Should You Buy Annaly Capital Management Stock Right Now?

Core Viewpoint - Annaly Capital Management, a mortgage REIT, offers a high dividend yield of 12.8%, attracting investor interest, but its dividend payments are volatile and influenced by interest rate changes [2][8]. Company Overview - Annaly Capital Management primarily invests in agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS), which constitute approximately 80% of its portfolio, along with non-agency residential mortgage loans and mortgage servicing rights [2][3]. - The company employs leverage to enhance returns, with a leverage ratio of 7.1 times equity as of September 30 [3][4]. Financial Performance - The company's third-quarter earnings available for distribution (EAD) increased to $0.73 per share, reflecting a 10.6% year-over-year growth [6]. - The annualized EAD return on equity was reported at 14.7%, up from about 13% a year prior [7]. Dividend Analysis - Annaly's current quarterly dividend is $0.70, which is covered by the last quarter's EAD [8]. - The dividend yield of 12.8% significantly exceeds the S&P 500 index yield of 1.2%, but the company's dividends have fluctuated, with quarterly dividends dropping from $0.88 in 2022 to $0.65 in the following year [8][11]. Market Context - The company's market capitalization stands at $15 billion, with a current stock price of $22.00 [10]. - Economic uncertainties, including inflation and potential interest rate changes by the Federal Reserve, pose risks to the company's performance and dividend stability [11].