The article examines four monthly-dividend-paying REITs with yields between 5% and 11.7%, positioning them as alternatives to traditional quarterly dividend stocks. While monthly payouts offer more frequent income and compounding benefits, the author cautions that principal preservation requires careful stock selection. The featured REITs face mixed outlooks: Realty Income offers stability but limited growth, SL Green faces leverage concerns, Apple Hospitality shows value but dividend growth has stalled, and Ellington Financial offers high yields but with elevated payout ratios.

Ellington Financial reported an estimated book value per share of $13.33 as of August 31, 2025, including a monthly dividend of $0.13 per share, while noting potential changes in valuation and highlighting various financial risks.

The article discusses a portfolio of high-yielding monthly dividend stocks and funds that could provide a $55,000 'retirement salary'. However, the author cautions that not all high-yielding monthly payers are of high quality, and investors should carefully evaluate the companies and funds before investing.

Investors need to pay close attention to Ellington Financial (EFC) stock based on the movements in the options market lately.

Learn where to find reliable dividend yields for financial freedom. Don't settle for high risk and low returns. Click for my picks among the best REITs and BDCs.

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Read here for a discussion of a company's dividend policy, preferred shares, reinvestment, legal issues, and analysis, with charts included.

Read more here on a new baby bond that was particularly appealing. A discount to face value drove yields higher.

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I review three REITs (AGNC, IVR, EFC) and three BDCs (FSK, TRIN, CION) that I hold in my Schwab IRA. Explore more details here.

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Analysts' ratings for Ellington Financial (NYSE:EFC) over the last quarter vary from bullish to bearish, as provided by 4 analysts. The table below offers a condensed view of their recent ratings, showcasing the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months. Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish Total Ratings 1 3 0 0 0 Last 30D 0 1 0 0 0 1M Ago 1 1 0 0 0 2M Ago 0 1 0 0 0 3M Ago 0 0 0 0 0 Analysts have recently evaluated Ellington Financial and provided 12-month price targets. The average target is $13.94, accompanied by a high estimate of $14.50 and a low estimate of $13.25. This current average represents a 5.49% decrease from the previous average price target of $14.75. Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study The standing of Ellington Financial among financial experts is revealed through an in-depth exploration of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets. Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target Trevor Cranston JMP Securities Maintains Market Outperform $14.50 - Trevor Cranston JMP Securities Maintains Market Outperform $14.50 - Eric Hagen BTIG Lowers Buy $13.50 $15.50 Bose George Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Lowers Outperform $13.25 $14.00 Key Insights: Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Ellington Financial. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company. Rating: Offering insights into predictions, analysts assign qualitative values, from ...Full story available on Benzinga.com