AGNC Investment (NASDAQ:AGNC) Stock, Quote.Headers.trade-ideas

AGNC Investment

AGNC Investment Corp is a real estate investment trust that invests in agency residential mortgage-backed securities. The firm's asset portfolio is comprised of residential mortgage pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations for which the principal and interest payments are guaranteed by a U.S. Government-sponsored enterprise, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or by a U.S. Government agency, such as the Government National Mortgage Association. It also invests in other types of mortgage and mortgage-related residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities or other investments in or related to, the housing, mortgage or real estate markets.

AGNC

AGNCP

PSEC

RITM


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AGNC Investment Corp

AGNC Investment Corp. - Depositary Shares Each Representing a 1/1,000th Interest in a Share of 7.75% Series G Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock

AGNC Investment Corp. - Depositary Shares rep 6.875% Series D Fixed-to-Floating Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock

AGNC Investment Corp. - Depositary Shares Each Representing a 1/1,000th Interest in a Share of 7.00% Series C Fixed-To-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock

AGNC Investment Corp. - Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Series E Fixed-to-Floating Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock

AGNC Investment Corp. - Depositary Shares Each Representing a 1/1,000th Interest in a Share of 6.125% Series F Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock

JP Morgan analyst Richard Shane maintains AGNC Investment (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $10 to $9.5.

JP Morgan Maintains Overweight on AGNC Investment, Lowers Price Target to $9.5

AGNC Investment's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NYSE">AGNC</a>) short percent of float has fallen 16.26% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 42.25 million shares sold short, which is 4.79% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.07 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>AGNC Investment Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1733416211_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for AGNC Investment has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing AGNC Investment's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, AGNC Investment's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 7.13%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Looking Into AGNC Investment's Recent Short Interest

The most oversold stocks in the financials sector presents an opportunity to buy into undervalued companies.
The RSI is a momentum indicator, which compares a stock&#8217;s strength on days when prices go up to its strength on days when prices go down. When compared to a stock&#8217;s price action, it can give traders a better sense of how a stock may perform in the short term. An asset is typically considered oversold when the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/rsi"> RSI is below 30</a>, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Here's the latest list of major oversold players in this sector, having an RSI near or below 30.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Western Union Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WU#NYSE">WU</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>On Oct. 23, Western Unio posted better-than-expected quarterly earnings. &#8220;We are pleased with third quarter results, which demonstrate continued progress of our Evolve 2025 strategy,&#8221; said Devin McGranahan, President and Chief Executive Officer. &#8220;We&#8217;ve maintained mid-single digit transaction growth in our Consumer Money Transfer business for five quarters in a row and are now seeing the effect on revenue, with positive adjusted consolidated revenue growth for two consecutive quarters, excluding Iraq.&#8221; The company's stock fell around 8% over the past month and has a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WU">52-week low of $10.69</a>.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 27.25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>WU Price Action: Shares of Western Union fell 0.2% to close at $10.74 on Friday.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro's real-time newsfeed a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent110424&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">lerted to latest WU news</a>. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent110424&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="911" height="837" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005118/image-6.png" alt="" class="wp-image-627101" style="width:624px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005118/image-6.png 911w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005118/image-6-300x276.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005118/image-6-768x706.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 911px) 100vw, 911px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">AGNC Investment Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
<ul>
<li>On Oct. 31, AGNC Investment posted third-quarter comprehensive income per common share of 63 cents. &#8220;AGNC generated a very strong economic return of 9.3% in the third quarter, driven by significant book value growth and our compelling monthly dividend, which has remained stable at $0.12 per common share for 55 consecutive months&#8221; said Peter Federico, the Company&#8217;s President and Chief Executive Officer. &#8221; The company's stock fell around 7% over the past five days and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AGNC"> has a 52-week low</a> of $7.85.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 25.31</li>
<li>AGNC Price Action: Shares of AGNC Investment closed at $9.31 on Friday.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s charting tool helped identify the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent110424&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">trend in AGNC stock.</a> </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent110424&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="918" height="841" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005308/image-7.png" alt="" class="wp-image-627104" style="width:598px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005308/image-7.png 918w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005308/image-7-300x275.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005308/image-7-768x704.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 918px) 100vw, 918px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Essent Group Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESNT#NYSE">ESNT</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>On Nov. 1, Essent Group reported worse-than-expected third-quarter EPS and revenues. &#8220;We are pleased with our third quarter financial results, as we continue to generate high quality earnings,&#8221; said Mark A. Casale, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The company's stock fell around 15% over the past month and has a 52-week <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ESNT">low of $47.37</a>.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 18.57</li>
<li>ESNT Price Action: Shares of Essent Group fell 10.4% to close at $53.77 on Friday.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s signals feature notified of a potential <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent110424&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">breakout in ESNT shares</a>. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent110424&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="901" height="410" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005416/image-8.png" alt="" class="wp-image-627105" style="width:677px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005416/image-8.png 901w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005416/image-8-300x137.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005416/image-8-768x349.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 901px) 100vw, 901px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">UWM Holdings Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UWMC#NYSE">UWMC</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>UWM Holdings will announce its third quarter results on Thursday, Nov. 7. The company's shares lost around 20% over the past month. The company's 52-week low is $5.01.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 20.90</li>
<li>UWMC Price Action: Shares of UWM Holdings fell 2.3% to close at $6.29 on Friday.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro's earnings calendar was used to track upcoming <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent110424&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">UWMC earnings reports</a>. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent110424&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="917" height="533" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005456/image-9.png" alt="" class="wp-image-627106" style="width:650px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005456/image-9.png 917w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005456/image-9-300x174.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04005456/image-9-768x446.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 917px) 100vw, 917px" /></a></figure>
Read More:
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<li> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/11/41684497/jim-cramer-likes-cava-group-calls-this-utilities-stock-terrific">Jim Cramer Likes Cava Group, Calls This Utilities Stock &#8216;Terrific&#8217;</a></li>
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AGNC Investment's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NYSE">AGNC</a>) short percent of float has fallen 10.56% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 45.60 million shares sold short, which is 5.42% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.47 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>AGNC Investment Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1730307625_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for AGNC Investment has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing AGNC Investment's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, AGNC Investment's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 6.95%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Peering Into AGNC Investment's Recent Short Interest

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Financials sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/01/24</td>
<td>$64.00</td>
<td>$80.3K</td>
<td>12.0K</td>
<td>17.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AGNC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$8.00</td>
<td>$45.6K</td>
<td>122.1K</td>
<td>10.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/01/24</td>
<td>$15.50</td>
<td>$32.1K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COIN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/01/24</td>
<td>$212.50</td>
<td>$99.0K</td>
<td>566</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COF</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$152.8K</td>
<td>370</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WFC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$50.3K</td>
<td>356</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$235.00</td>
<td>$28.0K</td>
<td>7.4K</td>
<td>637</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PYPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$82.50</td>
<td>$214.4K</td>
<td>13.7K</td>
<td>464</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FUTU</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/29/24</td>
<td>$103.00</td>
<td>$57.0K</td>
<td>250</td>
<td>205</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HOOD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
<td>$37.8K</td>
<td>3.5K</td>
<td>153</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding C (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on November 1, 2024. Parties traded 1000 contract(s) at a $64.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $80.3K, with a price of $80.0 per contract. There were 12025 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 17421 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AGNC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>), we observe a put option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 144 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 2404 contract(s) at a $8.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $45.6K, with a price of $19.0 per contract. There were 122162 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 10066 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For NU (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NU#NYSE">NU</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 4 day(s) on November 1, 2024. This event was a transfer of 1001 contract(s) at a $15.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 31 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.1K, with a price of $32.0 per contract. There were 1155 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2296 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding COIN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on November 1, 2024. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $212.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $99.0K, with a price of $990.0 per contract. There were 566 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1715 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding COF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COF#NYSE">COF</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 18 day(s) on November 15, 2024. Parties traded 1470 contract(s) at a $185.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $152.8K, with a price of $104.0 per contract. There were 370 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1620 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding WFC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 81 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 84 contract(s) at a $70.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 11 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $50.3K, with a price of $596.0 per contract. There were 356 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1005 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For JPM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 18 day(s) on November 15, 2024. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $235.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.0K, with a price of $140.0 per contract. There were 7451 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 637 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PYPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 81 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 320 contract(s) at a $82.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 33 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $214.4K, with a price of $670.0 per contract. There were 13775 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 464 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For FUTU (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FUTU#NASDAQ">FUTU</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 32 day(s) on November 29, 2024. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $103.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 50 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $57.0K, with a price of $1140.0 per contract. There were 250 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 205 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding HOOD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 18 day(s) on November 15, 2024. Parties traded 68 contract(s) at a $23.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $37.8K, with a price of $557.0 per contract. There were 3534 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 153 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

COIN

FUTU

HOOD

PYPL

10 Financials Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

Jones Trading analyst Jason Weaver maintains AGNC Investment (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>) with a Buy and maintains $10.25 price target.

Jones Trading Maintains Buy on AGNC Investment, Maintains $10.25 Price Target

Earnings

AGNC Investment Q3 Comprehensive Income Per Common Share $0.63

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AGNC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/22/24</td>
<td>$10.00</td>
<td>$34.0K</td>
<td>583</td>
<td>12.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$27.9K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PYPL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$25.3K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
<td>657</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COIN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$63.0K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td>627</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$141.8K</td>
<td>182</td>
<td>300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FUTU</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$137.8K</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>262</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>USB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$47.50</td>
<td>$51.4K</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$104.7K</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>136</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IVZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$27.2K</td>
<td>480</td>
<td>100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
<td>$38.9K</td>
<td>6.0K</td>
<td>64</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For AGNC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 32 day(s) on November 22, 2024. This event was a transfer of 2000 contract(s) at a $10.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 43 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.0K, with a price of $17.0 per contract. There were 583 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 12461 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 60 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 158 contract(s) at a $125.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 15 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.9K, with a price of $177.0 per contract. There were 1864 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2076 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PYPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>), we observe a put option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 151 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 650 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.3K, with a price of $39.0 per contract. There were 2717 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 657 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding COIN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 25 day(s) on November 15, 2024. Parties traded 84 contract(s) at a $180.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $63.0K, with a price of $750.0 per contract. There were 2596 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 627 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding WAL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WAL#NYSE">WAL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 88 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $70.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $141.8K, with a price of $1418.0 per contract. There were 182 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 300 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding FUTU (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FUTU#NASDAQ">FUTU</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 207 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 260 contract(s) at a $70.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $137.8K, with a price of $530.0 per contract. There were 18 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 262 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For USB (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 333 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 98 contract(s) at a $47.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 12 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $51.4K, with a price of $525.0 per contract. There were 22 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 200 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BK#NYSE">BK</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 333 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 136 contract(s) at a $75.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $104.7K, with a price of $770.0 per contract. There were 3 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 136 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding IVZ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IVZ#NYSE">IVZ</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 452 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 94 contract(s) at a $17.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.2K, with a price of $290.0 per contract. There were 480 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 100 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding JPM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 88 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 30 contract(s) at a $220.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $38.9K, with a price of $1297.0 per contract. There were 6049 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 64 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

10 Financials Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

AGNC Investment (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>) is gearing up to announce its quarterly earnings on Monday, 2024-10-21. Here's a quick overview of what investors should know before the release.
Analysts are estimating that AGNC Investment will report an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.51.
AGNC Investment bulls will hope to hear the company announce they've not only beaten that estimate, but also to provide positive guidance, or forecasted growth, for the next quarter.
New investors should note that it is sometimes not an earnings beat or miss that most affects the price of a stock, but the guidance (or forecast).
<h3>Past Earnings Performance</h3>
During the last quarter, the company reported an EPS missed by $0.01, leading to a 0.68% increase in the share price on the subsequent day.
Here's a look at AGNC Investment's past performance and the resulting price change:

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Quarter</th>
<th>Q2 2024</th>
<th>Q1 2024</th>
<th>Q4 2023</th>
<th>Q3 2023</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EPS Estimate</td>
<td>0.54</td>
<td>0.57</td>
<td>0.58</td>
<td>0.62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPS Actual</td>
<td>0.53</td>
<td>0.58</td>
<td>0.60</td>
<td>0.65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Price Change %</td>
<td>1.0%</td>
<td>2.0%</td>
<td>1.0%</td>
<td>6.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1729275890_0.png" alt="eps graph" />
<h3>Stock Performance</h3>
Shares of AGNC Investment were trading at $10.46 as of October 17. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 30.52%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are likely bullish going into this earnings release. 
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AGNC/earnings">To track all earnings releases for AGNC Investment visit their earnings calendar on our site.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Earnings Outlook For AGNC Investment

AGNC Investment (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>) is set to give its latest quarterly earnings report on Monday, 2024-10-21. Here's what investors need to know before the announcement.
Analysts estimate that AGNC Investment will report an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.51. 
Anticipation surrounds AGNC Investment's announcement, with investors hoping to hear about both surpassing estimates and receiving positive guidance for the next quarter.
New investors should understand that while earnings performance is important, market reactions are often driven by guidance.
<h3>Earnings History Snapshot</h3>
In the previous earnings release, the company missed EPS by $0.01, leading to a 0.68% increase in the share price the following trading session.
Here's a look at AGNC Investment's past performance and the resulting price change:

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Quarter</th>
<th>Q2 2024</th>
<th>Q1 2024</th>
<th>Q4 2023</th>
<th>Q3 2023</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EPS Estimate</td>
<td>0.54</td>
<td>0.57</td>
<td>0.58</td>
<td>0.62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPS Actual</td>
<td>0.53</td>
<td>0.58</td>
<td>0.60</td>
<td>0.65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Price Change %</td>
<td>1.0%</td>
<td>2.0%</td>
<td>1.0%</td>
<td>6.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1729263829_0.png" alt="eps graph" />
<h3>AGNC Investment Share Price Analysis</h3>
Shares of AGNC Investment were trading at $10.46 as of October 17. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 30.04%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are likely bullish going into this earnings release. 
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AGNC/earnings">To track all earnings releases for AGNC Investment visit their earnings calendar on our site.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AGNC Investment's Earnings: A Preview

Wells Fargo analyst Donald Fandetti upgrades AGNC Investment (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>) from Equal-Weight to Overweight and raises the price target from $10 to $12.

Upgrades

Wells Fargo Upgrades AGNC Investment to Overweight, Raises Price Target to $12

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<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/yield-investments"> high dividend payout</a>.
Benzinga readers can review the latest analyst takes on their favorite stocks by visiting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. Traders can sort through Benzinga's extensive database of analyst ratings, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">by analyst accuracy</a>.
Below are the ratings of the most accurate analysts for three high-yielding stocks in the financials sector.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IVR#NYSE">IVR</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 17.51%</li>
<li>JMP Securities analyst Trevor Cranston reiterated a Market Perform rating on Aug. 28. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 64%.</li>
<li>UBS analyst Douglas Harter initiated coverage on the stock with a Neutral rating and a price target of $8 on Dec. 6, 2023. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 63%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Aug. 8, the company posted a second-quarter net loss per common share of 38 cents per share, versus net income of 49 cents per share in the first quarter of 2024.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro's real-time newsfeed <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">alerted to latest IVR news</a></li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">AGNC Investment Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 13.51%</li>
<li>RBC Capital analyst Kenneth Lee maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $10 to $11 on Aug. 16. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 68%</li>
<li>Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods analyst Bose George maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $10 to $10.25 on July 25. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 72%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Sept. 13, AGNC Investment said its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of 12 cents per share of common stock for Sept.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s charting tool helped identify the <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">trend in AGNC stock</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Two Harbors Investment Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TWO#NYSE">TWO</a>)</h3>
Dividend Yield: 12.78%
<ul>
<li>JMP Securities analyst Trevor Cranston reiterated a Market Outperform rating with a price target of $15 on Aug. 28. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 64%.</li>
<li>JP Morgan analyst Richard Shane maintained a Neutral rating and increased the price target from $12.5 to $13 on July 16. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 68%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Sept. 18, Two Harbors Investment announced Appointments of Head of Servicing at RoundPoint and Chief Technology Officer.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s signals feature notified of a potential <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">breakout in TWO shares</a>.</li>
</ul>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="How to Find Dividend Stocks: Scan, Analyze, and Capture with Benzinga Pro" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pVF0O2lsEH4?start=1&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Read More: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/09/40925678/fedex-gears-up-for-q1-print-here-are-the-recent-forecast-changes-from-wall-streets-most-accurate-an">FedEx Gears Up For Q1 Print; Here Are The Recent Forecast Changes From Wall Street&#8217;s Most Accurate Analysts</a></li>
</ul>

Wall Street's Most Accurate Analysts Give Their Take On 3 Financials Stocks With Over 12% Dividend Yields

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AGNC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$10.00</td>
<td>$95.6K</td>
<td>68.9K</td>
<td>6.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HOOD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
<td>$49.5K</td>
<td>15.2K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WFC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$52.50</td>
<td>$49.7K</td>
<td>13.0K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SQ</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/01/24</td>
<td>$67.00</td>
<td>$900.0K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COIN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$112.9K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AIG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$77.50</td>
<td>$175.0K</td>
<td>793</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AFRM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$56.9K</td>
<td>5.5K</td>
<td>787</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KKR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$35.0K</td>
<td>546</td>
<td>253</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$30.0K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
<td>118</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>V</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/01/24</td>
<td>$290.00</td>
<td>$45.9K</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>52</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding AGNC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 123 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 1518 contract(s) at a $10.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $95.6K, with a price of $63.0 per contract. There were 68988 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 6871 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding HOOD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on September 20, 2024. Parties traded 1500 contract(s) at a $23.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 23 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $49.5K, with a price of $33.0 per contract. There were 15281 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2755 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For WFC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 4 day(s) on September 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 1772 contract(s) at a $52.50 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 31 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $49.7K, with a price of $28.0 per contract. There were 13085 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2253 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SQ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SQ#NYSE">SQ</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 46 day(s) on November 1, 2024. This event was a transfer of 2000 contract(s) at a $67.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $900.0K, with a price of $450.0 per contract. There were 0 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2001 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For COIN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 123 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 34 contract(s) at a $150.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $112.9K, with a price of $3321.0 per contract. There were 1074 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1295 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AIG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIG#NYSE">AIG</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 60 day(s) on November 15, 2024. This event was a transfer of 1000 contract(s) at a $77.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 43 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $175.0K, with a price of $175.0 per contract. There were 793 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1002 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AFRM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFRM#NASDAQ">AFRM</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 32 day(s) on October 18, 2024. This event was a transfer of 633 contract(s) at a $55.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 36 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $56.9K, with a price of $90.0 per contract. There were 5529 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 787 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For KKR (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KKR#NYSE">KKR</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 123 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $145.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.0K, with a price of $350.0 per contract. There were 546 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 253 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BX (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BX#NYSE">BX</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 123 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 21 contract(s) at a $150.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 14 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.0K, with a price of $1434.0 per contract. There were 2771 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 118 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For V (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 46 day(s) on November 1, 2024. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $290.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $45.9K, with a price of $920.0 per contract. There were 6 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 52 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AFRM

AGNC Investment Corp. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/agnc#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>) is in the limelight with the Federal Reserve&#39;s decision to begin an interest rate cut this month. The Fed has kept its influential lending rate at its highest level at 5.25-5.50% since 2001 to tame inflation. The inflation has been gradually cooling down.
On Aug. 23, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell stated that the central bank has &quot;ample room&quot; to maneuver as policy enters its next phase. He stressed that the timing and speed of reduction will &quot;depend on incoming data.&quot; With this, as per the CME Fedwatch tool, the market participants are now predicting a 61% chance of a 50 basis point rate cut this month compared with a 26% chance predicted a month ago.
AGNC is one of the mortgage real estate investment trust (mREIT) stocks burdened by the higher-interest-rate environment. With an improving market scenario and rate cut around the corner, investors are turning optimistic about AGNC stock. In the past six months, the shares of AGNC stock have rallied 15.5% compared with the industry&#39;s growth of 6%.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/55/76589.jpg?v=1463796336" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The stock is also trading above the 50-day SMA, representing a bullish trend.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/01/76583.jpg?v=1226237945" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In the current situation, should investors scoop up AGNC Investment stock? Before making any hasty decision, it would be prudent to take a look at the reasons behind the surge, the stock&#39;s growth prospects as well as risks (if any).
<h2>How Rate Cut Benefits AGNC?</h2>
AGNC&#39;s financials have been adversely impacted since early 2022, when the Fed first began its interest rate hiking cycle. The negative return and falling profitability raised concerns about the company&#39;s Investment&#39;s capacity to sustain its high-yielding payment.
At the end of the six months ended June 30, 2024, AGNC&#39;s interest income grew 54% compared with the six months ended June 30, 2022, thanks to higher rates on its MBS portfolio. However, its borrowing costs rose significantly, as interest expenses ballooned from $107 million to $1.4 billion during the same period. As a result, this mREIT had a net interest loss of $33 million at the end of six months ended June 30, 2024, against $763 million of net interest income registered at the end of six months ended June 30, 2022.
As long-term bond yields have declined with the Fed&#39;s decision of an interest rate cut, this resulted in a decline in mortgage rates. The average rate on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 6.35% as of Aug. 29 from 6.46% a week ago. A year ago, the metric averaged 7.18%.
As rate cuts begin, it will likely increase net interest spreads. This will ease earnings pressure for AGNC, as it is currently reeling under high funding costs. This will help the company to increase its dividend payout.
Also, the company has solid access to attractive funding across a broad spectrum of counterparties and financing conditions. As a result, it has flexibility in the opportunistic enhancement of its portfolio. AGNC Investment&#39;s liquidity as of June 30, 2024, including cash and unencumbered Agency assets, was $5.3 billion. This should alleviate some concerns about its capacity to maintain its payout.
High rates also impacted the book value of AGNC&#39;s investments due to &quot;spread risk.&quot; From June 30, 2022, to June 30, 2024, the company&#39;s book value per share has declined 36.8%.
Nonetheless, the long-term outlook for Agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) looks favorable. Agency MBS spreads have remained in a range that supports positive long-term risk-adjusted returns for leveraged investors like AGNC. At these levels, Agency MBS provides a significant incremental yield over both U.S. Treasuries and investment-grade corporate paper, which will continue to drive demand for Agency MBS. Given the favorable supply-demand dynamic for Agency MBS and the improving monetary policy outlook, the prospects for AGNC look favorable.
<h2>AGNC&#39;s Impressive Payout</h2>
This publicly traded mREIT offers a lucrative dividend yield.
As the expected rate cut will support AGNC&#39;s financials, the company can continue to pay dividends to its shareholders.
Income-seeking investors have a large appetite for REIT stocks, as U.S. law requires REITs to distribute 90% of their annual taxable income in the form of dividends. As for AGNC, the company has a record of paying monthly dividends.
AGNC&#39;s current dividend yield is 14.01%. This is impressive compared with the industry&#39;s average of 11.2% and attracts investors as it represents a steady income stream.
AGNC is not the only dividend-paying stock among Zacks Industry &ndash; REIT and Equity Trust. Stocks like Annaly Capital Management (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nly#NYSE">NLY</a>) and Ellington Credit Company (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/earn#NYSE">EARN</a>) are also providing investors with solid dividend options.
NLY has an annual dividend yield of 12.9%, while EARN has a dividend yield of 13.9%.
Coming back to AGNC, dividends aside, it has a share repurchase plan in place. In 2022 and 2021, AGNC Investment repurchased 4.7 million shares and 17.7 million shares for $51 million and $281 million, respectively. With no repurchases done in 2023 and the first half of 2024, $1 billion remained under this program for repurchase through Dec. 31, 2024. It plans to buy back shares only when the repurchase price is lower than the then-current estimate of tangible net book value per common share. The buyback program will enable it to respond to the volatility in its stock and boost shareholders&#39; wealth.
<h2>Factors to Consider Before Choosing AGNC</h2>
The ultra-high dividend yield and regular payout look eye-catching for most investors watching for high-income funds. However, in April 2020, AGNC slashed its dividend to 12 cents per share from 16 cents and continued to pay the same amount in later periods. Also, the company has a history of cutting its dividend.
Further, any volatility in the mortgage market, unfavorable changes in the shape of the yield curve, interest-rate volatility and deterioration of the generic financial conditions may affect the performance of the company&#39;s investments.
Also, analyst seems to be bearish about AGNC. Over the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 and 2025 earnings has moved downward.
Estimate Revision Trend
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/b3/76579.jpg?v=474796960" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h2>Unlocking Valuation for AGNC</h2>
From a valuation standpoint, AGNC Investment appears expensive relative to the industry. The company is currently trading at a discount with a forward 12-month Price-to-Tangible Book (P/TB) multiple of 1.16X, above the industry average of 0.99X.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/9d/76581.jpg?v=1910096254" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The stock is more expensive than its peer, NLY&#39;s current forward 12-month P/TB of 1.06X. AGNC is trading at a discount to EARN&#39;s current forward 12-month P/E of 0.96X.
<h2>Should You Make a Bet on AGNC Now?</h2>
The Fed&#39;s adjustment in monetary policy should benefit AGNC. A rate-cutting cycle should boost its net interest spread and the book value of its portfolio. That could be a strong tailwind for the company in the upcoming period.
However, volatility in the mortgage market, unfavorable changes in the shape of the yield curve, and deterioration of the generic financial conditions may affect the AGNC&#39;s performance. Moreover, the company has a track record of lowering dividends during stressful times.
To conclude, investors interested in AGNC should wait for a better entry point, considering its premium valuation. They should analyze the upcoming interest rate changes and market volatility closely for a more appropriate entry point. The stock&#39;s Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) supports our thesis.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2331645/fed-rate-cut-round-the-corner-should-you-make-a-bet-on-agnc-stock?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|most_popular_stocks-2331645">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Large Cap

Mid Cap

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Buybacks

Small Cap

Federal Reserve

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EARN

Fed Rate Cut Round the Corner: Should You Make a Bet on AGNC Stock?

AGNC Investment's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NYSE">AGNC</a>) short percent of float has fallen 8.48% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 43.71 million shares sold short, which is 5.61% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.82 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>AGNC Investment Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725386416_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for AGNC Investment has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing AGNC Investment's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, AGNC Investment's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 7.27%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

How Is The Market Feeling About AGNC Investment?

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AFRM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$35.4K</td>
<td>7.2K</td>
<td>13.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$29.2K</td>
<td>20.5K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AGNC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>10/11/24</td>
<td>$10.00</td>
<td>$53.0K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WFC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$62.2K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td>928</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$12.00</td>
<td>$75.9K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>854</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRBG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$29.00</td>
<td>$26.6K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>403</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$38.1K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td>341</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COIN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$54.0K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>96</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PYPL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$72.50</td>
<td>$41.2K</td>
<td>215</td>
<td>81</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$535.00</td>
<td>$31.0K</td>
<td>101</td>
<td>57</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding AFRM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFRM#NASDAQ">AFRM</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 21 day(s) on September 20, 2024. Parties traded 499 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.4K, with a price of $71.0 per contract. There were 7297 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 13760 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding C (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 49 day(s) on October 18, 2024. Parties traded 250 contract(s) at a $65.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.2K, with a price of $117.0 per contract. There were 20565 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2061 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AGNC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>), we observe a call option sweep with neutral sentiment. It expires in 42 day(s) on October 11, 2024. Parties traded 1559 contract(s) at a $10.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $53.0K, with a price of $34.0 per contract. There were 0 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1561 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding WFC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 112 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 150 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $62.2K, with a price of $415.0 per contract. There were 1701 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 928 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding LC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LC#NYSE">LC</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 504 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 253 contract(s) at a $12.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $75.9K, with a price of $300.0 per contract. There were 1373 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 854 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CRBG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRBG#NYSE">CRBG</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 21 day(s) on September 20, 2024. Parties traded 403 contract(s) at a $29.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 31 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.6K, with a price of $70.0 per contract. There were 1000 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 403 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AXP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 49 day(s) on October 18, 2024. This event was a transfer of 83 contract(s) at a $270.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 18 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $38.1K, with a price of $460.0 per contract. There were 1139 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 341 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For COIN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 112 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 29 contract(s) at a $210.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $54.0K, with a price of $1865.0 per contract. There were 1055 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 96 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PYPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 476 day(s) on December 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 40 contract(s) at a $72.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $41.2K, with a price of $1030.0 per contract. There were 215 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 81 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For GS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 49 day(s) on October 18, 2024. This event was a transfer of 44 contract(s) at a $535.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.0K, with a price of $705.0 per contract. There were 101 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 57 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

CRBG

JMP Securities analyst Steven Delaney reiterates AGNC Investment (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>) with a Market Perform.

Reiteration

JMP Securities Reiterates Market Perform on AGNC Investment

RBC Capital analyst Kenneth Lee maintains AGNC Investment (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $10 to $11.

RBC Capital Maintains Outperform on AGNC Investment, Raises Price Target to $11

AGNC Investment Corp. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/agnc#NASDAQ">AGNC</a>) stock rallied 11.8% in the past three months. The company&#39;s shares have outpaced the 7.6% rally registered by the industry it belongs to and 9.2% growth of the Zacks S&amp;P 500 composite.
<h3>Three Months Price Performance</h3>
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/c4/73108.jpg?v=2012552605" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
This publicly-traded mortgage real estate investment trust (mREIT) company offers favorable long-term stockholder returns with a huge dividend yield, which may compel many investors to buy the stock. However, the stock experienced some headwinds in the second quarter of 2024, which might raise concerns about its dividend sustainability.
Currently, the stock is trading 5% down from its 52-week high of $10.57 hit on Jul 17. Is now the right time to invest? To answer this, it&#39;s essential to delve into the details and evaluate various factors at play.
<h3>Q2 Result: A Shift in Momentum</h3>
AGNC Investment&#39;s financial results dipped in the second quarter. The company reported a comprehensive loss of 13 cents per share against 48 cents of comprehensive income registered in the first quarter. Net spread and dollar roll income of 53 cents was down from 58 cents in the previous quarter.
Meanwhile, AGNC&#39;s tangible book value per share fell 5%. This reduction, together with dividend payments of 36 cents for the quarter, resulted in a negative 0.9% economic return on tangible common equity for the period.
The negative return and falling profitability may raise worries about AGNC Investment&#39;s capacity to sustain its high-yielding payment. The company&#39;s leverage ratio increased from 7.1 in the first quarter to 7.4 in the second quarter, which could exacerbate concerns. Despite this, the company concluded the period with strong liquidity of $5.3 billion, which should alleviate some concerns about its capacity to maintain its dividend in the short term.
<h3>Impressive Payout</h3>
Income-seeking investors have a large appetite for REIT stocks, as U.S. law requires REITs to distribute 90% of their annual taxable income in the form of dividends. As for AGNC, the company has a record of paying monthly dividends.
AGNC&#39;s current dividend yield is 15.1%. This is impressive compared with the industry&#39;s average of 10.3% and attracts investors as it represents a steady income stream.
AGNC is not the only dividend-paying stock among Zacks Industry &ndash; REIT and Equity Trust. Stocks like Annaly Capital Management (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nly#NYSE">NLY</a>) and Ellington Credit Company (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/earn#NYSE">EARN</a>) are also providing investors with solid dividend options.
NLY has an annual dividend yield of 13.1%, while EARN has a dividend yield of 13.7%.
Coming back to AGNC, dividends aside, it has a share repurchase plan in place. In 2022 and 2021, AGNC Investment repurchased 4.7 million shares and 17.7 million shares for $51 million and $281 million, respectively. With no repurchases done in the first half of 2024, $1 billion remained under this program for repurchase through Dec 31, 2024. It plans to buy back shares only when the repurchase price is lower than the then-current estimate of tangible net book value per common share. The buyback program will enable it to respond to the volatility in its stock and boost shareholders&#39; wealth.
<h3>Favorable Long-Term Outlook</h3>
AGNC Investment primarily focuses on leveraged investments in Agency residential mortgage-backed securities. That includes residential mortgage pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. A U.S. Government agency or a U.S. Government-sponsored enterprise&nbsp;guarantees the principal and interest payments for such investments.
AGNC Investment borrows against its investment portfolio under a master repurchase agreement, which provides short-term financing. The company expects to make a profit and pay the dividend from the net interest income (NII), which is the difference between interest earned on investments and its cost of borrowing.
The long-term outlook for Agency MBS remains favorable. Agency MBS spreads have remained in a range that supports positive long-term risk-adjusted returns for leveraged investors like AGNC. At these levels, Agency MBS provides a significant incremental yield over both US Treasuries and investment-grade corporate paper, which will continue to drive demand for Agency MBS. Given the positive supply-demand dynamic for Agency MBS and the improved monetary policy outlook, both the present returns and future prospects for AGNC look favorable.
<h3>2024 Estimates Down</h3>
Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 and 2025 earnings has moved downward, reflecting analyst bearish sentiments.
<h3>Estimate Revision Trend</h3>
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/2b/73107.jpg?v=1376659545" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h3>Unlocking Valuation</h3>
From a valuation standpoint, AGNC Investment appears inexpensive relative to the industry. The company is currently trading at a discount with a forward 12-month P/E multiple of 4.95X, significantly below the industry average of 8.44X. The stock is also significantly cheaper than its peer NLY and EARN current forward 12-month P/E of 7.41X and 6.65X, respectively.
<h3>Price-to-Earnings (Forward 12 Months)</h3>
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/5a/73109.jpg?v=872049456" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h3>Consider Waiting for a Better Entry Point</h3>
The ultra-high dividend yield and regular payout look eye-catching for most investors watching for high-income funds. However, AGNC slashed its dividend to 12 cents from 16 cents in April 2020 and continued to pay the same amount in later periods. The company also has a history of cutting its dividend.
AGNC uses leverage to scoop returns and give dividends to investors, which act as an advantage and a disadvantage for the company, depending on the market scenario. Increasing interest rates may have two drawbacks. As a leveraged corporation, the company finds it challenging to hedge its portfolio due to unstable and fluctuating interest rates. Also, high rates enable it to enhance its portfolio yield by investing in mortgages with higher interest rates.
At the recently concluded two-day FOMC meeting, the Federal Reserve left the interest rates unchanged at a 23-year high of 5.25%-5.50%. Per the press conference following the meeting, the central bank has kept the doors open for the September rate cut. With the inflation numbers cooling down, market participants are expecting more cuts this year. This will turn out to be favorable for AGNC.
Yet, any volatility in the mortgage market, unfavorable change in the shape of the yield curve, interest-rate volatility and deterioration of the generic financial conditions may affect the performance of the company&#39;s investments. In the past two years, there has been significant volatility in the financial markets. The increase in interest rates resulted in higher debt servicing costs and underperformance of fixed-income assets.
Considering the pros and cons of AGNC, we can conclude that investors should refrain from rushing to buy AGNC right now, just banking on its lucrative dividend. Instead, they should analyze the upcoming interest rate changes and the mortgage market closely for a more appropriate entry point. The stock&#39;s Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) supports our thesis.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2314516/agnc-investment-agnc-up-11-8-in-3-months-is-it-worth-buying?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|most_popular_stocks-2314516">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

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AGNC Investment Corp. Declares Monthly Common Stock Dividend of $0.12 per Common Share for August 2024

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