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Better Dividend Stock: Healthpeak Properties vs. AGNC Investment
The Motley Foolยท 2025-05-20 07:04
Core Viewpoint - Real estate investment trusts (REITs) can provide significant dividend yields, with AGNC Investment and Healthpeak Properties being highlighted for their monthly dividends, but their sustainability and growth potential differ significantly [1]. Group 1: AGNC Investment - AGNC Investment is a mortgage REIT that invests in Agency MBS, which are protected against credit risk by government agencies, and it employs leverage to enhance returns, resulting in a high monthly dividend yield of 15.7% [3]. - The CEO noted that the outlook for agency MBS investments remains favorable, with potential returns in the low-20% range, which exceeds the company's total cost of capital of approximately 18% [4]. - However, AGNC has previously cut its dividend when returns fell below costs, indicating that it may not be the best option for investors seeking a highly sustainable income stream [5]. Group 2: Healthpeak Properties - Healthpeak Properties is a healthcare REIT with a diversified portfolio that includes outpatient medical, lab, and senior housing properties, providing stable cash flow with contractual annual rental increases [7]. - The REIT's adjusted funds from operations (FFO) have grown by 19% over the past three years, and it expects to generate between $1.81 and $1.87 per share of FFO this year, comfortably covering its $1.22-per-share dividend [9]. - Healthpeak has a strong balance sheet with $500 million to $1 billion available for new investments, and it recently raised its dividend payout by 2%, indicating a capacity for future dividend increases [10][12].