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Mortgage Rates are Relatively High: How to Approach AGNC Stock Now?
ZACKS· 2025-08-11 16:01
Core Insights - AGNC Investment Inc.'s performance is heavily influenced by mortgage rates, which are currently declining but remain high compared to previous years [1][3] - The company's tangible book value (TBV) has decreased by 7% year over year, indicating financial pressure [3][8] - AGNC's dividend yield stands at 15.2%, significantly higher than the industry average of 12.5%, attracting income-focused investors [6][21] Mortgage Rates and Market Conditions - Mortgage rates are impacting the origination volume and refinancing index, leading to operational challenges for mREITs like AGNC [2][8] - The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was reported at 6.63% as of August 7, 2025, down from 6.72% the previous week but up from 6.47% a year ago [1] Financial Performance - AGNC's TBV fell to $7.81, and the average net interest spread narrowed to 2.01% from 2.69% year over year, reflecting increased costs and reduced profitability [3][8] - The company has a liquidity position of $6.4 billion as of June 30, 2025, indicating a decent financial standing [12] Dividend and Share Repurchase - AGNC has a payout ratio of 89% and has not increased its dividends over the past five years, raising concerns about sustainability [6][21] - A new share repurchase plan allows AGNC to buy back up to $1 billion of common stock through December 31, 2026 [11] Market Outlook - AGNC focuses on agency MBS, which are guaranteed by U.S. government entities, positioning it favorably in the market [13][14] - Despite a competitive environment, management maintains a positive outlook for agency MBS investments, citing favorable mortgage spreads [14] Valuation and Price Performance - Year-to-date, AGNC shares have gained 12.1%, outperforming the industry average of 8.2% [15] - The company trades at a forward price-to-tangible book (P/TB) multiple of 1.17X, above the industry average of 1.01X, indicating a premium valuation [18][21]
How Should You Approach AGNC Investment Stock Post Weak Q2 Results?
ZACKS· 2025-07-28 14:46
Core Insights - AGNC Investment Corp. reported second-quarter 2025 results that missed both revenue and earnings estimates due to ongoing tariff concerns and volatility in the mortgage market [1][9] - The tangible book value (TBV) decreased by 7% year over year to $7.81, indicating a decline in the underlying portfolio's value [2][9] - The average net interest spread narrowed to 2.01% from 2.69% a year ago, reflecting increased hedge costs and diminishing benefits [3][9] Financial Performance - AGNC's economic return on tangible common equity was negative 1%, slightly worse than the negative 0.9% from the same quarter in 2024 [3] - Despite challenges, AGNC's average asset yield improved to 4.87% from 4.69% year over year, suggesting potential for better income generation [4] - The company maintains a high dividend yield of 14.8%, compared to the industry average of 12.3%, with a payout ratio of 89% [12] Market Outlook - AGNC continues to focus on agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS), which are guaranteed by U.S. government agencies, positioning itself as a strong player in this market segment [6] - The CEO expressed a favorable outlook for levered and hedged agency MBS investments, noting that mortgage spreads remain elevated by historical standards [7] - Mortgage rates have been declining, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.74% as of July 24, 2025, down from 6.78% a year ago, which may improve housing affordability and loan demand [8][10] Strategic Initiatives - AGNC has a stock repurchase plan authorized for up to $1 billion through December 31, 2026, which may support share price stability [16] - Year-to-date, AGNC shares have gained 13.7%, outperforming the industry average of 9% [17] - The company is trading at a forward price-to-tangible book (P/TB) multiple of 1.25X, above the industry average of 0.99X, indicating a premium valuation [20]
AGNC Investment to Report Q2 Earnings: Buy Now or Wait for Results?
ZACKS· 2025-07-16 16:31
Core Insights - AGNC Investment Corp. is set to report its second-quarter 2025 earnings on July 21, with earnings per share (EPS) expected at 42 cents, reflecting a 20.8% decline year-over-year [1][3][6] - The company's first-quarter 2025 results showed an improvement in average asset yield, but its net book value per common share decreased compared to the prior-year quarter [1][6] - AGNC's earnings history indicates it outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate once in the last four quarters, missed twice, and matched once, with an average negative surprise of 3.27% [1][2] Earnings and Revenue Estimates - The consensus estimate for AGNC's revenues is $254.2 million, a significant increase from negative revenues of $3 million reported in the same quarter last year [4][7] - Interest income is projected to rise by 4.5% due to higher prepayment rates and net premium amortization [6][7] Market Trends and Performance - Despite interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2024, mortgage rates remained stable in the mid-to-upper 6% range, leading to growth in refinancing activities and origination volumes [5][6] - The primary-secondary spread averaged 1.06% in Q2 2025, slightly lower than the previous quarter's average of 1.12%, indicating market volatility [8][9] Valuation and Investment Outlook - AGNC's stock is currently trading at 1.08X forward 12 months price/tangible book TTM, which is above the industry average of 0.98X, suggesting a relatively expensive valuation [16][19] - The company offers a high dividend yield of 15.47%, significantly above the industry average of 11.8%, making it an attractive option for income-seeking investors [21] Strategic Positioning - AGNC is positioned to benefit from an active portfolio-management policy, focusing on leveraged investments in Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (MBS) [20] - Expected interest rate cuts in 2025 may enhance AGNC's net interest spread and book value, providing a potential boost to its stock performance [21]