Core Insights - The article focuses on analyzing Rithm Capital Corp.'s (RITM) recent performance and comparing it with 17 mortgage real estate investment trust (mREIT) peers, highlighting key metrics such as investment composition, leverage, hedging coverage ratio, and economic returns [1][2][3]. Investment Composition and Performance - As of March 31, 2025, RITM's investment portfolio consisted of 21% fixed-rate agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS), 0% variable-rate agency MBS, and 36% allocated to mortgage servicing rights (MSR) investments, with 43% in non-agency MBS and non-MBS holdings [17][18]. - RITM's book value (BV) per share decreased from $12.56 at the end of Q4 2024 to $12.39 at the end of Q1 2025, resulting in a quarterly BV decrease of 1.35% [20][21]. - Despite the minor BV decrease, RITM has managed to grow its BV over the past three years, outperforming most mREIT peers in terms of economic return [21][48]. Leverage and Hedging Coverage - RITM's on-balance sheet leverage ratio was 2.6x, with an at-risk (total) leverage ratio of 1.1x as of March 31, 2025, indicating a slight decrease in on-balance sheet leverage and a slight increase in at-risk leverage compared to the previous quarter [19][49]. - The hedging coverage ratio for RITM was geared towards lower mortgage interest rates, which helped mitigate BV volatility during periods of declining rates [50]. Economic Returns and Valuation - RITM's trailing 24-month economic return was 23.31%, significantly outperforming the average returns of its mREIT peers, which ranged from 2.43% to 20.02% across various classifications [48]. - As of June 6, 2025, RITM's stock price was trading at a 9.64% discount to the estimated current BV of $12.55 per share, suggesting that RITM is slightly undervalued compared to its peers [45][46]. Diversification and Investment Strategy - RITM's investment strategy includes a diverse array of financial investments, which provides natural hedges against market fluctuations, particularly in rising interest rate environments [25][26]. - The company has recently expanded its asset management services and diversified its investment portfolio through acquisitions, including Sculptor Capital Management [27][31].

Core Viewpoint - AGNC Investment Corp. and Starwood Property Trust, Inc. are two prominent players in the mortgage real estate investment trusts (mREITs) sector, both providing attractive long-term returns and substantial dividend yields. The analysis aims to determine which company presents a better investment opportunity at this time. AGNC Investment Corp. - AGNC Investment employs an active portfolio-management strategy, focusing on re-evaluation and adjustments to its portfolio while utilizing hedges to navigate interest rate and mortgage market fluctuations [2][22] - As of March 31, 2025, AGNC maintained a significant interest rate hedge covering 91% of its outstanding balance, which may enhance cash flow stability and support long-term growth [3][22] - The company holds $77.9 billion in Agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS), which are considered safer investments due to government guarantees, contributing to favorable long-term investment prospects [4][5] - AGNC's liquidity, including unencumbered cash and Agency MBS, was $6 billion as of March 31, 2025, with a modest increase in leverage to 7.5X [6] - The company has a dividend yield of 16.29%, significantly higher than the industry average of 11.29%, making it attractive for income-seeking investors [17][23] - AGNC's earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have remained stable, indicating consistent analyst expectations [20] Starwood Property Trust, Inc. - Starwood Property specializes in commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and related commercial real estate assets, with a diversified portfolio valued at $1.02 billion as of March 31, 2025 [7] - The company has engaged in strategic acquisitions and divestitures, including the sale of 16 retail properties for $387.1 million, which reflects its focus on portfolio optimization [8][9] - As of March 31, 2025, Starwood's liquidity position is weaker, with cash and cash equivalents of $692 million and long-term debt of $18.4 billion, raising concerns about its financial stability in a challenging macroeconomic environment [10] - Starwood's earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been revised downward, indicating a more cautious outlook from analysts [21] Comparative Analysis - Over the past year, STWD shares have increased by 13.6%, while AGNC shares rose by 6.3%, outperforming the industry growth of 1.9% [11] - In terms of valuation, AGNC is trading at a forward P/E of 5.39X, lower than the industry average of 7.78X, making it a more appealing option for value investors [14][17] - AGNC's management has implemented a proactive hedging strategy, significantly reducing interest rate and prepayment risks, while STWD's earnings are more sensitive to commercial real estate market dynamics [22] - Despite STWD's stronger recent price performance, AGNC offers more consistent cash flows and better liquidity, supporting its long-term growth potential [24]