When you see a high-yielding stock like Annaly Capital Management (NLY -0.32%) or American Capital Agency (AGNC -0.11%), you should immediately wonder whether it's too risky to invest in. In hindsight, I think most investors agree that this would have been a prudent thing to contemplate two years ago -- that is, before these companies slashed their dividends, took large hits to their book values, and watched as their share prices plummeted.

But is it possible for a stock to have both a high yield and offer safety of principal? Motley Fool contributor John Maxfield thinks so. In the following video, he explains why New York Community Bancorp (NYCB -3.77%) fits this bill.