Latest news with #GovernmentAgencies
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Despite Some Recent Challenges, This 15%-Yielding Dividend Looks Safe
Key Points AGNC Investment navigated several challenges during the second quarter. The mortgage REIT capitalized on opportunities to grow during the period. The company believes it can continue to pay its monster monthly dividend. 10 stocks we like better than AGNC Investment Corp. › The second quarter got off to a rocky start following the Trump administration's "Liberation Day" tariff announcement in early April. Stocks and other financial assets initially tumbled due to increased uncertainty about how tariffs might impact the economy. However, most financial assets recovered throughout the quarter as the administration ultimately delayed its tariff plan. Agency mortgage-backed securities (MBSes) -- residential mortgage pools protected against default risk by government agencies like -- were the exception as they underperformed. While this negatively impacted AGNC Investment's (NASDAQ: AGNC) results, it did not alter the company's outlook on its 15%-yielding monthly dividend. Navigating a challenging period Interest rate volatility and a sharp negative turn in investor sentiment posed challenges to the mortgage market during the quarter. Those issues weighed on the value of MBS assets. As a result, AGNC Investment reported an economic return of negative 1% in the period, while it posted a comprehensive loss of $0.13 per share. Despite those negative headline numbers, the mortgage REIT navigated the quarter's challenges effectively thanks to its robust risk management and strong liquidity. This allowed AGNC to preserve its portfolio and add assets at attractive levels. Its solid preparation heading into the period allowed the company to sustain its massive monthly dividend despite the volatility. A favorable outlook While the MBS market experienced some turbulence last quarter, it's still an attractive investment market. "We continue to have a favorable outlook for levered and hedged Agency MBS investments," said AGNC Investment CEO Peter Federico in the second-quarter earnings press release. He noted that "mortgage spreads to benchmark rates remain elevated by historical standards and range-bound, an extremely favorable return environment." Further, he remarked that the supply of MBSes is in balance with demand, which should strengthen as anticipated regulatory changes allow banks to increase their MBS investments. AGNC Investment believes these positive market conditions will continue even if the Trump administration makes changes to the status of mortgage agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The administration has floated the idea of ending the Federal conservatorship of those entities by taking them public. However, the administration has made it clear that it plans to preserve the pristine credit profile of agency MBSes. AGNC Investment believes this move would be a positive step for the mortgage markets and MBS investments, as it could help lower costs. Meanwhile, despite the recent turbulence in the mortgage market, AGNC continues to earn a high enough return on its MBS investments to cover its cost of capital (its operating costs plus dividend payments). Federico noted on the second-quarter earnings conference call that in the current environment, AGNC is earning a return on equity of around 19%. While that number fluctuates from quarter to quarter, it currently aligns well with its cost of capital, suggesting it can continue to pay its current dividend level. Additionally, the mortgage REIT sold 92.6 million shares of its common stock during the second quarter, raising $799 million in proceeds. It put about half that capital to work in the period by opportunistically investing in MBSes. As it continues to accretively deploy that capital, it will further boost its returns in a way that supports its dividend. AGNC plans to continue seeking accretive opportunities to raise capital and increase its scale, which will help lower its operating costs and therefore, its cost of capital. A higher-risk, high-reward passive income stream AGNC Investment stands out for its massive 15%-yielding monthly dividend, which remains safe even amid recent market turbulence. By seizing opportunities to expand its MBS portfolio during a turbulent period and maintaining its disciplined risk management, AGNC has demonstrated its ability to sustain this high-yield payout. Despite all that, this ultra-high-yield REIT may not be suitable for everyone. It has a higher risk profile that investors must watch closely. However, for those with a higher risk tolerance, it can potentially provide them with a huge reward in the form of its lucrative monthly dividend. 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The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Despite Some Recent Challenges, This 15%-Yielding Dividend Looks Safe was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
21-07-2025
- Climate
- Associated Press
Vietnam races to prepare for Typhoon Wipha as Philippines suffers storm deaths
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnam braced for Typhoon Wipha on Monday as coastal provinces were placed on emergency alert and airlines canceled flights ahead of the storm's expected landfall early Tuesday. The typhoon is forecast to bring powerful winds and heavy rainfall, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides in northern Vietnam's mountainous areas and flooding in urban centers, including Hanoi. 'This is a very strong storm, moving fast, with a wide and dangerous impact on both land and sea,' Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said in a directive to government agencies. He ordered all fishing boats, cargo ships and tourist vessels to return to shore and urged the evacuation of people in high-risk areas. The storm has already proved deadly in the Philippines, where it intensified monsoon rains and killed at least three people over the weekend, including one who drowned and two others struck by falling trees. Philippine officials were checking reports of three more deaths, while seven people, including two children, remained missing. Floods, landslides and debris affected over 800,000 people, with about 90,000 forced to evacuate, authorities said. Hundreds of cruise ships have anchored in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay after authorities suspended all tourist boat services due to the storm. A tourist boat capsized there during a thunderstorm over the weekend, ahead of the typhoon's arrival, killing at least 37 people. Ongoing bad weather is expected to complicate the search for the missing. National carrier Vietnam Airlines and its affiliate Pacific Airlines canceled at least nine domestic flights on Monday, with more delays expected. Budget airline Vietjet canceled 12 flights including international routes to South Korea. Local authorities have deployed rescue crews and stocked food and medical supplies while working to secure telecommunications infrastructure. State media reported nearly 150,000 hectares (370,658 acres) of aquaculture farms and more than 20,000 floating fish cages could be at risk from flooding and high winds. Emergency warnings have been sent to millions of residents by text message. Forecasters expect Wipha to make landfall between Hai Phong and Thanh Hoa provinces early Tuesday, with wind gusts reaching up to 166 kilometers (103 miles) per hour. Vietnam is no stranger to tropical storms. But climate experts said such storms were getting stronger due to global warming since warmer ocean waters provide more energy to fuel the storms. This results in increased wind speeds and heavier rainfall. Last year, Typhoon Yagi killed about 300 people and caused $3.3 billion in damage, reducing GDP growth by 0.15%. ___ Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, contributed to this report. ___ Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receive support from several private foundations. See more about AP's climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Fox News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
US Gov to Drop Millions of Flies to Prevent Flesh-Eating Maggots...
The US will soon drop millions of flies from the sky…but why? I'm Tomi Lahren, find out next. They say truth is often stranger than fiction and in this case, that's spot on. The US government is set to drop millions of flies from the sky to stop the potential invasion of flesh-eating New World screwworm maggots. These disgusting maggots threaten wildlife, livestock AND humans and are set to hatch in the lower part of the country, soon. If they develop into adult flies, we're talking BILLIONS lost in cattle and beef. That's why involved government agencies have been breeding billions of flies to stave off the maggot infestation and keep it from spreading further north. In short, the male flies they are breeding will be sterilized with radiation then dropped to mate with female flies whose eggs will then not hatch and hopefully, this will lead to a die out before this infestation spreads further. Normally I don't like the government intervening in nature but this sure seems like a worthy project. The last thing we need is a screwworm maggot infestation! I'm Tomi Lahren and you watch my show 'Tomi Lahren is Fearless' at Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Employee engagement rate in public sector reaches 83.4%: Saudi minister
RIYADH — Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi said that the Saudi employee engagement indicators for the year 2024 has achieved tangible positive results. "The employee engagement rate for public sector employees reached 83.4 percent, exceeding the set annual target of 76.5 percent. This reflects growing institutional awareness and the authorities' keenness to improve work environments and promote a culture of professional commitment," he said while addressing the annual ceremony of honoring government agencies that achieved the highest levels of employee engagement in 2024. The minister presented the Employee Engagement Award to nine government agencies during the ceremony, which was attended by several government officials and representatives of government agencies. In his speech, Al-Rajhi emphasized that the Employee Engagement Program embodies the interest and support of the wise leadership for the public sector. "This program reflects the ministry's commitment to strengthening the role of human capital as a fundamental pillar in the transition to a more efficient government work environment. The program contributes to consolidating a sense of belonging and initiative, raising the quality of services provided to beneficiaries, and enhancing performance efficiency," he said. Al-Rajhi reviewed the most notable achievements during 2024, such as the Cabinet's approval of the National Program for Succession and Leadership Development, the launch of the Promising Leaders Program, the qualification of more than 120 government leaders through academic programs and leadership forums, the launch of the engineering salary scale regulations, and the launch of several electronic services that contribute to supporting corporate governance in the government sector. Deputy Minister for Human Capital Development Fahad Al-Drees made a presentation on the Employee Engagement Measurement Initiative, which included a comprehensive assessment of levels of satisfaction and professional commitment. He also introduced the "Motivating Work Environment Program" and the "Institutional Engagement Platform," which enables government agencies to monitor moral performance indicators and improve motivation strategies. The ceremony included panel discussions and a presentation of several success stories in the field of employee engagement within government agencies. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has won first place in the government ministries category, while the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing came in second, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology emerged third. In the institutions, councils, and public bodies category, the National Competitiveness Center bagged the first place, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property came in second, and the General Authority for Endowments bagged the third place. In the educational and training institutions category, Al-Majmaa University has won first place, followed by Najran University, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. It is noteworthy that the Career Engagement Program is one of the strategic initiatives of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. It aims to promote a culture of high performance, create a positive competitive environment among government agencies, and encourage the exchange of best practices in the field of human capital management and development. Saudi employee engagement refers to the level of enthusiasm, dedication, and connection that employees in Saudi Arabia feel towards their work and their organizations. It encompasses how emotionally invested employees are in their jobs, their commitment to the company's goals, and their willingness to go the extra mile. High employee engagement is linked to increased productivity, improved performance, and a more positive work environment. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
06-06-2025
- Arab News
Saudi AI system enhances Hajj security, management
MAKKAH: The Saudi Data and AI Authority has supported government efforts for this year's Hajj season through its Sawaher system, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday. Sawaher was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and uses data and AI technology to analyze broadcasts, video recordings, and images captured by smart cameras. The initiative enhances analytical capabilities and contributes to a safer Hajj experience, the SPA reported. The system helps manage and analyze large datasets and produces tailored analysis of pilgrims' behavior. It 'uses advanced algorithms for density and crowd counting, supporting government agencies in implementing Hajj plans and estimating pilgrim numbers.' The system also provides real-time updates. For Hajj, more than 5,000 cameras have been integrated into the Sawaher system, covering more than 80 permanent and seasonal locations across the holy sites and key entry points. This network supports the work of 18 government agencies and more than 600 personnel, according to the SPA. The system offers more than 80 services and is operable on 100 workstations in operations rooms and monitoring centers, contributing to improved response efficiency during the Hajj season.
