Industry Overview - The Zacks REIT and Equity Trust industry is experiencing volatility in mortgage rates due to macroeconomic uncertainty, leading to earnings pressure in the near term [1] - The industry consists of mortgage REITs (mREITs) that invest in and originate mortgages and mortgage-backed securities (MBS), focusing on residential or commercial mortgage markets [3] - Agency securities, backed by the federal government, are considered safer investments, limiting credit risks for mREITs [3] Current Challenges - High interest rates and volatility in mortgage markets are causing slight decreases in tangible book values for agency mortgage REITs, although they have been more stable than in 2023 [4] - The central bank's decision to maintain steady interest rates, despite a previous cut of 100 basis points in 2024, is increasing earnings pressure for highly leveraged mREITs [5] - Many industry players are cutting dividends to levels that can be covered by earnings, potentially leading to capital outflows and further declines in book values [5] Investment Strategies - mREITs are adopting a conservative approach to investments, focusing on risk and liquidity management, which may impede portfolio growth and robust returns in the short term [6] - Despite lower mortgage rates compared to last year, the demand for purchase applications and refinancing is improving, indicating some latent market demand [7] Performance Metrics - The Zacks REIT and Equity Trust industry ranks 162, placing it in the bottom 34% of 246 Zacks industries, indicating underperformance in the near term [8] - The industry's current-year earnings estimate has decreased by 6.5% over the last year, reflecting a negative earnings outlook [9] - Over the past year, the industry has gained 2.7%, underperforming the broader Zacks Finance sector's rise of 18.7% and the S&P 500's growth of 12.5% [11] Valuation - The industry is trading at a trailing 12-month price-to-book (P/BV) ratio of 1.00X, compared to the S&P 500's 8.42X, indicating a significant discount [14] - The Zacks Finance sector's trailing 12-month P/BV is 4.26X, further highlighting the industry's undervaluation [16] Company Highlights - **Annaly Capital Management (NLY)**: Focuses on prudent asset selection and capital allocation, with a diversified investment strategy that includes traditional Agency MBSs and non-agency assets. The company's 2025 earnings are estimated at $2.87 per share, reflecting a 6.3% year-over-year increase [19][22] - **Dynex Capital (DX)**: Engages in mortgage and consumer finance, with a focus on multi-family and commercial real estate loans. The company's 2025 earnings estimates are $1.97 per share, indicating a significant year-over-year jump of 662.9% [25][28] - **Ellington Financial (EFC)**: Invests in a diverse array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans. The company's 2025 earnings estimates are $1.65 per share, showing a year-over-year growth of 13% [31][34]

Core Insights - Albert Anthony is a Croatian-American business author and media contributor with a focus on financial markets, launching a book titled "Financial Markets: The Next Generation" in 2025 [1] - He has a non-traditional financial background, having worked as an analyst in the IT sector for Fortune 500 companies, which has informed his approach to equities research [1] - In 2021, he founded his own equities research firm, Albert Anthony & Company, which operates remotely [1] Background and Experience - Albert Anthony grew up in the New York City area and has ties to Austin, Texas, and Croatia, where he has participated in numerous business and innovation events [1] - He holds degrees and certifications from institutions such as Drew University and the Corporate Finance Institute [1] - In addition to his financial commentary, he has experience in European casting agencies and has appeared in regional media in Croatia [1] Future Endeavors - A new YouTube show titled "Financial Markets with Albert Anthony" is set to launch in 2025, where he will provide market commentary similar to his written work [1]

Group 1 - The article discusses the risks associated with high-yield investments, particularly those yielding over 9%, which often lead to dividend cuts and declining prices [1] - The focus is on baby bonds, which are preferred for their ease of trading and ability to generate strong yields with less volatility compared to regular bonds [2] - PennyMac Mortgage Trust (PMT) has announced a new baby bond, PMTW, which has a 9% coupon rate, similar to PMTV, with minor differences in ex-dividend dates and pricing [3][4] Group 2 - PMTW has seen high trading volume since its recent launch, with a goal of issuing $100 million, potentially increasing to $115 million with over-allotment [6] - The issuance of around 4 million shares is expected, with the anticipation of sellers closing positions before the weekend [7] - The yield to maturity for PMTW is approximately 9.49%, with a maturity date about five years out, providing a reasonable income stream [12] Group 3 - PMTW shares are currently within the target price range, with a calculated yield to maturity of 9.35% at a price of $25.05 [13] - The article emphasizes the importance of not using market orders due to potential price jumps and the strategy of placing bids instead [8][11] - The company plans to actively trade this position based on yield changes and the spread between these bonds and similar duration Treasuries [12]

Core Insights - AGNC Investment Corp. is adopting a proactive and defensive portfolio management strategy aimed at long-term growth by frequently adjusting asset allocations and hedging strategies to mitigate risks while seizing yield opportunities [1] Portfolio Management - The company has maintained a robust hedge position, covering 91% of its Investment Securities Repo, TBA positions, and other debt as of March 31, 2025, indicating a strong focus on protecting against interest rate volatility [2] - AGNC has strategically reduced its exposure to more volatile non-agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and shifted towards higher-coupon Agency MBS, which enhances prepayment probability and supports better cash flow visibility [3] Market Positioning - With spreads between Agency MBS and benchmarks reaching near-pandemic highs in early April 2025, AGNC's $77.9 billion Agency MBS portfolio is well-positioned for compelling forward returns, particularly on a leveraged basis, as these securities are backed by Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) [4] - Despite potential fluctuations in short-term earnings due to market volatility, AGNC's disciplined active management and defensive positioning provide a solid foundation for long-term growth [5] Competitive Landscape - AGNC competes with Annaly Capital Management (NLY) and Starwood Property Trust (STWD) within the mortgage REITs industry, with differing investment approaches among the companies [6] - Annaly pursues a diversified strategy combining traditional Agency MBS with non-agency and credit-sensitive assets, focusing on acquiring newly originated mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) to enhance returns [7] - Starwood focuses primarily on commercial real estate, including commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and real estate debt investments, maintaining steady income through principal repayments and targeted acquisitions [8] Performance Metrics - AGNC shares have gained 6.4% year to date, outperforming the industry's growth of 2.8% [9] - The company trades at a forward price-to-tangible book ratio of 1.08X, above the industry's average of 0.96X [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AGNC's 2025 and 2026 earnings implies year-over-year declines of 11.2% and 3.9%, respectively, with estimates remaining unchanged over the past 30 days [15]

Core Insights - Sunrise Realty Trust, Inc. ("SUNS") will release its financial results for Q2 2025 on August 7, 2025, before market open [1] - A management review of the financial results will take place at 10:00 am ET via webcast [1] - Participants can register for the conference call in advance and a replay will be available one hour after the event [1] Company Overview - Sunrise Realty Trust, Inc. is an institutional commercial real estate lender focused on providing flexible financing solutions for CRE projects in the Southern United States [3] - The company targets transitional CRE business plans that have potential for near-term value creation, backed by top-tier assets in established and rapidly expanding Southern markets [3] - TCG Real Estate, which includes SUNS, is a group of affiliated CRE-focused debt funds that provide financing on transitional CRE properties with growth potential [4]

Core Viewpoint - Mortgage REITs offer a double-digit yield, making them appealing to income investors, while the broader REIT sector has faced challenges in recent years [1] Group 1 - Mortgage REITs are traditionally attractive to income investors due to their ability to generate high yields [1] - The REIT sector has been largely inactive in recent years, indicating potential challenges or shifts in market dynamics [1]

Group 1 - Mortgage REITs, such as BrightSpire Capital (NYSE: BRSP), are influenced by interest rate environments, which can make them challenging investments [1] - BrightSpire Capital aims to deliver attractive total returns through a diversified portfolio of senior loans [1] - The investment strategy includes a mix of classic dividend growth stocks, Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds to enhance income while achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds like the S&P [1]

Group 1 - Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP (GHI) has seen a 10.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days and offers a dividend yield of 12.4%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.0% [1] - Virtu Financial, Inc. (VIRT) has experienced an 8.5% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days, with a dividend yield of 2.3%, also above the industry average of 0.0% [2] - Flexsteel Industries, Inc. (FLXS) has had a 7.4% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2]

Let’s get educational! It’s like going to college but with more numbers and no parties. On the positive side, the price is right. Why educational articles? That’s too many questions. We’re going to talk about AGNC Investment Corp (AGNC) because consensus EPS was around $1.62 for the year and that would be 19.6% on the Q1 2025 tangible book value of $8.25. That’s really high. If you’re not familiar with mortgage REITs, that might sound reasonable. It is not. Now we’re looking into the earnings: AGNCYou’ll no ...

Core Viewpoint - Sachem Capital Corp. has successfully completed a private placement of $100 million in Senior Secured Notes, enhancing its financial flexibility and enabling the repayment of existing obligations and the origination of new loans [1][3]. Financing Details - The private placement consists of five-year Senior Secured Notes due June 11, 2030, with an interest rate of 9.875% per annum, payable quarterly [1]. - An initial draw of $50 million was made at closing, with the remaining $50 million to be drawn by May 15, 2026 [1]. - The Notes are fully guaranteed by the Company and its subsidiary, and have received an investment grade rating of A from Egan-Jones Ratings Company [1]. Use of Proceeds - The proceeds from the Notes will be utilized for repaying existing facility balances, originating new investments, and redeeming 7.75% unsecured notes maturing in September 2025 [2]. Company Overview - Sachem Capital Corp. is a mortgage REIT that specializes in originating, underwriting, funding, servicing, and managing a portfolio of loans secured by first mortgages on real property [7]. - The Company provides short-term secured, nonbanking loans to real estate investors for property acquisition, renovation, and development, with a conservative loan-to-value ratio as its primary underwriting criterion [7].