Yahoo Finance·2025-12-21 18:57Core Insights - Investing in dividend stocks is advantageous as they historically provide higher total returns compared to non-dividend payers, particularly those that consistently grow dividends [1] Group 1: Dividend Growth and Performance - Realty Income has a strong track record, having increased its monthly dividend payment 133 times since its public listing in 1994, with a current yield of 5.7% and a 4.2% compound annual growth rate [4] - Mid-America Apartment Communities has extended its dividend growth streak to 16 years, with a current yield of 4.5% and a 7% compound annual growth rate over the last decade [8] - Rexford Industrial Realty has achieved a 15% compound annual dividend growth rate over the past five years, showcasing its strong performance in the REIT sector [7] Group 2: Financial Strength and Investment Opportunities - Realty Income maintains a conservative dividend payout ratio of around 75% of its adjusted funds from operations, allowing for cash retention to invest in new properties [5] - The company has identified $97 billion in potential investment opportunities, with a long-term growth runway supported by $14 trillion of suitable real estate for net leases across the U.S. and Europe [6]