Is Realty Income Stock a Long-Term Buy?

Core Viewpoint - Realty Income has experienced significant gains in 2023, emerging as one of the market's top dividend stocks after a period of underperformance [1][2] Company Overview - Realty Income is a leading real estate investment trust (REIT) that focuses on acquiring and leasing consumer-facing commercial properties, such as restaurants and retail stores [4] - The company is known as "The Monthly Dividend Company," with a current dividend yield of 4.9% and a history of raising dividends for over 31 consecutive years [5] Financial Performance - Realty Income's stock price is currently $66.45, with a market capitalization of $61 billion [7] - The stock has shown resilience, maintaining rental income during the pandemic and adjusting to post-pandemic inflation and interest rate hikes [7][9] Dividend Stability - The company's dividend remains a cornerstone of its success, supported by a healthy payout ratio of 76% and a strong A- credit rating, indicating a secure dividend outlook [11] Growth Prospects - Realty Income is diversifying its portfolio beyond retail, acquiring properties in casino gaming and data centers, and expanding into European markets [12] - The stock is trading at a reasonable valuation of 15 to 16 times funds from operations, suggesting potential for future growth [12]