Realty Income Corporation (O): A Reliable Player in REIT Dividend Stocks

Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) is included among the 12 Best REIT Dividend Stocks to Buy Now.

Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) is considered one of the most popular REITs in the country due to its monthly distribution to investors. The company’s real estate holdings have more than doubled over the past four years through mergers with Vereit and Spirit Realty Trust. The company has approximately 15,600 commercial properties, with more than 1,600 clients in 91 industries, spanning every US state, the UK market, and 7 other European markets.

Compared to the broader retail sector, Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O)’s portfolio is focused on retailers that historically have performed relatively well in economic slowdowns. In the past year, the company’s largest tenants were Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Dollar General, and Dollar Tree, with none representing more than 3.5% of its annual total rent. While a handful of retailers have struggled and closed stores, its more financially stable peers opening new stores have tempered some of that force.

This is the reason why Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O)’s occupancy rate has remained consistently above 96% since its IPO in 1994. Moreover, its year-end occupancy rate ticked up from 98.6% in 2023 to 98.7% in 2024. The company’s scale, diverse portfolio, and durability allow it to be dependable for long-term investors.

Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) increased its monthly dividend by 0.2% to $0.2695 per share on September 9, which is the 132nd raise of its dividend since it went public in 1994. The stock supports a dividend yield of 5.35%, as of October 1.

While we acknowledge the potential of O as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

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