Walker & Dunlop reports Q1 core EPS 85c, consensus 70c

Reports Q1 revenue $237.4M, consensus $245.03M. “2025 began with continued improvement in transaction volumes and revenues, up 10% and 4%, respectively, from Q1 2024, as the US commercial real estate market began to transition from higher rates and dramatically lower transaction activity to the beginning of the next investment cycle,” commented CEO Willy Walker. “W&D’s Q1 GAAP net income was down significantly due to increased severance expense, fees associated with a corporate debt issuance, and credit losses that are normal for this time in the credit cycle. Adjusted core net income and adjusted EBITDA were down materially less, reflecting the strength of W&D’s business model and durable profit streams. There is a growing sense that the pent-up demand for financing and capital deployment in commercial real estate is going to drive transaction volumes higher over the coming months and years. The initial deregulatory changes at HUD and the GSEs are welcome, and it is our assumption that the Trump Administration continues to work on getting short and long-term interest rates down. W&D will continue to invest in our Capital Markets platform to meet our clients’ growing needs and expand as the next cycle takes off. Our outlook for 2025, and our guidance, have not changed.”