Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE:WD) Sees Significant Decline in Short Interest

Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE:WD - Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest during the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 855,200 shares, a decrease of 17.0% from the October 15th total of 1,030,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 166,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 5.1 days.

Walker & Dunlop Price Performance

Shares of WD traded down $0.95 on Friday, reaching $106.62. 113,376 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 156,540. The stock's 50-day moving average price is $110.58 and its 200-day moving average price is $103.50. The firm has a market cap of $3.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.08 and a beta of 1.55. Walker & Dunlop has a 12 month low of $81.14 and a 12 month high of $118.19.

Walker & Dunlop (NYSE:WD - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 7th. The financial services provider reported $1.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $1.29 by ($0.10). The business had revenue of $292.30 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $294.24 million. Walker & Dunlop had a net margin of 8.91% and a return on equity of 9.81%. The company's quarterly revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.11 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Walker & Dunlop will post 5.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Walker & Dunlop Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 22nd will be paid a $0.65 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 22nd. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.44%. Walker & Dunlop's dividend payout ratio is currently 92.86%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have commented on WD shares. Wolfe Research raised Walker & Dunlop to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 24th. StockNews.com raised shares of Walker & Dunlop from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Sunday, August 11th. Wedbush boosted their price objective on shares of Walker & Dunlop from $105.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a report on Wednesday, September 25th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price objective on shares of Walker & Dunlop from $105.00 to $112.00 and gave the company a "market perform" rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th.

Insider Activity

In related news, COO Stephen P. Theobald sold 13,870 shares of Walker & Dunlop stock in a transaction on Friday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.10, for a total value of $1,471,607.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 53,869 shares in the company, valued at $5,715,500.90. This trade represents a 20.48 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 5.47% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Walker & Dunlop

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. National Bank of Canada FI lifted its holdings in Walker & Dunlop by 205.6% during the 2nd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 275 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 185 shares during the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. raised its stake in shares of Walker & Dunlop by 1,295.8% in the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 335 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 311 shares during the last quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Walker & Dunlop by 44.5% in the 2nd quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. now owns 575 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $56,000 after acquiring an additional 177 shares in the last quarter. EntryPoint Capital LLC bought a new stake in Walker & Dunlop during the 1st quarter worth approximately $57,000. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC increased its holdings in Walker & Dunlop by 64.7% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 654 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $74,000 after purchasing an additional 257 shares in the last quarter. 80.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Walker & Dunlop Company Profile

Walker & Dunlop, Inc, through its subsidiaries, originates, sells, and services a range of multifamily and other commercial real estate financing products and services for owners and developers of real estate in the United States. It operates through three segments: Capital Markets, Servicing & Asset Management, and Corporate.