3 Dividend Stocks I'm Thankful for This Year

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of generating passive income through dividend-paying stocks, highlighting three key investments: Brookfield Infrastructure, Energy Transfer, and Realty Income, which contribute significantly to financial independence. Brookfield Infrastructure - Brookfield Infrastructure has consistently increased its dividend for 16 consecutive years, with a compound annual growth rate of 9% during this period [3] - The current annualized income yield on the cost basis of Brookfield Infrastructure shares is 9.4%, which is more than double the company's current dividend yield of 3.9% [4] - The company anticipates a dividend growth of 5% to 9% per year, supported by a projected growth in funds from operations (FFO) per share exceeding 10% annually, driven by organic growth and acquisitions [6] Energy Transfer - Energy Transfer has rebounded from a previous distribution cut and now offers a higher distribution level than before the pandemic, making it a top income-generating investment [7][8] - The current annualized yield on the cost basis for Energy Transfer is 10.2%, significantly above its current yield of 8.2% [8] - The company plans to increase its payout by 3% to 5% per year, backed by a multi-billion-dollar backlog of secured expansion projects and a strong financial position [10] Realty Income - Realty Income has a strong track record of delivering dependable monthly dividends, having raised its payment 132 times since its public listing in 1994, including 112 consecutive quarters [13] - The REIT has grown its payout at a compound annual rate of 4.2% and currently offers a dividend yield of 5.62% [13][14] - Realty Income plans to invest approximately $5.5 billion this year, capitalizing on a $14 trillion total investable market opportunity across the U.S. and Europe [14]