GFS Advisors LLC Increases Holdings in Blackstone Mortgage Trust

GFS Advisors LLC significantly expanded its investment in Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. (NYSE:BXMT), raising its position by an astounding 9,068.6% during the third quarter. According to the most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, GFS Advisors now holds a total of 458,430 shares after acquiring an additional 453,430 shares in this time frame. This stock now represents 1.9% of GFS Advisors' overall portfolio, making it the 22nd largest investment for the fund, valued at approximately $8,715,000 by the end of the last reporting period.

Institutional Investment Trends

Other institutional investors have also been active in buying or adjusting their stakes in Blackstone Mortgage Trust. For instance, Artemis Investment Management LLP took a significant step by purchasing a new stake valued at $24,103,000 during the third quarter. Also noteworthy, Point72 Asset Management L.P. acquired shares worth $10,656,000 in the second quarter, while Choreo LLC invested about $6,983,000 in the same period. Additionally, Westwood Holdings Group Inc. added shares valued at roughly $4,790,000, and Bracebridge Capital LLC acquired $4,141,000 worth of shares in the first quarter. Overall, institutional investors and hedge funds hold about 64.15% of the stock.

Market Analyst Perspectives

Recent evaluations from market analysts highlight a variety of perspectives on BXMT shares. BTIG Research maintained a "buy" rating, projecting a price target of $23.00 for the stock. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target from $19.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating. Furthermore, JMP Securities reiterated a "market perform" rating, while data from MarketBeat.com indicates a consensus rating of "Hold" with an average target price set at $20.08.

Stock Performance Overview

On Friday, Blackstone Mortgage Trust opened trading at $18.25. The company has experienced a 1-year low of $16.53 and a 1-year high of $23.29. Its 50-day moving average stands at $18.66, with a 200-day moving average at $18.16. Blackstone Mortgage Trust has a market capitalization of $3.16 billion, a P/E ratio of -13.13, and a beta of 1.50. Recently, the Board of Directors approved a share buyback plan, authorizing the repurchase of up to $150 million in outstanding shares, indicating confidence in the stock’s future value.

Insider Transactions

In terms of insider activity, CEO Katharine A. Keenan bought 16,000 shares at an average price of $17.16 per share, amounting to $274,560. Following this purchase, she holds 198,960 shares valued at approximately $3,414,153.60, reflecting a minor increase in her ownership. Director Henry N. Nassau also purchased 10,000 shares at an average cost of $17.52. These acquisitions have been officially disclosed in filings with the SEC. In contrast, insiders sold a small number of shares, totaling 1,495 shares valued at $27,899 in the last quarter; corporate insiders currently own around 0.93% of the company’s stock.

About Blackstone Mortgage Trust

Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. operates as a real estate finance company focusing on originating senior loans secured by commercial properties across North America, Europe, and Australia. The firm specializes in acquiring and originating senior floating rate mortgage loans, ensuring a first-priority lien on commercial real estate assets. This positions Blackstone Mortgage Trust as a significant player in the mortgage-related investment sector.

investment, finance, realestate