currently, institutional investors and hedge funds collectively own 80.97% of Walker & Dunlop’s stock, reflecting strong confidence in the company’s future.
Founded in 1937 and headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Walker & Dunlop is a prominent player in the commercial real estate finance sector. The firm specializes in the origination, servicing, and sale of loans secured by various types of properties, including multifamily, seniors housing, healthcare, and student housing. With a comprehensive suite of debt and equity solutions, the company continues to solidify its position in the market through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
As Walker & Dunlop navigates the financial landscape, analysts and investors will be closely monitoring its performance and any further adjustments to market evaluations.
