Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three dividend stocks—Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, and Johnson & Johnson—as excellent options for passive income, emphasizing their strong dividend histories and solid business fundamentals. Group 1: Abbott Laboratories - Abbott Laboratories has a long history of dividend payments, dating back to 1924, and has increased its dividend for over 50 consecutive years [4] - The company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.59, which has risen by 146% over the past decade, averaging a compound annual growth rate of 9.4% [5] - Abbott's diverse operations across nutrition, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices contribute to its stability, with over $40 billion in revenue for the past four years and strong free cash flow of $6.7 billion [6][7] Group 2: AbbVie - AbbVie, spun off from Abbott in 2013, has maintained a strong dividend increase streak for 53 consecutive years, with a forward dividend yield of 3.64% [8] - The company has strategically invested in R&D and acquisitions, notably Allergan in 2020, to offset the decline in sales from its key drug Humira, which lost U.S. patent exclusivity in 2023 [9][10] - AbbVie's new drugs, Rinvoq and Skyrizi, are projected to generate combined sales of $31 billion by 2027, surpassing Humira's peak sales [10] Group 3: Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson is a leading healthcare company with a strong pharmaceutical business and a solid financial foundation, evidenced by its AAA credit rating from S&P Global [12] - The company has increased its dividends for 62 consecutive years, positioning it among the elite Dividend Kings, and is expected to continue this trend despite facing legal and regulatory challenges [13] - The defensive nature of the healthcare industry suggests that Johnson & Johnson will remain resilient during economic downturns, making it a strong choice for income-seeking investors [11]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses three dividend stocks: Energy Transfer, Clearway Energy, and Starbucks, highlighting their potential for generating passive income and growth opportunities for investors. Group 1: Energy Transfer - Energy Transfer offers a 7.7% dividend yield, positioning it as a strong investment for those optimistic about the U.S. energy sector [4] - The company is expanding its operations to meet increasing domestic energy demand and is involved in significant projects, including a major LNG export terminal in Louisiana [6][7] - CEO Marshall McCrea anticipates important announcements regarding gas supply for data centers, aligning with government initiatives to boost domestic energy production [5] Group 2: Clearway Energy - Clearway Energy has a forward yield of 6.1% and operates a clean energy portfolio of 11.8 GW across 26 states, making it less vulnerable to oil price fluctuations [8][9] - The company has secured long-term power purchase agreements, providing stability in cash flows and supporting its dividend payments [10] - In 2024, Clearway's dividends of $334 million were fully covered by its cash available for distribution, indicating strong financial health [11] Group 3: Starbucks - Starbucks has consistently raised its dividend since 2010, with the current yield approaching 3%, appealing to income-focused investors [12][13] - The company is undergoing a management transition, which has led to recent challenges, but long-term investors may find value at current stock prices [14][17] - The potential resolution of trade tensions could significantly benefit Starbucks, especially given its exposure to the Chinese market [15][16]

The utility sector has been a sleepy industry over the years. These companies generate very stable earnings backed by government-regulated rate structures. Because governments set rates, utilities don't grow that fast. However, these companies tend to generate lots of stable income, which gives them money to pay lucrative dividends. Black Hills (BKH -0.65%), Dominion (D 0.13%), and Duke Energy (DUK 0.21%) currently stand out to a few Fool.com contributors for their high-yielding payouts. Here's why they bel ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the availability of attractive investment opportunities regardless of market conditions, highlighting the importance of a diversified portfolio in real estate investment trusts (REITs) [1]. Group 1: Company and Analyst Background - Austin Rogers is identified as a REIT specialist with a professional background in commercial real estate, focusing on high-quality dividend growth stocks to generate safe and growing passive income [1]. - The investing group High Yield Landlord is noted as one of the largest real estate investment communities on Seeking Alpha, providing exclusive research and access to analysts [1]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The investment strategy discussed revolves around a lifelong holding period, prioritizing portfolio income growth over total returns [1].

Group 1 - The concept of achieving financial independence or retirement often requires substantial capital accumulation over many years [1] - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, focusing on corporate financial strategies and large-scale financings [1] - Berzins has contributed to the institutionalization of the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance liquidity in pan-Baltic capital markets [1] Group 2 - His policy-level work includes developing national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks to channel private capital into affordable housing [1] - Berzins holds a CFA Charter and an ESG investing certificate, and has interned at the Chicago Board of Trade [1] - He is actively involved in thought-leadership activities aimed at supporting the development of pan-Baltic capital markets [1]

Company Overview - Realty Income is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on the retail industry, owning approximately 15,600 properties globally and maintaining significant cash and credit for acquisitions [5] - The company has expanded its focus beyond the U.S. and essentials retailers, with over 14% of its properties now in industrials and more than 11% located in the U.K. [6] Business Model and Resilience - Realty Income's model is tariff-resistant, primarily leasing to large, established retail chains that are likely to continue paying rent even during economic downturns [9] - The company benefits from a diverse tenant base, with grocery and convenience stores making up over 20% of its properties, and top clients including 7-Eleven, Dollar General, and Walgreens [7] Growth Opportunities - Realty Income has identified a global addressable market of $14 trillion and sourced $43 billion in opportunities for 2024, indicating strong growth potential [10] - The company plans to grow through property acquisitions and by acquiring smaller REITs, with decreasing interest rates facilitating easier capital access for these activities [10] Dividend Performance - Realty Income has a long-standing history of paying monthly dividends for over 54 years, with a track record of 658 consecutive months [12] - The current dividend yield is approximately 5.6%, which is more than three times the average S&P 500 dividend yield, providing a secure passive income stream [13][14]

Core Viewpoint - Investing in monthly dividend stocks, particularly real estate investment trusts (REITs), provides a reliable source of passive income, making them attractive options for investors seeking regular cash flow [3][12]. Group 1: Monthly Dividend Stocks - Several REITs, including Agree Realty, EPR Properties, and Stag Industrial, offer monthly dividend payments, making them suitable for investors looking for consistent income [3][12]. - Agree Realty has a dividend yield of approximately 4%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of less than 1.5% [4]. - EPR Properties boasts a higher dividend yield of over 7%, focusing on experiential properties like movie theaters and attractions [7]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Stability - Agree Realty maintains a low dividend payout ratio of 72% of its adjusted funds from operations (FFO), allowing for cash retention to invest in additional properties [6]. - EPR Properties expects its payout ratio to be between 69% and 72% of its adjusted FFO, providing a cushion for new investments while covering high-yield payouts [8]. - Stag Industrial has a 74% dividend payout ratio, generating about $95 million in annual free cash flow after dividends, which supports new investments [10]. Group 3: Growth Potential - Agree Realty has demonstrated a 5.5% compound annual dividend growth over the past decade, supported by a stable income from its retail property portfolio [6]. - EPR Properties anticipates annual FFO per share growth of 3% to 4%, aligning with its investment capacity of $200 million to $300 million each year [8]. - Stag Industrial has consistently increased its dividend since going public in 2011, driven by rental increases and value-enhancing acquisitions [11]. Group 4: Investment Strategy - The REITs mentioned are characterized by their ability to generate sufficient cash flow to cover dividends while also investing in portfolio expansion, which contributes to rental income growth [12]. - Agree Realty focuses on single-tenant properties with strong retailers, while Stag Industrial targets industrial properties with potential for higher returns through lease escalations and expansions [5][11].

Core Insights - The energy midstream sector is attractive for investors seeking passive income due to stable cash flows from oil and gas transportation through pipelines [1] - Enbridge, Enterprise Products Partners, and Kinder Morgan are highlighted as top options for generating passive income in this sector [2] Enbridge - Enbridge is a significant player in the midstream sector, with approximately 75% of its EBITDA linked to oil and natural gas pipelines [3] - The company has a strong history of dividend increases, with a streak of 30 years, supported by its diversified portfolio that includes regulated natural gas utilities and renewable power investments [4][5] - Enbridge offers a dividend yield of 5.8%, making it a suitable long-term investment for dividend-focused investors [6] Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners operates a vast pipeline network exceeding 50,000 miles and has a strong track record of capital management and shareholder rewards [7] - The company has increased its dividend for 26 consecutive years, with distributable cash flows covering dividend payouts by at least 1.5 times since 2018 [8] - Major projects worth $6 billion are expected to come online this year, enhancing the company's earnings and cash flow, with a current dividend yield of 6.8% [9] Kinder Morgan - Kinder Morgan has a dividend yield of approximately 4.5%, supported by stable cash flows from long-term fee-based contracts, with less than 45% of cash flows paid out as dividends [10] - The company has a backlog of $8.8 billion in growth capital projects, primarily focused on natural gas pipeline expansions, with significant visibility into future cash flow growth [11] - Demand for natural gas is increasing, driven by factors such as AI data centers and the electrification of transportation, positioning Kinder Morgan for continued expansion and dividend growth [12][13]

Group 1: Coca-Cola (KO) - Coca-Cola stock is up over 16% in 2025, contrasting with a more than 5% decline in the S&P 500 index, indicating its status as a safe haven during market turbulence [3][6] - The stock offers a near 2.8% dividend yield and is relatively insulated from tariffs due to local production and minimal exposure to packaging material costs [4][6] - Coca-Cola's core beverage is considered a consumer staple, making it less vulnerable to economic downturns [5] Group 2: Waste Management (WM) - WM stock has increased over 13% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7] - The company reported a 16.7% increase in revenue and a 12.2% growth in adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025, largely due to the acquisition of Stericycle for $7.2 billion [8][9] - WM benefits from long-term contracts and a diverse customer base, providing insulation from economic fluctuations and trade tensions [10][11] - The company has consistently increased its dividend, with a 10% raise to $3.30 per share, and has reduced its share count by 11% over the last decade [12][13] Group 3: American Electric Power (AEP) - AEP stock has risen over 17% in 2025, outperforming the S&P 500, which has declined more than 5% [14] - The company operates as a regulated utility, ensuring stable returns and predictable financial planning for capital expenditures, including $54 billion for infrastructure upgrades from 2025 to 2029 [16] - AEP has maintained an average payout ratio of 69% over the past five years, balancing shareholder value growth with necessary upgrades [17] - Currently, AEP is valued at 8.9 times operating cash flow, below its five-year average of 9.3, making it an attractive option for income investors [18]

Core Viewpoint - Investing in W.P. Carey provides an opportunity for passive income through its high-yield real estate investment trust (REIT) structure, which offers a nearly 6% yield compared to the S&P 500's sub-1.5% dividend yield [2] Group 1: Company Overview - W.P. Carey owns a diversified portfolio of 1,614 high-quality commercial properties across North America and Europe, including industrial, warehouse, and retail spaces, secured by long-term net leases [3] - The REIT's net lease portfolio generates stable and growing rental income, with half of its leases linked to inflation and 47% raising rents at a fixed rate [4] Group 2: Financial Strategy - W.P. Carey aims to distribute 70% to 75% of its stable cash flow as dividends while retaining the remainder for reinvestment in income-generating real estate [5] - The company has invested $1.6 billion in new properties last year and plans to invest between $1 billion and $1.5 billion this year, with $448.6 million already completed [8] Group 3: Growth and Dividend Policy - Rising rental income from existing properties and strategic investments in new properties provide a solid growth base for W.P. Carey [6] - The company has increased its dividend by 2.9% over the past year and aims to grow its payout in line with its adjusted funds from operations (FFO), which rose by 2.6% in the first quarter [9]