Mortgage Rates Keep Declining: 3 mREIT Stocks to Consider for 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 19 2025
0mins
Should l Buy EFC?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
mREIT Industry Trends: The mortgage REIT industry faced volatility in 2025 due to macroeconomic uncertainty, with mortgage rates fluctuating and a notable decline to 6.21% by December, following a series of interest rate cuts by the Fed.
Investment Opportunities: Investors are encouraged to consider mREIT stocks like Two Harbors Investments Corp, NexPoint Real Estate Finance, and Ellington Financial, which are expected to deliver strong returns in 2026 due to improving economic conditions and declining mortgage rates.
Company Performance: Two Harbors reported a significant reduction in net interest losses, while NexPoint saw a substantial increase in net interest income, reflecting improved portfolio performance. Ellington Financial maintained stability through diversified investments and risk management strategies.
Future Outlook: Economic growth is anticipated to accelerate in 2026, with lower inflation and unemployment, which will likely lead to favorable conditions for mortgage origination and refinancing, benefiting the mREIT sector.
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Analyst Views on EFC
Wall Street analysts forecast EFC stock price to rise
5 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 12.990
Low
14.50
Averages
15.00
High
16.00
Current: 12.990
Low
14.50
Averages
15.00
High
16.00
About EFC
Ellington Financial Inc. is a real estate investment trust. The Company acquires and manages mortgage-related, consumer-related, corporate-related, and other financial assets. The Company’s segments include the Investment Portfolio Segment and the Longbridge Segment. The Investment Portfolio Segment is focused on investing in a diverse array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans, residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), consumer loans and asset-backed securities (ABS), including ABS-backed by consumer loans, collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), non-mortgage- and mortgage-related derivatives, debt and equity investments in loan origination companies, and other strategic investments. The Longbridge Segment is focused on the origination and servicing of, and investment in, reverse mortgage loans. The Company is externally managed and advised by Ellington Financial Management LLC.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Ellington Financial to Release Q4 2025 Results on February 25, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: Ellington Financial will announce its financial results for the quarter ending December 31, 2025, after market close on February 25, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Conference Call Timing: The company will host a conference call on February 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its financial results, which is expected to attract significant attention from investors and analysts alike.
- Participation Details: Investors can join the call by dialing (800) 343-4136, with international callers using (203) 518-9843, ensuring they call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time to reference conference code EFCQ425.
- Webcast and Replay Availability: The conference call will be webcast live on the company's website, with a replay available starting February 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. until March 5, enhancing accessibility for investors seeking information.
See More
Ellington Financial Declares Monthly Dividend
- Monthly Dividend Announcement: Ellington Financial has declared a monthly dividend of $0.13 per share of common stock, payable on March 31, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 27, 2026, demonstrating the company's ongoing commitment to shareholder returns.
- Financial Stability: This dividend reflects the company's robust performance in its diversified financial asset investments, including mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, enhancing investor confidence in the company's financial health.
- Forward-Looking Statement Risks: The company cautions investors that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, with actual results potentially differing significantly from expectations, highlighting the impact of market volatility and interest rate changes on operations.
- Portfolio Diversity: Ellington Financial invests in a variety of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and reverse mortgages, showcasing its ability to adapt in a complex market environment and further solidifying its market position.
See More
Ellington Financial Announces 2025 Tax Treatment Information
- Tax Information Release: Ellington Financial has announced that it has posted information regarding the federal income tax treatment of distributions deemed paid in 2025 on its common and preferred stock, ensuring investors can access timely tax information for financial planning.
- Diverse Investment Portfolio: The company invests in a wide array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, demonstrating its extensive market presence and risk management capabilities.
- External Management Model: Ellington Financial is externally managed by Ellington Financial Management LLC, a structure that helps the company leverage expertise and resources to optimize investment strategies and operational efficiency.
- Strategic Investment Focus: The company not only focuses on mortgage-related investments but also engages in consumer loans and asset-backed securities, indicating its ongoing efforts in diversified investment strategies to adapt to market changes.
See More
Ellington Financial Announces 2025 Tax Treatment Information
- Tax Information Release: Ellington Financial Inc. has announced that it has posted information regarding the federal income tax treatment of distributions deemed paid in 2025 on its website, ensuring investors can access timely tax information for financial planning purposes.
- Diverse Investment Portfolio: The company invests in a wide array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, demonstrating its broad market presence and risk management capabilities aimed at achieving stable returns through diversification.
- External Management Model: Ellington Financial is externally managed by Ellington Financial Management LLC, a structure that leverages specialized knowledge and resources to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of investment decisions, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the market.
- Investor Relations Channels: The company provides various contact methods for investors to obtain more information, including phone and email, reflecting its commitment to investor communication and aiming to enhance investor trust and satisfaction.
See More
Ellington Financial Announces 2025 Tax Treatment Information
- Tax Information Release: Ellington Financial has announced that it has posted information regarding the federal income tax treatment of distributions deemed paid in 2025 on its common and preferred stock, providing transparency to help investors understand their tax obligations.
- Diverse Investment Portfolio: The company invests in a wide array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, demonstrating its extensive market presence and risk management capabilities.
- External Management Structure: Ellington Financial is externally managed by Ellington Financial Management LLC, which may provide the company with professional investment strategies and market insights.
- Investor Relations Channels: The company offers multiple contact methods for investors to obtain further information, enhancing communication and trust with investors, thereby promoting transparency and information flow.
See More
Monthly Dividend Stocks Investment Strategy
- Monthly Dividend Advantage: Monthly paying stocks yield between 5% and 11%, with an average yield of 7.9%, meaning a $500,000 investment portfolio can generate $39,500 annually in dividend income while preserving principal, enhancing cash flow management.
- REIT Performance: Realty Income (O), a $55 billion REIT with 15,500 commercial properties, boasts 667 consecutive dividends, yet its lackluster performance in 2023 raises concerns about its growth potential amid economic slowdowns, necessitating close monitoring.
- Leverage Risks: SL Green Realty (SLG), Manhattan's largest landlord with nearly 31 million square feet of prime real estate, faces a 19% drop in 2026 FFO estimates and high leverage, increasing dividend volatility, prompting investors to exercise caution.
- High Yield Potential: Ellington Financial (EFC) leads with an 11.7% yield, primarily investing in mortgages through short-term borrowing; its recent secondary offering boosted dividend yield, making it attractive despite market fluctuations.
See More
Ellington Financial to Release Q4 2025 Results on February 25, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: Ellington Financial will announce its financial results for the quarter ending December 31, 2025, after market close on February 25, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Conference Call Timing: The company will host a conference call on February 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its financial results, which is expected to attract significant attention from investors and analysts alike.
- Participation Details: Investors can join the call by dialing (800) 343-4136, with international callers using (203) 518-9843, ensuring they call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time to reference conference code EFCQ425.
- Webcast and Replay Availability: The conference call will be webcast live on the company's website, with a replay available starting February 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. until March 5, enhancing accessibility for investors seeking information.
See More
Ellington Financial Declares Monthly Dividend
- Monthly Dividend Announcement: Ellington Financial has declared a monthly dividend of $0.13 per share of common stock, payable on March 31, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 27, 2026, demonstrating the company's ongoing commitment to shareholder returns.
- Financial Stability: This dividend reflects the company's robust performance in its diversified financial asset investments, including mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, enhancing investor confidence in the company's financial health.
- Forward-Looking Statement Risks: The company cautions investors that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, with actual results potentially differing significantly from expectations, highlighting the impact of market volatility and interest rate changes on operations.
- Portfolio Diversity: Ellington Financial invests in a variety of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and reverse mortgages, showcasing its ability to adapt in a complex market environment and further solidifying its market position.
See More
Ellington Financial Announces 2025 Tax Treatment Information
- Tax Information Release: Ellington Financial has announced that it has posted information regarding the federal income tax treatment of distributions deemed paid in 2025 on its common and preferred stock, ensuring investors can access timely tax information for financial planning.
- Diverse Investment Portfolio: The company invests in a wide array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, demonstrating its extensive market presence and risk management capabilities.
- External Management Model: Ellington Financial is externally managed by Ellington Financial Management LLC, a structure that helps the company leverage expertise and resources to optimize investment strategies and operational efficiency.
- Strategic Investment Focus: The company not only focuses on mortgage-related investments but also engages in consumer loans and asset-backed securities, indicating its ongoing efforts in diversified investment strategies to adapt to market changes.
See More
Ellington Financial Announces 2025 Tax Treatment Information
- Tax Information Release: Ellington Financial Inc. has announced that it has posted information regarding the federal income tax treatment of distributions deemed paid in 2025 on its website, ensuring investors can access timely tax information for financial planning purposes.
- Diverse Investment Portfolio: The company invests in a wide array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, demonstrating its broad market presence and risk management capabilities aimed at achieving stable returns through diversification.
- External Management Model: Ellington Financial is externally managed by Ellington Financial Management LLC, a structure that leverages specialized knowledge and resources to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of investment decisions, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the market.
- Investor Relations Channels: The company provides various contact methods for investors to obtain more information, including phone and email, reflecting its commitment to investor communication and aiming to enhance investor trust and satisfaction.
See More
Ellington Financial Announces 2025 Tax Treatment Information
- Tax Information Release: Ellington Financial has announced that it has posted information regarding the federal income tax treatment of distributions deemed paid in 2025 on its common and preferred stock, providing transparency to help investors understand their tax obligations.
- Diverse Investment Portfolio: The company invests in a wide array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, demonstrating its extensive market presence and risk management capabilities.
- External Management Structure: Ellington Financial is externally managed by Ellington Financial Management LLC, which may provide the company with professional investment strategies and market insights.
- Investor Relations Channels: The company offers multiple contact methods for investors to obtain further information, enhancing communication and trust with investors, thereby promoting transparency and information flow.
See More
Monthly Dividend Stocks Investment Strategy
- Monthly Dividend Advantage: Monthly paying stocks yield between 5% and 11%, with an average yield of 7.9%, meaning a $500,000 investment portfolio can generate $39,500 annually in dividend income while preserving principal, enhancing cash flow management.
- REIT Performance: Realty Income (O), a $55 billion REIT with 15,500 commercial properties, boasts 667 consecutive dividends, yet its lackluster performance in 2023 raises concerns about its growth potential amid economic slowdowns, necessitating close monitoring.
- Leverage Risks: SL Green Realty (SLG), Manhattan's largest landlord with nearly 31 million square feet of prime real estate, faces a 19% drop in 2026 FFO estimates and high leverage, increasing dividend volatility, prompting investors to exercise caution.
- High Yield Potential: Ellington Financial (EFC) leads with an 11.7% yield, primarily investing in mortgages through short-term borrowing; its recent secondary offering boosted dividend yield, making it attractive despite market fluctuations.
See More
