MFAO
MFA Financial, Inc. 9.000% Senior Notes
REIT - Mortgage
Market Cap$2.56B
5Y Perf.-0.3%
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Stock Comparison
MFAO vs BXMT
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
BXMT
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.
REIT - Mortgage
Market Cap$3.23B
5Y Perf.+8.6%
MFAO vs BXMT — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | MFAO | BXMT |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | REIT - Mortgage | REIT - Mortgage |
| Market Cap | $2.56B | $3.23B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $650M | $1.54B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $135M | $104M |
| Gross Margin | 59.3% | 62.6% |
| Operating Margin | 41.0% | 58.3% |
| Forward P/E | 18.4x | 12.0x |
| Total Debt | $10.99B | $16.16B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $213M | $453M |
MFAO vs BXMT — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
MFAO
BXMT
| Stock | Apr 24 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFA Financial, Inc.… (MFAO) | 100 | 99.7 | -0.3% |
| Blackstone Mortgage… (BXMT) | 100 | 108.6 | +8.6% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: MFAO vs BXMT
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: MFAO leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency and recent price momentum and sentiment. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
MFAO
MFA Financial, Inc. 9.000% Senior Notes
The Real Estate Income Play
MFAO carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 1 yrs, beta 0.60, yield 7.1%
- Rev growth 213.0%, EPS growth 104.9%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.60, current ratio 2.18x
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
BXMT
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.
The Real Estate Income Play
BXMT is the clearest fit if your priority is long-term compounding.
- 50.5% 10Y total return vs MFAO's 18.8%
- Lower P/E (12.0x vs 18.4x)
- +12.1% vs MFAO's +10.9%
Best for: long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | MFAO | 213.0% FFO/revenue growth vs BXMT's -14.0% |
| Value | BXMT | Lower P/E (12.0x vs 18.4x) |
| Quality / Margins | MFAO | 20.7% margin vs BXMT's 6.7% |
| Stability / Safety | MFAO | Beta 0.60 vs BXMT's 0.74 |
| Dividends | MFAO | 7.1% yield, 1-year raise streak, vs BXMT's 9.9% |
| Momentum (1Y) | BXMT | +12.1% vs MFAO's +10.9% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | MFAO | 1.1% ROA vs BXMT's 0.5%, ROIC 4.4% vs 4.3% |
MFAO vs BXMT — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLBXMTLAGGINGMFAO
MFAOMFA Financial, Inc. 9…
2leads
BXMTBlackstone Mortgage T…
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs MFAOMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
BXMT3/5
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
BXMT5/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
MFAO6/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
BXMT4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
MFAO2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
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Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
BXMT leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
BXMT is the larger business by revenue, generating $1.5B annually — 2.4x MFAO's $650M. MFAO is the more profitable business, keeping 20.7% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to BXMT's 6.7%. On growth, MFAO holds the edge at +118.9% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | MFAOMFA Financial, In… | BXMTBlackstone Mortga… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $650M | $1.5B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $268M | $948M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $135M | $104M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $91M | $335M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +59.3% | +62.6% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +41.0% | +58.3% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +20.7% | +6.7% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +14.0% | +21.8% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +118.9% | +4.0% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -103.0% | — |
BXMT leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
BXMT leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 15.0x trailing earnings, MFAO trades at a 50% valuation discount to BXMT's 29.9x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, BXMT's 16.3x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than MFAO's 19.3x.
| Metric | MFAOMFA Financial, In… | BXMTBlackstone Mortga… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $2.6B | $3.2B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $13.3B | $18.9B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 14.99x | 29.92x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 18.36x | 11.98x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 19.33x | 16.35x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 2.92x | 2.12x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.45x | 0.93x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 33.55x | 11.71x |
BXMT leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
MFAO leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
MFAO delivers a 7.4% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $7 in annual profit, vs $3 for BXMT. BXMT carries lower financial leverage with a 4.61x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to MFAO's 6.01x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), BXMT scores 6/9 vs MFAO's 5/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | MFAOMFA Financial, In… | BXMTBlackstone Mortga… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +7.4% | +2.9% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +1.1% | +0.5% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +4.4% | +4.3% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +5.8% | +11.3% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 6 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 6.01x | 4.61x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $10.8B | $15.7B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $213M | $453M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $11.0B | $16.2B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 1.34x | 1.11x |
MFAO leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
BXMT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in MFAO five years ago would be worth $11,880 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $9,591 for BXMT. Over the past 12 months, BXMT leads with a +12.1% total return vs MFAO's +10.9%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors BXMT at 14.0% vs MFAO's 5.9% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | MFAOMFA Financial, In… | BXMTBlackstone Mortga… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +3.2% | +0.7% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +10.9% | +12.1% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +18.8% | +48.1% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +18.8% | -4.1% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +18.8% | +50.5% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +5.9% | +14.0% |
BXMT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
MFAO leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
MFAO is the less volatile stock with a 0.60 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than BXMT's 0.74 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. MFAO currently trades 97.8% from its 52-week high vs BXMT's 92.6% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | MFAOMFA Financial, In… | BXMTBlackstone Mortga… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.60x | 0.74x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $25.75 | $20.67 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $8.52 | $17.67 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +97.8% | +92.6% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 60.6 | 47.5 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 21K | 1.4M |
MFAO leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — MFAO and BXMT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
For income investors, BXMT offers the higher dividend yield at 9.86% vs MFAO's 7.11%.
| Metric | MFAOMFA Financial, In… | BXMTBlackstone Mortga… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | — | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | — |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | — | 18 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +7.1% | +9.9% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 1 | 0 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.79 | $1.89 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +0.6% | +3.4% |
Evenly matched — MFAO and BXMT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
BXMT leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics). MFAO leads in 2 (Profitability & Efficiency, Risk & Volatility). 1 tied.
Best OverallBlackstone Mortgage Trust, … (BXMT)Leads 3 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
MFAO vs BXMT: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is MFAO or BXMT a better buy right now?
For growth investors, MFA Financial, Inc.
9. 000% Senior Notes (MFAO) is the stronger pick with 213. 0% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -14. 0% for Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. (BXMT). MFA Financial, Inc. 9. 000% Senior Notes (MFAO) offers the better valuation at 15. 0x trailing P/E (18. 4x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. (BXMT) a "Hold" — based on 18 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — MFAO or BXMT?
On trailing P/E, MFA Financial, Inc.
9. 000% Senior Notes (MFAO) is the cheapest at 15. 0x versus Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. at 29. 9x. On forward P/E, Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. is actually cheaper at 12. 0x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — MFAO or BXMT?
Over the past 5 years, MFA Financial, Inc.
9. 000% Senior Notes (MFAO) delivered a total return of +18. 8%, compared to -4. 1% for Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. (BXMT). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: BXMT returned +50. 5% versus MFAO's +18. 8%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — MFAO or BXMT?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), MFA Financial, Inc.
9. 000% Senior Notes (MFAO) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 60β versus Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. 's 0. 74β — meaning BXMT is approximately 24% more volatile than MFAO relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. (BXMT) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 5% versus 6% for MFA Financial, Inc. 9. 000% Senior Notes — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — MFAO or BXMT?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), MFA Financial, Inc.
9. 000% Senior Notes (MFAO) is pulling ahead at 213. 0% versus -14. 0% for Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. (BXMT). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. grew EPS 154. 7% year-over-year, compared to 104. 9% for MFA Financial, Inc. 9. 000% Senior Notes. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — MFAO or BXMT?
MFA Financial, Inc.
9. 000% Senior Notes (MFAO) is the more profitable company, earning 20. 2% net margin versus 7. 2% for Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — meaning it keeps 20. 2% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: MFAO leads at 78. 8% versus 71. 6% for BXMT. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — MFAO leads at 96. 2%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is MFAO or BXMT more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.
(BXMT) trades at 12. 0x forward P/E versus 18. 4x for MFA Financial, Inc. 9. 000% Senior Notes — 6. 4x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis.
08Which pays a better dividend — MFAO or BXMT?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. (BXMT) offers the highest yield at 9. 9%, versus 7. 1% for MFA Financial, Inc. 9. 000% Senior Notes (MFAO).
09Is MFAO or BXMT better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, MFA Financial, Inc.
9. 000% Senior Notes (MFAO) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 60), 7. 1% yield). Both have compounded well over 10 years (MFAO: +18. 8%, BXMT: +50. 5%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between MFAO and BXMT?
Both stocks operate in the Real Estate sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: MFAO is a small-cap high-growth stock; BXMT is a small-cap income-oriented stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(MFAO: 118.9% · BXMT: 4.0%)Net Margin>
%
(MFAO: 20.7% · BXMT: 6.7%)P/E Ratio<
x
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