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arclays PLC increased its stake in Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NYSE: ARI) by 65.9% during the third quarter, according to a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund now owns 329,462 shares of the real estate investment trust's stock after buying an additional 130,892 shares.

    Several other large investors also made significant changes to their positions in Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its stake by 139.4% during the third quarter and now owns 302,388 shares worth $2,779,000. Advisors Asset Management Inc. increased its position by 72.0% and now owns 468,335 shares worth $4,304,000.

    Other notable investors include Van ECK Associates Corp, which lifted its stake by 32.1% during the second quarter and now owns 1,034,316 shares worth $10,126,000; Victory Capital Management Inc., which boosted its stake by 36.1% during the second quarter and now owns 225,123 shares worth $2,204,000; and Envestnet Asset Management Inc., which grew its holdings by 8.0% in the second quarter and now owns 281,902 shares valued at $2,760,000.

    Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance stock traded up 1.2% on Tuesday, reaching a price of $9.09 per share. The company has a market capitalization of $1.26 billion and a P/E ratio of -9.88. Its dividend payout ratio is currently -108.70%.

    Analysts have set new price targets for the stock, with some recommending a "sell" rating while others maintain a "hold" rating. According to MarketBeat.com, Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance has an average rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $9.63.

    The company operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) that originates, acquires, invests in, and manages commercial first mortgage loans, subordinate financings, and other commercial real estate-related debt investments in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.