Ellington Financial

EFC

Market cap $1.62B

Prior to March 31, 2026, my REaders mentioned 40 equities in their comments. Some bad-news investments (ROgues) mixed with (mostly) FAvorites. Thus, readers spoke-up about their ReFa/Ro. Top ten ReFa/Ro Dogs are projected to deliver 24.15% to 63.09% net gains by March 2027, with an average estimated gain of 35.47%. All top ten ReFa/Ro Dogs currently have share prices below projected annual dividends from a $1k investment, meeting strict yield-based criteria.

Market volatility in 2026 has reminded investors that earned income and capital gains can disappear faster than they accumulate.

Monthly pay dividend equities offer high yields and potential gains, with the top ten broker-estimated MoPay stocks projected to net 27.10%–65.84% by 2027. BCP Investment Corp (BCIC), CION Investment Corp (CION), and Dynex Capital (DX) stand out for both yield and upside, with CION forecasted to deliver a 45.69% net gain. Thirty 'IDEAL' MoPay equities are highlighted for safer dividends, combining positive one-year returns, free-cash-flow yields above dividend yields, and dividends from $1K invested exceeding share price.

During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a high dividend payout.

I spotlight 35 low-priced Dividend Power 'dogs' with robust yields and reasonable valuations, emphasizing six 'safer' picks where free cash flow covers dividends. Analyst forecasts project 41.67% to 96.55% net gains for the top ten Dividend Power stocks by April 2027, with an average estimated return of 59.49%. All 35 Dividend Power stocks show annual dividends from $1,000 invested exceeding their single share prices, underscoring attractive yield-to-price dynamics.

OLD GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ellington Financial Inc. (NYSE: EFC) ("we") today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a monthly dividend of $0.13 per share of common stock, payable on May 29, 2026 to common stockholders of record as of April 30, 2026. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forwar.

Market volatility has a way of reminding investors how much they depend on a single source of income.

Ellington Financial's EFC-C preferred shares are overvalued relative to sector peers, with a stripped yield of 8.66% that fails to justify current pricing. EFC-C's coupon rate of 8.625% resets in April 2028, but the yield to call at 8.7% is uncompetitive versus baby bonds and other preferreds offering 9%–10%. Baby bonds in the sector offer higher yields, lower risk, and less volatility, making EFC-C less attractive for risk-conscious investors.

Ellington Financial is a REIT specializing in mortgage-related assets, with a portfolio focused on non-QM loans, CMBS, and reverse mortgages. EFC's credit portfolio, representing 31.7% in non-QM loans and 19% in CMBS, is the primary risk and return driver. Leverage is significant, with a 2.7x ratio on the credit portfolio, while the Longbridge leverage figures are less material for risk assessment.

During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a high dividend payout.