Core Insights - After experiencing significant losses in 2022, most mortgage REITs (mREITs) have remained within a trading range over the past two years, with the iShares Mortgage Real Estate Capped ETF (REM) fluctuating between $20 [1] Group 1 - The performance of mortgage REITs has been stable following a tumultuous year in 2022, indicating a potential recovery phase in the sector [1] - The iShares Mortgage Real Estate Capped ETF (REM) has shown a consistent trading range, suggesting limited volatility and investor caution [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three high-yield dividend stocks that offer an average yield of 10.96%, providing investors with a reliable source of monthly income [1]. Group 1: Dividend Stocks Performance - Companies that consistently pay dividends are typically profitable and have a history of outperformance [2]. - A study by Hartford Funds and Ned Davis Research shows that dividend-paying stocks delivered an average annual return of 9.2% over 51 years, compared to 4.31% for non-payers [3]. Group 2: AGNC Investment - AGNC Investment, a mortgage REIT, offers a yield of 15.48% and has provided consistent double-digit yields for over a decade [6]. - The company borrows at low short-term rates to invest in higher-yielding long-term assets, such as mortgage-backed securities [7]. - The recent shift to a rate-easing cycle by the Federal Reserve is favorable for AGNC, as it typically performs well during such periods [9]. - AGNC's portfolio is heavily focused on agency securities, which are backed by the federal government, providing added safety [10]. - The normalization of the U.S. Treasury yield curve is expected to enhance AGNC's net interest margin and book value [11]. Group 3: PennantPark Floating Rate Capital - PennantPark Floating Rate Capital, a business development company, has an annual dividend yield of 11.8% and a market cap of $1 billion [13]. - The company focuses on debt investments, with a weighted average yield of 10.5% on its debt portfolio [15]. - PennantPark's management has implemented a rigorous vetting process, resulting in a low delinquency rate of 2.2% for its loan portfolio [17]. Group 4: Realty Income - Realty Income, a retail REIT, offers a yield of 5.6% and has increased its monthly payout for 111 consecutive quarters [18]. - The company manages a commercial real estate portfolio of over 15,600 properties, generating more than $5 billion in annualized base rent [19]. - Realty Income's tenant base is resilient to economic downturns, with over 90% of rent collected from businesses that provide essential goods and services [20]. - The company boasts a historical median occupancy rate of 98.2%, significantly higher than the S&P 500 REITs' median of 94.2% [21]. - Realty Income is considered relatively undervalued, with a forward-year multiple of 12.8, representing a 21% discount to its average multiple over the past five years [22].

Core Viewpoint - Small-cap stocks are currently undervalued, presenting potential investment opportunities, especially those offering high dividend yields ranging from 8.3% to 17.1% [2] Group 1: Small-Cap Stocks Overview - The valuation gap between the S&P 500 and S&P 600 is at its widest since the late 1990s, suggesting small-cap stocks are significantly cheaper [2] - The article discusses five small-cap stocks with attractive dividend yields, indicating a potential for high returns despite their current low valuations [2] Group 2: Playtika Holding (PLTK) - Playtika, a mobile game developer, has a dividend yield exceeding 8% but has not raised its payout recently, indicating a decline in earnings and sales [4][5] - Analysts project a 32% increase in profits for 2024, despite the company's struggles in the competitive mobile gaming market [6] - Playtika's valuation is low at 6 times forward earnings, but there are concerns about its growth prospects [7] Group 3: Carlyle Secured Lending (CGBD) - CGBD is a business development company focused on U.S. middle-market companies, primarily investing in first-lien debt [8][9] - Recent earnings reports have shown disappointing results, with an increase in non-accrual loans and a stagnant base dividend of 40 cents per share [10][11] - CGBD shares are trading at a 16% discount to net asset value, but operational challenges raise concerns about future dividend sustainability [12] Group 4: Bain Capital Specialty Finance (BCSF) - BCSF provides financing solutions to a diverse range of companies, with a significant portion of its investments in first-lien debt [13][14] - The company has maintained its regular dividend but has introduced special dividends, raising concerns about future dividend coverage due to declining net investment income projections [16][17] - Analysts expect BCSF's dividend ratios to be high, leaving little room for error in case of operational difficulties [17] Group 5: Two Harbors Investment Corp. (TWO) - TWO operates in the mortgage REIT sector, focusing on mortgage servicing rights and agency residential mortgage-backed securities [19][22] - The company has faced significant share price declines, resulting in a high yield of over 17%, but recent litigation charges could impact its book value and dividend sustainability [24][25] - TWO's current dividend rate of 45 cents per share is at risk due to the potential impact of litigation on earnings available for distribution [25] Group 6: Franklin BSP Realty Trust (FBRT) - FBRT is a mortgage REIT focused on commercial mortgage-backed securities, with a significant portion of its portfolio in multifamily properties [26][27] - The company is trading at a 28% discount to book value, with a low P/E ratio based on 2026 earnings estimates, indicating potential value [28] - Concerns exist regarding the stability of its dividend, as the payout has not changed since 2021, and market conditions could necessitate a review of the dividend policy [29][30]

Three supercharged dividend stocks have the tools and intangibles to fatten investors' pocketbooks in June, and well beyond. There are a lot of strategies investors can employ on Wall Street to grow their wealth. With thousands of publicly traded companies and more than 3,000 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to choose from, there's bound to be one or more securities that can help you meet your investment goals. But among these countless strategies, buying and holding high-quality dividend stocks delivers some o ...

Core Insights - The article focuses on the recent IPO of Angel Oak Mortgage REIT, Inc. (NYSE: AOMR) and aims to provide detailed analysis on exchange-traded fixed-income security IPOs [1] Group 1 - The article invites active investors to join a free trial and engage in discussions with sophisticated traders and investors [1] - The analysis is part of a series that aims to inform readers about the dynamics of fixed-income security IPOs [1]

Core Insights - The value of mortgage real estate investment trusts (REITs) like Rithm Capital Corp. (NYSE: RITM) is highlighted as a strong investment option amid market volatility, offering passive income through ultra-safe dividends and yields [1] Group 1 - Rithm Capital Corp. is positioned as a resilient investment choice for passive income investors [1] - The mortgage trust sector is noted for its ability to provide stability during uncertain market conditions [1]

Core Insights - Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Inc. (NYSE: ARI) did not generate sufficient distributable profits to cover its dividend in the first quarter of 2025, which is a significant concern for investors [1] Company Summary - The primary takeaway from ARI's 1Q25 earnings presentation is the inability to earn its dividend through distributable profits, indicating potential financial instability [1]

Financial Performance - Net income per share for Q1 2025 was $018, compared to $007 in Q4 2024[10] - Book value per share decreased slightly from $809 in Q4 2024 to $794 in Q1 2025[10] - Dividends declared per common share remained constant at $036[16] - Net portfolio income decreased from $23514 thousand in 2024 to $21348 thousand in 2025[16] Portfolio Characteristics - Average MBS balances increased from $5348 million in Q4 2024 to $5996 million in Q1 2025[14] - The weighted average coupon of the fixed rate MBS portfolio increased from 503% at December 31, 2024, to 532% at March 31, 2025[43, 47] - Economic leverage ratio increased from 73 in Q4 2024 to 78 in Q1 2025[14] - Liquidity decreased from 105% in Q4 2024 to 78% in Q1 2025[14] Hedging and Funding - The weighted average repo rate was 446% as of March 31, 2025[51] - Total notional balance of hedge positions was $(47328) million[56] - Interest rate swaps had a notional balance of $(39093) million with a weighted average pay fix rate of 329%[56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company raised $270 million of new capital year-to-date, achieving this at a premium to book value, which is accretive to shareholders [33] - Net interest income continues to trend up as new investments with attractive yields are added to the portfolio while financing costs trend down [32] - The leverage ratio increased from 7.4% to 7.8% due to a decline in book value [72] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio generated a total return of 2.6% during a quarter with significant swings in rates, validating the investment strategy [36] - Agency RMBS spreads widened sharply, ranging from 145 to 160 basis points over treasuries by the end of the quarter [42] - The company maintained a disciplined liquidity-focused risk management process, allowing it to navigate market volatility without crystallizing losses [43] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Long-end treasury yields unexpectedly rose, reflecting selling pressure, while the dollar experienced weakness against major currencies [15] - The market saw a classic risk-off reaction following the April 2nd tariff announcement, leading to declines in equity prices and sharp drops in interest rates [40] - The availability of repo funding remained strong, with costs stable between 15 and 17 basis points over SOFR [63] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to see compelling opportunities in agency residential mortgage-backed securities while managing through a rapidly changing landscape [55] - A focus on disciplined risk management and real-time adjustments is emphasized as the regulatory and political landscape evolves [27] - The company is preparing for potential changes in the GSEs and is evaluating outlier scenarios for market reactions [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management views the current environment as favorable, with a steeper yield curve and lower financing costs supporting the business model [8] - The company is prepared for continued volatility in the financial and economic environments, expecting surprises in the future [28] - The dividend is set based on long-term returns, capital availability, and overall risk, with a recent increase reflecting confidence in generating attractive returns [30] Other Important Information - The company has operated with generally lower leverage and a robust liquidity position, allowing it to remain agile amid external shifts [21] - Management emphasizes the importance of transparency in investments, with all assets marked and reflected in earnings and book value [57] - The executive team collectively owns nearly 2% of the company, aligning their interests with those of shareholders [58] Q&A Session Summary Question: Repo funding costs and availability - Repo funding costs have been stable between 15 and 17 basis points over SOFR, with strong availability in financing markets [63] Question: Hedging strategy amidst volatility - The company is comfortable with its current hedge composition, primarily using swaps as a natural hedge for the mortgage portfolio [65] Question: Investing opportunities in the current environment - The steeper curve and wider spreads present significant ROE potential, with diversification across the coupon stack providing duration certainty [70] Question: Book value and dividend implications - The book value includes the dividend accrued, and leverage is at 7.8 times, reflecting a cautious approach to adding risk [76][78] Question: Preparing for GSE changes and potential spread widening - The company is focused on maintaining liquidity to withstand price shocks and is conducting scenario analysis for potential GSE changes [122][91]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GAAP net loss of $15 million or $0.65 per common share for Q4 2024, while for the full year, GAAP net income was $28.8 million or $1.17 per diluted common share [17][19] - Distributable earnings for Q4 were $9.9 million or $0.42 per diluted common share, with full-year distributable earnings at $7 million [18][20] - Interest income for Q4 was $31.9 million, marking a 30% improvement compared to Q4 2023, and net interest income was $9.9 million, a 20% improvement [19][20] - GAAP book value per share decreased by 9.8% to $10.17 as of December 31, 2024, down from $11.28 as of September 30, 2024 [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed five securitizations in 2024, exceeding the target of one per quarter, with a total of $855 million in scheduled unpaid principal balance [22][23] - The weighted average coupon of the residential whole loan portfolio increased by 61 basis points to 7.39% by year-end 2024 [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total portfolio weighted average percentage of loans 90 days plus delinquent increased to 2.4% from 1.85% at the end of Q3 2024 [27] - The company noted that the securitization market remains active and receptive with tight spreads, indicating a favorable environment for capital recycling [12][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on long-term earnings accretion, disciplined decision-making, and risk management to create shareholder value [7][8] - The capital deployment strategy is adaptive and flexible, aligning with evolving market dynamics to maximize returns [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term backdrop of the business, despite experiencing a decline in book value due to interest rate volatility [8][11] - The company expects interest income to continue growing through effective portfolio management and securitization execution [21] Other Important Information - The company declared a $0.32 per share common dividend, paid on February 28, 2025 [32] - The company has a small exposure to the California mortgage market, with minimal impact from recent wildfires [30][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: How insulated are the '21 to '23 vintages regarding prepayments? - Management indicated that significant declines in rates would be needed to trigger prepayments, estimating a drop of 150 to 200 basis points [37] Question: Can you discuss the outlook for net interest income (NII) in the next quarter? - Management confirmed a strong pipeline and expected continued growth in NII throughout 2025 [50][51] Question: What are the expectations for delinquencies moving forward? - Management anticipates a return to normalized levels of 2% to 3% for 90-day delinquencies, indicating a healthy credit environment [64] Question: What is the company's stance on repurchasing stock? - Management expressed a preference for building equity over stock buybacks, citing higher returns on incremental capital compared to the current dividend yield [59][60]