Short Interest in Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:FBRT) Expands By 40.8%

Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:FBRT) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 4,883,041 shares, an increase of 40.8% from the February 12th total of 3,468,949 shares. Currently, 6.1% of the company’s shares are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 1,389,320 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.5 days. Based on an average daily volume of 1,389,320 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.5 days. Currently, 6.1% of the company’s shares are sold short.

Institutional Trading of Franklin BSP Realty Trust

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS boosted its holdings in Franklin BSP Realty Trust by 6.2% in the second quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 21,108 shares of the company’s stock valued at $226,000 after purchasing an additional 1,229 shares during the last quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey increased its holdings in Franklin BSP Realty Trust by 7.6% during the 2nd quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 17,766 shares of the company’s stock worth $190,000 after purchasing an additional 1,259 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Franklin BSP Realty Trust by 16.6% in the 4th quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 9,574 shares of the company’s stock valued at $96,000 after purchasing an additional 1,366 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in shares of Franklin BSP Realty Trust by 3.6% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 39,303 shares of the company’s stock valued at $502,000 after purchasing an additional 1,378 shares in the last quarter. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its stake in shares of Franklin BSP Realty Trust by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 29,867 shares of the company’s stock valued at $319,000 after buying an additional 1,391 shares during the last quarter. 59.87% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Franklin BSP Realty Trust Stock Down 1.2%

Shares of NYSE FBRT traded down $0.11 during trading on Friday, reaching $8.91. 1,106,125 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,307,733. The business’s 50-day moving average price is $9.70 and its 200 day moving average price is $10.35. Franklin BSP Realty Trust has a twelve month low of $8.42 and a twelve month high of $13.33. The company has a quick ratio of 70.78, a current ratio of 70.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.33. The company has a market capitalization of $721.04 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.91 and a beta of 0.99.

Franklin BSP Realty Trust Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 31st will be issued a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 31st. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.0%. Franklin BSP Realty Trust’s payout ratio is currently 221.88%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have weighed in on FBRT shares. Zacks Research raised shares of Franklin BSP Realty Trust from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Franklin BSP Realty Trust from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Saturday, March 7th. JonesTrading reduced their target price on shares of Franklin BSP Realty Trust from $13.00 to $12.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c-)” rating on shares of Franklin BSP Realty Trust in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $13.50.

About Franklin BSP Realty Trust

Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc (NYSE: FBRT) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust sponsored by an affiliate of Franklin Square Capital Partners. The company focuses on acquiring, owning and managing single-tenant net leased commercial properties across the United States. Its portfolio spans retail, office, industrial and other property types, with leases structured to shift most property‐level responsibilities—such as maintenance, property taxes and insurance—to the tenants.

By concentrating on net lease investments, Franklin BSP Realty Trust aims to generate stable and predictable rental income streams.