Institutional investors increase holdings in a regional bank as stock charts and reports highlight the move.
Westerly, Rhode Island, August 31, 2025
An institutional investor established a significant new position in Washington Trust Bancorp, purchasing 95,410 shares valued at roughly $2.94 million and representing about 0.49% of the company. The move comes alongside other large managers increasing exposure—Vanguard, Invesco, Dimensional, Millennium and The Manufacturers Life all added shares—bringing institutional ownership to about 65.81%. Analysts remain mixed with a consensus Hold and a $29 average target. The bank beat recent EPS and revenue estimates and pays a high-yield quarterly dividend, making upcoming results and further institutional flows key drivers for the stock.
A large institutional buyer added a new stake in Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:WASH) this year, while several other money managers boosted their holdings and analysts offered mixed ratings. The biggest single move reported for the most recent quarter was a purchase of 95,410 shares valued at about $2.94 million, representing roughly 0.49% of the company’s outstanding stock at quarter end.
Several well-known investment firms increased their positions during recent quarters, highlighting steady institutional interest in the regional bank. Major holdings and moves reported include:
Institutional investors and hedge funds now own about 65.81% of the company’s stock, reflecting significant professional investor interest.
Coverage from sell-side analysts shows a mixed picture. One firm began coverage with a neutral recommendation and a $28.00 price target, while another lowered its rating from neutral to underweight with the same $28.00 target. Overall, the stock’s consensus rating averages out to Hold with an average target price near $29.00. Analyst tallies include one Strong Buy, two Hold ratings, and one Sell.
The company last reported quarterly results covering the period that ended recently. Reported earnings per share were $0.68, beating the consensus estimate of $0.63. Quarterly revenue came in at about $54.26 million, slightly above expectations. Return on equity stands at 9.05%, though net margin for the period was negative 6.10%, which helps explain a reported negative payout ratio figure.
The bank distributes a quarterly cash dividend. The most recent dividend paid was $0.56 per share, which annualizes to $2.24 and implies a dividend yield of roughly 7.4% based on the reported figures. The payout ratio appears negative due to the company’s reported profitability metrics for the period.
On the most recent trading day covered, shares opened at $30.30. The stock has traded between a one-year low of $24.95 and a one-year high of $40.59. Market capitalization is roughly $580.55 million. Key valuation and balance-sheet ratios include a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of about -20.07, a price-to-earnings-growth (PEG) ratio near 0.87, a beta of 0.91, and a debt-to-equity ratio around 1.94. Short-term liquidity measures show a current ratio of 1.05 and a quick ratio of 1.04. The 50-day and 200-day moving averages are close to $28.45 and $28.88, respectively.
The company operates as a bank holding company offering banking and wealth-management services to individuals and businesses. Operations are grouped into two main segments: Commercial Banking and Wealth Management Services. The commercial side provides deposit accounts, business and consumer lending—ranging from commercial mortgages and construction loans to residential real estate and consumer loans such as home equity lines and personal installment loans.
Institutional buying and the presence of large asset managers suggest professional interest in the stock, while mixed analyst ratings and a negative net margin point to caution. Recent earnings beat modestly and a substantial dividend yield make the shares notable for income-focused investors, but valuation metrics and profitability signals warrant close attention. Investors should weigh dividend yield and institutional backing against earnings stability and solvency indicators before considering a position.
The largest newly reported purchase was 95,410 shares acquired during the first quarter, valued at approximately $2.94 million and representing about 0.49% of outstanding shares at quarter end.
Institutional investors and hedge funds hold roughly 65.81% of the company’s stock, indicating substantial institutional ownership.
Last quarter the bank reported earnings per share of $0.68 on revenue of $54.26 million, modestly beating estimates. Return on equity was 9.05% while the net margin was negative 6.10%.
The company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.56 per share, annualizing to $2.24 and implying a yield around 7.4% based on reported data.
Analyst coverage is mixed: the consensus rating averages to Hold, with one Strong Buy, two Hold ratings, and one Sell. Average price targets are near $29.00.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Latest large purchase | 95,410 shares (~$2.94M) |
| Total institutional ownership | 65.81% |
| Most recent EPS | $0.68 (beat $0.63 est.) |
| Most recent revenue | $54.26 million |
| Dividend | $0.56 quarterly ($2.24 annualized) — yield ~7.4% |
| Market cap | $580.55 million |
| Valuation | P/E: -20.07, PEG: 0.87 |
| 1-year range | $24.95 — $40.59 |
| Analyst consensus | Hold; avg. target $29.00 |
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