This monthly dividend stock is an ideal source of retirement income. Many retirees face a shortfall between their Social Security benefits, savings, and actual income needs. One study found this gap to be as high as 33% for the average U.S. household. As a result, current and future retirees must find additional income sources to live comfortably. Realty Income (O -1.00%) is an excellent choice for those seeking additional income. The real estate investment trust (REIT) owns a reliable and high-quality real ...

Core Insights - Three companies, Realty Income, Verizon, and Pfizer, have consistently raised their dividend payouts for over 16 years while offering attractive yields above 5% [2] Group 1: Realty Income - Realty Income has been providing monthly dividend payments for over 50 years, but its stock price has declined about 22% from its peak three years ago [4] - The company employs net leases, which ensure predictable cash flows, and has raised its dividend 131 times since going public in 1994 [5] - Realty Income's stock currently offers a yield of 5.5%, with total distributions in Q2 increasing by 3.7% year over year [6] - As of June, 98.6% of Realty Income's 15,606 properties were occupied, with an average lease term of nine years, ensuring steady cash flow growth [7] Group 2: Verizon - Verizon's stock is down about 28% from its all-time high in late 2019, yet it has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years, currently offering a yield of 6.1% [8][9] - The company's wireless service revenue rose 2.2% year over year to $20.9 billion in Q2, contributing to a total revenue increase of 5.2% [9] - Verizon has raised its free cash flow forecast for 2025 to between $19.5 billion and $20.5 billion, indicating the ability to maintain dividends while reducing debt [10] Group 3: Pfizer - Pfizer's stock has decreased by about 59% from its 2021 peak, primarily due to concerns over expiring drug patents, but it has raised its dividend every year since 2009, currently offering a yield of 6.8% [11] - The company anticipates a revenue decline of $17 billion to $18 billion due to patent expirations starting in 2026, but it has prepared for this by acquiring Seagen for $43 billion [12] - By 2030, assets from Seagen and other acquisitions are expected to generate over $20 billion in annual sales, potentially allowing Pfizer to continue its dividend-raising streak [13]

Group 1 - REITs are currently an out-of-favor asset class, which is understandable given the massive bull run in the market over the last three years [1] - Value dividend investing is highlighted as an effective investment strategy, allowing investors to acquire quality companies at attractive prices while generating cash flow without selling stock positions [1] - The focus is on building a portfolio of dividend growth stocks, which is seen as a pathway to achieving financial independence through dividend income [1]

These stocks pay big-time dividends. With the market continuing its upward move this year, dividend yields have continued to fall. The S&P 500's yield is around 1.2%, near its lowest level in over two decades. However, several stocks still offer attractive dividend yields. Here are five high-quality dividend stocks with yields well over 5%. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP -0.17%) currently yields around 5.8%, which is higher than the yield of its economically equiv ...

Core Viewpoint - Realty Income (NYSE: O) is highlighted as a strong option for income-seeking investors due to its combination of safety, stability, and income generation [1] Company Summary - Realty Income is recognized for its ability to provide a reliable income stream, making it a popular choice among investors [1] Investment Strategy - The focus is on building a portfolio that balances growth potential with solid fundamentals, emphasizing high-quality businesses with industry-leading profitability and low leverage [2] - The investment approach is geared towards long-term financial independence, with a strategy that includes thoughtful capital allocation and a focus on companies with staying power [2]

Core Viewpoint - Realty Income is poised for a potential recovery in its stock price due to anticipated interest rate cuts, which could enhance its financial performance and attractiveness to investors [1][4][13]. Group 1: Company Overview - Realty Income specializes in single-tenant net-leased properties and has built a substantial portfolio over 56 years, owning or holding interest in over 15,600 properties as of the end of Q2 2025, compared to just above 6,500 properties at its peak in February 2020 [7]. - The company has consistently increased its monthly dividend, including during the pandemic, with a current annual dividend of nearly $3.23 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 5.5%, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average of 1.2% [8]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Realty Income reported revenue of $2.8 billion, reflecting a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2024, while expenses grew by 6%, with interest payments rising by 13% [9]. - The company achieved nearly $447 million in net income attributable to common shareholders in the first two quarters of 2025, marking a 16% year-over-year increase despite higher interest rates [10]. - Realty Income's funds from operations (FFO) for the trailing 12 months exceeded $3.65 billion, resulting in a price-to-FFO ratio of just under 15, which could enhance its attractiveness in a declining interest rate environment [11]. Group 3: Market Outlook - A widely expected interest rate cut in September, with a 95% probability according to futures traders, could serve as a catalyst for Realty Income's stock recovery [4]. - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speculated that the rate cut could be as high as 0.5%, which is more than the previously anticipated 0.25% [5]. - If the forecasted interest rate cut occurs, Realty Income may have increased capacity to refinance debt and pursue property acquisitions, potentially boosting profits and accelerating stock price recovery [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three dividend stocks—Coca-Cola, Realty Income, and Johnson & Johnson—that provide steady income and have a proven track record of performance across various economic conditions [1][2]. Group 1: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola is a globally recognized brand with a diverse product portfolio beyond colas, including Dasani water and Minute Maid juice [4]. - The company has raised its dividend for 63 consecutive years, making it a Dividend King, with a current yield just below 3% and a payout ratio that allows for steady increases [5]. - Despite potential headwinds from currency fluctuations and health trends affecting sugary beverage sales, Coca-Cola's adaptability keeps it in a reliable position [6]. Group 2: Realty Income - Realty Income, known as "The Monthly Dividend Company," has paid dividends for 661 consecutive months, approximately 55 years [7]. - The company operates on a business model of long-term net lease agreements with tenants in stable industries, owning over 15,600 commercial properties with a 98.5% occupancy rate [8]. - Realty Income's predictable cash flow supports a current yield of around 5.6%, and while elevated interest rates have impacted share prices, the fundamentals remain strong [9][10]. Group 3: Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson is another Dividend King, having increased its annual dividend for 63 years, with operations in pharmaceuticals and medical devices [11][12]. - The pharmaceutical segment generates the largest revenue share, while the medical devices segment benefits from consistent demand [12]. - Despite facing litigation risks, the company maintains a strong balance sheet and a payout ratio just over 50%, supporting a dividend yield of about 3% [13][14]. Group 4: Overall Investment Perspective - The three companies—Coca-Cola, Realty Income, and Johnson & Johnson—demonstrate a long history of rewarding shareholders through various market cycles, providing a stable income stream even amidst market volatility [15].

Group 1: Market Overview - The S&P 500 has increased approximately 10% year to date and nearly 20% over the past 12 months, leading to an elevated valuation of about 22 times forward earnings [1] - The current market valuation is comparable to levels seen before the dot-com bust and shortly after the pandemic [1] Group 2: Alphabet (GOOG) - Alphabet is identified as the cheapest stock among the "Magnificent Seven," trading at slightly more than 20 times forward earnings, which is below the group's average of nearly 30 times and the S&P 500's average of about 22 times [5] - Concerns regarding AI impacting Alphabet's search business appear to be overstated, as Google search revenue rose nearly 12% in Q2 to over $54 billion, with AI positively influencing the business [6][7] - Alphabet's strong growth in Google Cloud, which increased by 32%, is partly driven by AI infrastructure and generative AI solutions [7] Group 3: Realty Income (O) - Realty Income has delivered above-average operational returns over the past one, three, and five years, yet trades at a lower earnings multiple of 13 compared to the peer group average of 18, contributing to a high dividend yield of over 5.5% [8] - Potential catalysts for Realty Income's valuation include falling interest rates, which could lower funding costs and enhance the attractiveness of its dividend [9] - The growing need for retirement income may broaden Realty Income's appeal to investors, and the launch of a private fund could enhance its valuation by positioning it as an asset manager [10][11] Group 4: Energy Transfer (ET) - Energy Transfer is one of the largest and most diversified energy midstream companies, with earnings growing at a 10% compound annual rate over the past five years, yet it trades at a low valuation of less than 9 times earnings compared to a peer average of 12 times [12] - The company is investing $5 billion into growth capital projects this year, which is expected to enhance financial results in 2026 and 2027 [13] - Energy Transfer is also working on several projects to supply gas to AI data centers and power plants, with potential for high total returns due to its combination of yield, growth, and low valuation [14]

Group 1 - Realty Income (NYSE: O) is identified as a contrarian investment pick due to its diverse and reliable cash flow [2] - The company's recent earnings report indicates a continued ability to source valuable transactions, supporting its investment appeal [2] - The Value Portfolio employs a fact-based research strategy, including extensive analysis of 10Ks, analyst commentary, market reports, and investor presentations to identify investments [2]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of creating a portfolio that generates income without the need for selling assets, aiming to alleviate the stress of retirement investing [1][2] - It highlights the risks of retirees depleting their savings too quickly, contrasting this with the concept of "shrinkage" in a humorous context [2] - The service offers features such as a model portfolio with buy/sell alerts, preferred and baby bond portfolios for conservative investors, and regular market updates, focusing on community and education [2][4] Group 2 - The article mentions that the service philosophy is centered around the belief that no one should invest alone, promoting a vibrant community for investors [2][4] - It notes that the recommendations provided are closely monitored, with exclusive buy and sell alerts for members [4]