Is NREF a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NREF) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 47.9/100. It is ranked #1,828 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 70/100, Value 51/100, Momentum 37/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for NREF?

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NREF) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 47.9 ranks it #1,828 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is NREF in?

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. operates in the Financials sector (Trading industry) with a market cap of $247 million. It is classified as a micro-cap stock.

Does NREF pay a dividend?

Yes, NREF pays a dividend with a current yield of 14.10%. The Financials sector average yield is 2.48%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $141.00 in annual dividend income.

What is NREF's P/E ratio?

NREF has a trailing P/E ratio of 2.02x. The Financials sector average is 14.9x. This below-average P/E may indicate the stock is undervalued.

How profitable is NREF?

NREF's quality factor score is 70/100. Gross margin: 0.0%. ROE: 31.6% vs sector average 8.5%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is NREF valued compared to peers?

NREF's value factor score is 51/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 2.0x, EV/EBITDA 68.6x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is NREF's debt level?

NREF's debt-to-equity ratio is 199%. Sector average: 121%. Elevated leverage increases credit risk.

NREF has a beta of 0.59, meaning it is less volatile than the market. Stability score: 75/100.

Does NREF have high short interest?

NREF's short interest factor score is 5/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

NREF Stock Analysis: Top Micro-Cap Hold (Score 47.9/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
NREF	-0.65%	+3.22%	-5.55%	-2.06%	+8.16%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLF	-1.09%	+2.50%	+1.42%	-7.30%	+10.59%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-0.58%	-0.38%	-5.88%	-1.70%	-21.37%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	+0.44%	+0.72%	-6.97%	+5.24%	-2.43%	-	-	-

Metric	NREF	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	2.0x	-86%
EV/EBITDA	68.6x	+2006%
Price / Book	0.6x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
WTM WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP LTD	63	80	79	54	8.9x	10.1%	96.3%	20.1%	1.6%	14.0x	$5.4B	VS
OPY OPPENHEIMER HOLDINGS INC	63	68	79	63	10.4x	9.9%	0.0%	6.5%	37.5%	273.0x	$959M	VS
ACT Enact Holdings, Inc.	62	81	76	52	8.7x	12.7%	88.5%	55.0%	4.2%	14.0x	$5.7B	VS
IGIC International General Insurance Holdings Ltd.	61	74	93	50	8.6x	82.6%	59.9%	25.1%	-	0.0x	$1.1B	VS
PKBK PARKE BANCORP, INC.	60	60	77	65	9.8x	10.5%	-	24.8%	20.9%	593.0x	$335M	VS
SSSS SURO CAPITAL CORP.	60	89	33	65	4.7x	30.9%	0.0%	-752.0%	-48.3%	34.0x	$290M	VS
CB Chubb Ltd	59	67	71	52	12.8x	12.5%	0.0%	16.6%	15.6%	20.0x	$128.0B	VS
RRBI RED RIVER BANCSHARES INC	59	59	69	68	15.0x	11.0%	0.0%	27.5%	13.3%	818.0x	$607M	VS
UFCS UNITED FIRE GROUP INC	59	64	78	58	9.8x	10.6%	100.0%	7.3%	17.5%	308.0x	$936M	VS
SPFI SOUTH PLAINS FINANCIAL, INC.	58	59	73	55	12.8x	11.0%	0.0%	21.7%	9.0%	807.0x	$690M	VS
NREF NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc.	48	70	51	37	2.0x	31.6%	0.0%	250.9%	85.4%	199.0x	$247M

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
Gross Margin %	0.0%	-	-	-	-	-	1.0%
Operating Margin %	0.3%	0.3%	-0.3%	-0.4%	0.3%	0.5%	0.0%
EBITDA Margin %	0.3%	0.3%	-0.3%	-0.4%	0.3%	0.5%	0.7%
Net Margin %	2.5%	2.6%	1.3%	1.1%	0.4%	3.2%	1.9%
FCF Margin %	937.0%	-	-	-	-	-	-
ROE %	0.3%	0.3%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.3%	0.3%
ROA %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
ROIC %	0.0%	0.9%	-0.6%	-0.3%	0.5%	0.6%	0.0%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
	$49M	$47M	$28M	$17M	$38M	$26M	$18M
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$18M
Gross Margin	0.0%	---	---	---	---	---	100.0%
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$5M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$34M	$37M	$23M	$26M	$14M	—
	$15M	$13M	-$9M	-$7M	$12M	$12M	$0
EBIT	$15M	$13M	-$9M	-$7M	$12M	$12M	$0
EBITDA	$15M	$13M	-$9M	-$7M	$12M	$12M	$13M
Operating Margin	30.4%	28.6%	-30.2%	-39.0%	30.6%	46.9%	0.0%
EBITDA Margin	30.6%	28.6%	-30.2%	-39.0%	30.6%	46.9%	74.8%
	—	—	—	$52M	$40M	$30M	$21M
	—	$123M	$36M	$19M	$14M	$83M	—
	$122M	$123M	$36M	$19M	$14M	$83M	$34M
Net Margin	250.9%	261.0%	127.8%	111.6%	37.7%	320.4%	193.4%
	$4.28	$4.28	$1.02	$0.60	$0.22	$6.00	$2.13
Diluted EPS	$4.28	$2.85	$1.02	$0.60	$0.22	$3.93	$2.13
Weighted Avg Basic	—	18M	17M	17M	15M	7M	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	42M	17M	17M	15M	20M	—

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NREF) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. Do?

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. operates as a real estate finance company in the United States. It focuses on originating, structuring, and investing in first mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, and preferred stock, as well as multifamily commercial mortgage backed securities securitizations. The company intends to qualify as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes. It generally would not be subject to federal corporate income taxes if it distributes at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders. The company was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Dallas, Texas. NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NREF) is classified as a micro-cap stock in the Financials sector, specifically within the Trading industry. The company is led by CEO Brian Mitts and employs approximately 1 people. With a market capitalization of $247M, NREF is one of the notable companies in the Financials sector.

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NREF) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 47.9/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.NREF ranks #1,828 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Financials sector, NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. ranks #531 of 891 stocks, placing it in the lower half of its Financials peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

NREF Stock Price and 52-Week Range

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NREF) currently trades at $13.88. The 52-week high for NREF is $16.80, which means the stock is currently trading -17.4% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $12.14, putting the stock 14.3% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 0 shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is NREF Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NREF) carries a value factor score of 51/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 2.02x, compared to the Financials sector average of 14.88x — a discount of 86%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 0.64x, versus the sector average of 1.22x. The price-to-sales ratio is 5.10x, compared to 0.90x for the average Financials stock. On an enterprise value basis, NREF trades at 68.64x EV/EBITDA, versus 3.26x for the sector.

Overall, NREF's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NREF) earns a quality factor score of 70/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 31.6%, compared to the Financials sector average of 8.5%, which demonstrates strong shareholder value creation. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 2.3% versus the sector average of 1.2%.

On a margin basis, NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. reports gross margins of 0.0%. The operating margin is 30.4% (sector: 21.8%). Net profit margin stands at 250.9%, versus 17.7% for the average Financials stock. Revenue growth is running at 85.4% on a trailing basis, compared to 9.4% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

NREF Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. has a debt-to-equity ratio of 199.0%, compared to the Financials sector average of 121.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 1.19x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage. Total debt on the balance sheet is $771M. Cash and equivalents stand at $18M.

NREF has a beta of 0.59, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. is 75/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. reported revenue of $49M and earnings per share (EPS) of $4.28. Net income for the quarter was $122M. Gross margin was 0.0%. Operating income came in at $15M.

In FY 2025, NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. reported revenue of $47M and earnings per share (EPS) of $4.28. Net income for the quarter was $123M. Revenue grew 67.7% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $13M.

In Q3 2025, NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. reported revenue of $12M and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.98. Net income for the quarter was $51M. Revenue grew -0.2% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $4M.

In Q2 2025, NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. reported revenue of $12M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.69. Net income for the quarter was $22M. Revenue grew 79.1% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $3M.

Over the past 8 quarters, NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $7M to $49M. Investors analyzing NREF stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

NREF Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NREF) currently pays a dividend yield of 14.1%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in NREF stock would generate approximately $$1410.00 in annual dividend income. This compares to the Financials sector average dividend yield of 2.5%, meaning NREF offers above-average income for its sector. With a net margin of 250.9%, the dividend appears well-covered by earnings, suggesting sustainable payouts going forward.

NREF Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NREF) has a momentum factor score of 37/100, signaling weak relative price performance. Stocks with low momentum scores have historically tended to continue underperforming in the near term. The investment factor score is 21/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 5/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

NREF vs Competitors — Financials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Financials sector, NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NREF) ranks #531 out of 891 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places NREF in the lower half of all Financials stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP LTD (WTM) with a score of 62.9/100, OPPENHEIMER HOLDINGS INC (OPY) with a score of 62.6/100, Enact Holdings, Inc. (ACT) with a score of 61.6/100, International General Insurance Holdings Ltd. (IGIC) with a score of 61.3/100, and PARKE BANCORP, INC. (PKBK) with a score of 60.4/100.

Comparing NREF against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full NREF vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

NREF Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NREF) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy NREF? — Investment Thesis Summary

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. The quality score of 70/100 indicates above-average profitability and business fundamentals. Momentum is weak at 37/100, a headwind for near-term performance. Low volatility (stability score 75/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NREF) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 47.9/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on NREF stock.

Related Resources for NREF Investors

Explore more research and tools: NREF vs S&P 500 comparison, top Financials stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare NREF head-to-head with peers: NREF vs WTM, NREF vs OPY, NREF vs ACT.

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