Short Interest in Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:FBRT) Rises By 46.3%

Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:FBRT) was the target of a large growth in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 3,468,949 shares, a growth of 46.3% from the January 29th total of 2,371,551 shares. Approximately 4.3% of the company’s stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 1,320,340 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.6 days. Based on an average trading volume of 1,320,340 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.6 days. Approximately 4.3% of the company’s stock are short sold.

Franklin BSP Realty Trust Stock Down 1.1%

Shares of Franklin BSP Realty Trust stock traded down $0.11 on Friday, reaching $9.15. 1,353,267 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,262,948. Franklin BSP Realty Trust has a one year low of $8.42 and a one year high of $13.58. The company has a current ratio of 70.78, a quick ratio of 67.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.33. The company has a 50-day moving average of $9.91 and a 200 day moving average of $10.47. The company has a market capitalization of $740.47 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.29 and a beta of 0.98.

Franklin BSP Realty Trust Cuts Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 31st will be paid 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 8.7%. Franklin BSP Realty Trust’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 221.88%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Franklin BSP Realty Trust

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Eagle Point Credit Management LLC bought a new position in Franklin BSP Realty Trust during the fourth quarter worth about $8,381,000. Invesco Ltd. raised its stake in Franklin BSP Realty Trust by 72.2% in the fourth quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,829,401 shares of the company’s stock valued at $18,349,000 after buying an additional 766,875 shares during the period. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. bought a new stake in Franklin BSP Realty Trust in the second quarter valued at approximately $4,237,000. Gratia Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of Franklin BSP Realty Trust by 42.1% in the second quarter. Gratia Capital LLC now owns 817,837 shares of the company’s stock valued at $8,743,000 after buying an additional 242,395 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG boosted its stake in shares of Franklin BSP Realty Trust by 24.0% during the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 873,047 shares of the company’s stock worth $9,481,000 after acquiring an additional 168,993 shares during the period. 59.87% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on FBRT shares. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c-)” rating on shares of Franklin BSP Realty Trust in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Zacks Research upgraded Franklin BSP Realty Trust from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Thursday, February 12th. JonesTrading cut their target price on Franklin BSP Realty Trust from $13.00 to $12.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Franklin BSP Realty Trust from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Saturday, February 21st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $13.50.

More Franklin BSP Realty Trust News

Here are the key news stories impacting Franklin BSP Realty Trust this week:

• Negative Sentiment: Multiple law firms have filed or announced securities class actions and investigations alleging that Franklin issued materially misleading statements (covering purchases between Nov. 5, 2024 and Feb. 11, 2026) and overstated its business prospects and ability to maintain the $0.355 dividend — creating legal exposure and potential liability for the company. ROSEN: Encourages Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. Investors to Secure Counsel Robbins LLP Investor Notice Holzer & Holzer Investor Alert
• Neutral Sentiment: Several firms are soliciting lead‑plaintiff roles and reminding investors of filing deadlines (e.g., April 27, 2026), which consolidates claims and will determine litigation leadership and strategy — watch for a lead plaintiff filing that can shape case scope and timing. Faruqi & Faruqi Deadline Reminder Rosen: Opportunity to Lead
• Negative Sentiment: Short interest rose sharply in February (to ~3.47M shares, a 46.3% increase from late January), representing about 4.3% of shares sold short and a short‑interest ratio ~2.6 days—suggesting elevated bearish bets that can amplify downward pressure or create volatility if positions are covered. (Short‑interest data reported Feb. 13.)

Franklin BSP Realty Trust Company Profile

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.