3 Unstoppable Ultra-High-Yield Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $500
The Motley Fool·2025-07-28 01:17

Core Insights - The S&P 500 index has a low dividend yield of 1.2%, while healthcare stocks average just under 1.8%, but certain healthcare REITs offer yields three to four times higher [1] Group 1: Impact of COVID-19 on Senior Housing REITs - The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected nursing homes and senior housing properties, leading to decreased occupancy levels and increased move-outs, including deaths [2] - Some major healthcare REITs, such as Ventas and Welltower, cut their dividends during the pandemic, while LTC Properties and Omega Healthcare Investors maintained their dividends [4] Group 2: Current Opportunities in Senior Housing REITs - LTC Properties and Omega Healthcare Investors are positioned to benefit from the increasing demand for senior housing as the population ages, with current yields of 6.9% and 6.4% respectively [6] - The demographic trend indicates a significant rise in the oldest population cohort, which will require more assistance with daily needs [6] Group 3: Universal Health Realty Trust - Universal Health Realty Trust has a strong track record of increasing its dividend annually for 40 consecutive years, currently offering a yield of 7.1% [7] - The REIT focuses on medical office properties, with its largest tenant being Universal Health Services, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest [8] - Despite a historical average dividend growth of 1.5% per year, the high yield may appeal to income-focused investors [9] Group 4: Investment Considerations - LTC Properties and Omega Healthcare Investors avoided dividend cuts during the pandemic and are now well-positioned for future growth [10] - A $500 investment can yield approximately 13 shares of either LTC or Omega, or around 12 shares of Universal Health Realty Trust [11]