The Best High-Yield Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of focusing on reliable dividend-paying companies rather than being lured by high yields that may not be sustainable. Group 1: REITs Overview - Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are structured to pass income to investors in a tax-efficient manner, avoiding corporate-level taxation if they distribute at least 90% of their taxable income as dividends [2] - REITs generally offer attractive dividends and larger yields compared to traditional stocks [2] Group 2: Federal Realty Investment Trust - Federal Realty (FRT) is highlighted as a leading REIT with a consistent dividend history, having increased its dividend annually for 58 consecutive years, earning it the title of Dividend King [4] - The company focuses on quality assets, owning approximately 100 strip malls and mixed-use properties located near affluent population centers, and actively manages its portfolio to enhance property value [5] - Federal Realty's current dividend yield is 4.4%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of 1.1% and the average REIT yield of 3.9% [7] Group 3: Other Reliable Dividend Payers - Realty Income (O) is another reliable REIT, having increased its dividend annually for 30 years with a current yield of 5.4% [11] - Realty Income owns over 15,500 properties across the U.S. and Europe, primarily in retail, but also includes industrial properties and unique assets like data centers and casinos [13] Group 4: Caution with High-Yield REITs - AGNC Investment (AGNC) is presented as a cautionary example, offering a high yield of 12.5% but with a volatile dividend history that has trended lower over the past decade [8][10] - The article warns that high yields alone do not guarantee reliable income, and investors should consider the stability of dividends before making investment decisions [16]