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Realty Income: Monthly Dividends for Steady Income

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 13:39 GMT by The Motley Fool

Realty Income: The Monthly Paycheck REIT

Realty Income (NYSE: O) stands out as a leading Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) specializing in commercial properties. Its portfolio encompasses a diverse range of assets, including retail centers anchored by essential businesses, industrial facilities, and convenience stores - properties that tend to perform well even during economic fluctuations. What truly differentiates Realty Income is its unique dividend payment schedule: monthly distributions, a feature highly sought after by income investors seeking a regular stream of cash flow.

As of early January 2026, Realty Income boasts a dividend yield of approximately 5.4%. This yield, coupled with the monthly payout frequency, makes it a particularly attractive option for retirees or those building a passive income portfolio. The company has earned the prestigious title of "Dividend Aristocrat," a designation reserved for companies with over 25 consecutive years of dividend increases, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Realty Income's business model is fundamentally straightforward: acquire properties, lease them to creditworthy tenants, collect rental income, and distribute a significant portion as dividends. This model provides a predictable revenue stream, further bolstering the reliability of its payouts. While the retail landscape is undergoing significant transformation, Realty Income strategically focuses on properties occupied by resilient tenants with long-term lease agreements, mitigating some of the risks associated with changing consumer behavior. Its current payout ratio sits around 70%, a level considered manageable for a REIT, indicating the sustainability of its dividend.

Potential headwinds, such as rising interest rates, could impact Realty Income's borrowing costs and potentially slow acquisition growth. However, its diversified portfolio and the long-term nature of its leases offer a degree of protection against these pressures. Current market analysis suggests the stock is trading at a fair valuation, making it a reasonable entry point for investors.

Verizon: A Telecom Titan with Consistent Dividends

Verizon (NYSE: VZ) is a behemoth in the U.S. telecommunications industry, providing a comprehensive suite of services - wireless, broadband, and various communication solutions - to both consumers and businesses. Its core business is incredibly resilient; demand for communication services remains consistently strong, even amidst economic downturns. Verizon's current dividend yield stands at around 6.7%, positioning it as another highly appealing option for income-focused investors.

Verizon is heavily invested in the rollout of 5G technology, a move designed to fuel future growth and maintain its competitive edge. This ongoing investment, while capital intensive, is crucial for sustaining its market position and attracting new subscribers. The telecom sector is fiercely competitive, with rivals constantly vying for market share. However, Verizon benefits from a powerful brand reputation and a substantial, loyal customer base.

With a payout ratio of approximately 53%, Verizon demonstrates ample capacity to continue increasing its dividend in the future. This, combined with a robust balance sheet providing significant financial flexibility, reinforces the company's commitment to shareholder returns. While the stock has experienced a period of relative stagnation over the past few years, its high dividend yield presents an attractive opportunity for income-seeking investors.

Building a Resilient Income Portfolio

Both Realty Income and Verizon represent solid choices for investors prioritizing consistent income. Realty Income offers the unique benefit of monthly dividends and a long track record of dividend growth, making it ideal for those seeking a regular paycheck. Verizon provides a higher current yield and benefits from the stability of the telecommunications industry.

Ultimately, the optimal choice depends on individual investment goals and risk tolerance. Diversifying a portfolio with both these stocks could create a resilient income stream, providing a buffer against market volatility. As always, thorough research and consideration of personal financial circumstances are essential before making any investment decisions.