Core Viewpoint - Realty Income is positioned as a defensive investment, providing stability and protection against potential market downturns due to its resilient cash flows and strong financial profile [2][14]. Group 1: Market Context - The S&P 500 has increased by over 15% in the past year and currently trades at more than 20 times forward earnings, indicating a historically high level often preceding market declines [1]. - Preparing portfolios for potential downturns is advisable given these historical trends [2]. Group 2: Company Characteristics - Realty Income has a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate secured by long-term net leases, which require tenants to cover all operating costs [5]. - Approximately 90% of Realty Income's rent comes from tenants in recession-resistant industries, such as grocery and home improvement stores [6]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Realty Income has only experienced one year without growth in adjusted funds from operations (FFO) per share, during the 2009 financial crisis, and has increased its dividend every year since its public listing in 1994 [8]. - The company has a historical average dividend yield of 6% and currently over 5%, contributing to a positive operational total return every year as a public company [8]. Group 4: Volatility and Risk Mitigation - Realty Income is one of the least volatile stocks in the S&P 500, with a beta of 0.5, indicating it has half the volatility of the index [9]. - The company has never cut or suspended its dividend payout, providing investors with a consistent annual base income return of about 6% [10]. Group 5: Financial Strength - Realty Income boasts one of the top 10 balance sheets in the REIT sector, with a strong A3/A- bond rating, low leverage ratio, and significant liquidity [12]. - The company maintains a conservative dividend payout ratio of about 75% of its adjusted FFO, allowing for ample cash retention for new investments [13]. Group 6: Future Outlook - Realty Income's defensive real estate portfolio and strong financial profile make it an excellent shelter against future market volatility [14].