Walker & Dunlop, Inc. - WD STOCK NEWS

Walker & Dunlop expands its affordable housing finance team with the addition of Ryan Smith as Senior Director and Betsy Blau as Associate Director, both based in Nashville, Tennessee. This growth aligns with the firm's goal to originate $60 billion in affordable and workforce housing volume by 2025. Smith and Blau bring nearly 30 years of combined experience and have previously financed over $2.5 billion in commercial real estate assets. The firm aims to enhance its affordable housing debt and equity offerings, capitalizing on its established market position.

Walker & Dunlop has appointed Paul Darrow as Managing Director for its multifamily investment sales platform, focusing on middle market property sales in Greater Los Angeles. With over 16 years of experience and over $5 billion in closed sales, Darrow aims to leverage the firm's investments in data science and analytics to enhance client services. The company reported a **214%** increase in property sales volume in **2021**, reaching $19.3 billion. This expansion showcases Walker & Dunlop's growth as a leading player in the multifamily investment sales sector.

Walker & Dunlop, Inc. announced the completion of the sale and acquisition financing for Flats at West Alabama, a 304-unit midrise apartment in Houston's River Oaks neighborhood. The acquisition was facilitated by Ryan Epstein and Jennifer Ray representing the seller Wood Partners, with financing structured through Fannie Mae for the buyer, Capital Square. The property benefits from a significant rent growth of 15.5% in the past three months and 19.4% over the last year, positioning it for strong performance amid the Houston area's growth. Walker & Dunlop reported $19.3 billion in property sales in 2021.

Walker & Dunlop has entered a preferred correspondent agreement with Metro Fund Inc., enhancing its presence in South Florida. The collaboration will leverage Metro Fund's local relationships and Walker & Dunlop's expertise to enhance loan origination through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In 2021, Walker & Dunlop financed $42 billion in multifamily properties, with $49 billion in transactions overall. This partnership aims to provide better financing options, particularly in South Florida's growing commercial real estate market.

Walker & Dunlop released its latest Multifamily Outlook Report, analyzing current trends in the U.S. apartment market. Despite challenges such as inflation and rising interest rates, strong market fundamentals are noted. Key insights include a rental market forecast, the impact of Build-for-Rent properties that attracted over $50 billion in 2021, and Nashville's leadership in new construction growth. The report includes proprietary data from Zelman & Associates and highlights the industry's resiliency amid economic pressures.

On June 1, 2022, Walker & Dunlop announced the successful sale of Parc at Champion Forest, a 232-unit apartment complex in Houston, Texas. The property, built in 2000, offers substantial renovation opportunities, with 95 units already upgraded. Representing the seller, Commerce Capital Partners, were Ryan Epstein and Jennifer Ray from Walker & Dunlop. The buyer, Lone Star Capital Group, sees the community's potential in Houston's growing multifamily market. The sale aligns with Walker & Dunlop's strong market position, having achieved $19.3 billion in property sales in 2021.

Walker & Dunlop Investment Partners (WDIP) has formed a $500 million joint venture with Pacific Life to invest in multifamily and industrial properties in the U.S. The partnership aims to focus on the middle market, committing $15 million to $50 million in equity per deal. WDIP expects to target up to 30 properties, totaling over $1.5 billion. Mitch Resnick, President of WDIP, emphasized that these asset classes provide stability and ongoing deal flow despite current market conditions.

Walker & Dunlop, Inc. has announced the formation of a new Investment Management & Proprietary Capital Group, combining several financial divisions under the leadership of Mitchell Resnick. This strategic move aims to enhance the company's ability to navigate evolving market conditions while providing a diversified range of equity and debt products. In the previous year, the combined groups invested approximately $200 million in equity and originated $3.3 billion in debt. The firm currently manages over $15 billion in assets, exceeding its Drive to '25 goal.

Walker & Dunlop, Inc. held a virtual Investor Day on May 19, 2022, outlining its long-term growth strategy focused on acquisitions and its Drive to '25 plan to achieve $2 billion in annual revenues by 2025. Key topics included market updates from CEO Willy Walker, integration of Zelman and Alliant, and technology implementation to enhance small balance lending. The company provided insights into its operational updates and new segment reporting.