AGNC Investment Corp. (AGNC)

Overview

AGNC Investment Corp. operates as a pivotal entity within the United States housing market, providing private capital to accommodate a variety of needs. The organization positions itself as a significant investor in the residential mortgage-backed securities domain, focusing primarily on assets that come with the reliability of government sponsorship or guarantee. It operates under the framework of a real estate investment trust (REIT), a designation that allows it to enjoy certain tax advantages, provided it adheres to specific income distribution guidelines. Originally known as American Capital Agency Corp., the company underwent a rebranding in September 2016 to its current designation, signaling a strategic realignment or expansion of its business model. Founded in 2008, AGNC Investment Corp. is based in Bethesda, Maryland, demonstrating a blend of experience and strategic positioning within the financial and housing sector.

Products and Services

• Residential Mortgage Pass-Through Securities

  These are investments in pools of residential mortgages that have been securitized. Essentially, the cash flow from the underlying mortgages is passed through to investors. These securities are appealing because they are backed by the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) or government agencies, which minimizes the risk of default.

• Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMOs)

  CMOs are a type of mortgage-backed security in which mortgages are pooled and then dissected into various tranches that have different levels of priority in the cash flow from the pool. This structure allows investors to select tranches that match their risk appetite and investment horizon. Just like the residential mortgage pass-through securities, the principal and interest payments of CMOs that AGNC Investment Corp. invests in are guaranteed by a U.S. government-sponsored enterprise or agency.