What Is the Best High-Yield Dividend Stock to Buy for Passive Income?

Core Viewpoint - Investing in high-yielding dividend stocks, particularly Realty Income, is an effective strategy for generating passive income due to its strong financial profile and consistent dividend growth [1][14]. Company Overview - Realty Income is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that offers a high-yielding dividend, currently exceeding 5.5%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of less than 1.5% [4]. - The REIT has a robust financial foundation, supported by a diverse portfolio of over 15,600 rental properties across various sectors, including retail, industrial, and gaming [5][12]. Financial Performance - Realty Income generates approximately 91% of its rental income from industries that are resilient to economic downturns, ensuring stable cash flow [6]. - The company has maintained a conservative payout ratio of about 75% of its adjusted funds from operations (FFO), allowing it to retain nearly $1 billion in excess free cash annually for further investments [7]. Dividend History - Realty Income has a remarkable track record of dividend payments, having declared 660 consecutive monthly dividends since its public listing in 1994, with no suspensions or reductions [9]. - The REIT has increased its dividend payment 131 times since going public, achieving 30 consecutive years of dividend growth at a compound annual growth rate of 4.2% [11]. Growth Potential - Realty Income has expanded its total addressable market (TAM) to $14 trillion by diversifying into various property types, including industrial and gaming, and is targeting $4 billion in acquisitions this year [12][13]. - The company is also developing a credit investment platform and a U.S. private capital fund, which will further enhance its growth opportunities [13].