KKR Real Estate Finance Trust (NYSE:KREF) Stock Rated “Hold” by Sell-Side Brokerages

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust (NYSE:KREF) has earned an average rating of “Hold” from the nine brokerages that are covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $8.67.

KREF has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Wall Street Zen downgraded KKR Real Estate Finance Trust from a “sell” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a research note on Sunday, July 12th. Citigroup reaffirmed a “market perform” rating on shares of KKR Real Estate Finance Trust in a research note on Tuesday, September 15th. Raymond James Financial upgraded KKR Real Estate Finance Trust from an “outperform” rating to a “strong-buy” rating and set a $9.50 price target for the company in a report on Thursday, August 6th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their price target on KKR Real Estate Finance Trust from $6.50 to $5.50 and set a “market perform” rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded KKR Real Estate Finance Trust from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Friday, July 10th.

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Trading Up 11.2%

NYSE:KREF opened at $5.79 on Thursday. The business’s fifty day moving average price is $6.43 and its 200 day moving average price is $6.86. The firm has a market capitalization of $332.09 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.65 and a beta of 0.91. KKR Real Estate Finance Trust has a 1-year low of $4.93 and a 1-year high of $9.10.

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 30th were given a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, September 30th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.9%. KKR Real Estate Finance Trust’s dividend payout ratio is presently -11.40%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On KKR Real Estate Finance Trust

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC bought a new position in KKR Real Estate Finance Trust in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its holdings in shares of KKR Real Estate Finance Trust by 56.0% during the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 5,038 shares of the company’s stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 1,809 shares during the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc bought a new stake in shares of KKR Real Estate Finance Trust in the second quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its position in shares of KKR Real Estate Finance Trust by 5,654.7% in the first quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 6,100 shares of the company’s stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 5,994 shares during the period. Finally, Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. boosted its position in shares of KKR Real Estate Finance Trust by 611.0% in the third quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. now owns 6,740 shares of the company’s stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 5,792 shares during the period. 70.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About KKR Real Estate Finance Trust

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc (NYSE: KREF) is a real estate investment trust that originates and acquires commercial real estate loans. The company primarily focuses on senior loans secured by institutional-quality properties, including office, multifamily, industrial, hospitality and other commercial real estate assets.

KREF’s investment portfolio is generally composed of floating-rate mortgage loans backed by properties in major U.S. markets. Its financing activities are designed to provide borrowers with capital for property acquisitions, refinancing, redevelopment and other commercial real estate needs.

The company is externally managed by an affiliate of KKR & Co Inc, a global investment firm with real estate investment capabilities.