Arbor Realty Trust Sees Bold Insider Buying Amid Market Lows

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (ABR:US) is a mortgage REIT that invests in multifamily and commercial bridge and mezzanine loans, preferred equity, and other real estate-related assets. It also originates and services loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, generating fee-based income. The company seeks to earn a spread between portfolio yields and financing costs to support distributions to shareholders. Its market capitalization is around US$1.86 billion.

Insider Activity Signals Confidence

Recent filings reveal that Arbor’s insiders have been actively buying shares over the past week, with Founder Ivan Paul Kaufman leading the charge. On November 13, 2025, Kaufman purchased 25,000 shares at $9.10 each, followed just a few days later on November 17 by another purchase of 29,000 shares at $8.34. On the same day, Director Melvin Lazar added 5,000 shares at $8.28, and EVP David Erwin Friedman acquired 2,508 shares at $8.30. The total value of these insider purchases comes to approximately $530,000.

This flurry of buying activity is notable because these purchases come at some of the lowest stock levels the company has seen in recent months, signaling strong insider confidence. Kaufman, in particular, has a track record of buying on dips. Looking back at his past trades, he bought large blocks of stock in May 2025 when prices ranged between $8.70 and $9.98. Historically, these purchases were followed by rallies, emphasizing that the Founder is particularly good at reading his stock’s value.

Market and Financial Context

The timing of these insider purchases coincides with broader industry and financial developments. The REIT sector has seen heightened volatility due to rising interest rates, which affect the cost of financing for mortgage REITs and can pressure share prices. Despite these headwinds, Arbor’s portfolio strategy, focusing on structured loans and servicing fees, provides a buffer that can support income stability.

Additionally, Arbor recently reported solid quarterly results, with strong loan origination volumes and servicing revenue contributing to stable earnings. Analysts note that the company’s disciplined approach to lending and active management of its portfolio positions it well in a challenging market. These fundamentals, combined with insider buying activity, suggest that Arbor’s executives see current share prices as attractive entry points for long-term value.

The takeaway from this discussion can be that the insider activity at Arbor Realty Trust is more than routine buying; it reflects conviction at the top levels of the company. Founder Ivan Paul Kaufman’s historical pattern of purchasing on dips and the participation of other insiders underscores confidence in the firm’s strategy and future prospects. For investors watching the REIT space, these trades provide a meaningful signal, hinting that current valuations may present a compelling opportunity despite broader market volatility.