This S&P 500 Stock Has a Tremendous 5.6% Yield and Pays Monthly Dividends

Company Overview - Realty Income is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns a portfolio of over 15,600 properties across North America and Europe [2] - The company employs a net lease approach, where tenants are responsible for most property-level operating costs, reducing expenses and risk for Realty Income [4] Business Model - The majority of Realty Income's revenue comes from single-tenant retail assets, which account for nearly 75% of its rent roll, while the remaining 25% includes industrial assets and unique properties like vineyards and casinos [5] - Realty Income is primarily considered a retail REIT, but it offers geographic and property type diversification [5] Dividend Performance - Realty Income offers a dividend yield of 5.6%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 1.3% and the average REIT's 4% [7] - The company has a strong track record of increasing its dividend annually for 30 consecutive years, with an average growth rate of around 4% per year [8] - The monthly dividend payments provide a consistent income stream, making it appealing for investors seeking to replace paycheck income [9] Investment Appeal - Realty Income is characterized as a stable investment that may not generate excitement but offers a solid foundation for retirement portfolios focused on income [10] - The combination of high yield, a robust business model, and regular monthly dividends positions Realty Income as a strong option for income-focused investors [10]