Validea John Neff Strategy Daily Upgrade Report - 5/14/2025
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 14 2025
0mins
Should l Buy EFC?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Validea's Low PE Investor Model: The model, based on John Neff's strategy, upgraded Ellington Financial Inc. (EFC) from a 60% to a 79% rating, indicating strong interest due to the company's fundamentals and valuation.
About John Neff: Neff managed the Windsor Fund for over three decades, achieving a remarkable average annual return of 13.7%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, showcasing his conservative yet effective investment approach.
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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.
- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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