Walker & Dunlop, Inc. - WD STOCK NEWS

Walker & Dunlop expands its multifamily appraisal business, Apprise, by appointing Sidney Womack and Kelly Hyde as Managing Directors. Womack will lead valuation in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas, while Hyde oversees operations in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Both bring extensive experience in multifamily valuation, enhancing Apprise's competitive edge through technology and expertise. The firm has valued over $150 billion in commercial real estate and operates across all 50 states, serving a diverse client base.

Walker & Dunlop reported Q1 2021 revenues of $224.3 million, a 4% decline YoY, with a net income of $58.1 million and diluted EPS of $1.79, up 20% from Q1 2020. Total transaction volume was $9.0 billion, down 20% due to decreased multifamily financing. The adjusted EBITDA was $60.7 million. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share for Q2 2021. Despite a strong start to 2021, there was a noted decrease in agency debt financing volumes, particularly with Fannie Mae.

Walker & Dunlop has announced an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Zelman & Associates, a top housing research and investment banking firm. Founded in 2007, Zelman is recognized for its in-depth research and advisory services in the housing sector. The deal aims to enhance Walker & Dunlop's insights into housing markets and strengthen its investment banking operations focused on the multifamily and single-family rental sectors. The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2021, pending regulatory approvals.

Walker & Dunlop, Inc. has been ranked as the fourth largest lender in the U.S. commercial real estate industry, according to the 2020 Mortgage Bankers Association loan origination rankings. The company's lending volume grew at a 25% compound annual growth rate over the past decade, rising from $2.7 billion in 2010 to $24.7 billion in 2020. Notably, Walker & Dunlop's debt financing surged 32% in 2020, even as the overall market declined by 27%.

CEO Willy Walker emphasized future growth opportunities driven by technology, talent, and market presence.

Walker & Dunlop's Investment Sales team has released its 2020 Student Housing Year-End Report, which aggregates key data from the student housing market. The report highlights a decline in transaction volume but notes resilient rent collections and active transactions. Key findings include rising land and materials costs, ongoing cap rate compression, and a shift in buyers from foreign to domestic. Despite GSE caution, a recovery in debt markets is expected. The report emphasizes strong investment opportunities within the construction pipeline across 50 major markets.

Walker & Dunlop, Inc. and GeoPhy have expanded their multifamily appraisal business, Apprise, to the West Coast by hiring Jacinto Munoz as Managing Director and Head of Strategy and Compliance. This addition completes Apprise's leadership team and enhances its national footprint. Munoz and his group, based in California, bring over 40 years of experience in property valuation. They aim to leverage Apprise's advanced analytics and proprietary data to provide timely insights and mitigate risks in real estate decisions, serving a diverse client base across 46 states.

Walker & Dunlop structured $25,350,000 in financing for The Retreat at Tampa, a Class A student housing property near the University of South Florida. The property, built in 2017, offers 416 beds and boasts luxury amenities. Senior Managing Director Will Baker highlighted the importance of providing competitive financing despite a volatile market. The funding was facilitated through Walker & Dunlop's balance sheet lending program, enhancing investment returns for Nimes Real Estate, the buyer. Walker & Dunlop ranks as a leading lender in the student housing space.

Walker & Dunlop, Inc. has appointed Marcus Duley as Managing Director at Walker & Dunlop Investment Partners (WDIP), specializing in middle-market commercial real estate. Duley, based in Philadelphia, will oversee investment transactions for WDIP's equity and debt vehicles. He brings over 20 years of experience, previously managing a $3 billion portfolio at LEM Capital. WDIP focuses on alternative investments for underserved transactions, leveraging its parent company's resources for unique market insights.

Walker & Dunlop, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, announced that it will release its first quarter 2021 results on May 6, 2021, before market opening. The Company will host a live webcast to discuss the results at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day. Investors can participate either via the internet or by phone, with a replay available on the Investor Relations section of their website. Walker & Dunlop is a key player in the commercial real estate finance sector, providing extensive capital solutions and earning recognition as one of the fastest-growing companies in its field.