Realty Income Corporation (NYSE: O) is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) that has earned the nickname “The Monthly Dividend Company®” through its unwavering commitment to providing shareholders with dependable monthly income. Founded in 1969 and publicly traded since 1994, Realty Income is an S&P 500 company that serves as the real estate partner to the world’s leading companies.
With over 15,600 properties across all 50 U.S. states, the United Kingdom, and six other European countries, Realty Income has built one of the largest and most diversified commercial real estate portfolios in the world. The company’s focus on triple-net lease agreements provides a stable, predictable income stream that has enabled an extraordinary track record of consistent dividend payments and growth.
Realty Income has declared 660 consecutive monthly dividends since its founding, demonstrating remarkable consistency through various economic cycles, market downturns, and global events. This track record is virtually unmatched in the investment world.
As a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats® index, Realty Income has increased its dividend for 30+ consecutive years , showcasing not just consistency but continuous growth in shareholder returns.
13.6% Compound Annual Total Return Since 1994 NYSE Listing
4.2% Compound Annual Dividend Growth Rate Since 1994
111 Consecutive Quarterly Dividend Increases
Net Lease Structure
Triple-net leases where tenants pay property expenses
High-Quality Tenants
Investment-grade and leading industry operators
Long Lease Terms
Average lease length provides income predictability
Diversified Portfolio
Geographic and industry diversification reduces risk
Sale-Leaseback Focus
Partnering with companies to unlock real estate value
Active Management
Professional asset management and optimization
Realty Income’s diversified portfolio spans multiple property sectors:
Retail Properties : Convenience stores, pharmacies, dollar stores, automotive services
Industrial Assets : Warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities
Office Buildings : Single and multi-tenant office properties
Other Commercial : Restaurants, fitness centers, entertainment venues
United States : All 50 states with strategic market focus
Europe : United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, Finland, Portugal, and the Netherlands
Expansion Strategy : Continued international growth opportunities
The portfolio features an impressive roster of tenants including:
Walgreens : Largest tenant with nationwide presence
7-Eleven : Convenience store leader
Dollar General : Discount retail chain
FedEx : Logistics and shipping facilities
Home Depot : Home improvement retail
Walmart : Retail and distribution facilities
The triple-net lease structure creates highly predictable cash flows:
Tenant Responsibilities : Property taxes, insurance, and maintenance
Rent Escalations : Built-in annual rent increases
Long-Term Contracts : Average lease length of 9+ years
High Occupancy : Consistently maintaining 95%+ occupancy rates
CPI Adjustments : Many leases include Consumer Price Index adjustments
Fixed Percentage Increases : Annual rent bumps of 1-3%
Real Asset Backing : Real estate historically provides inflation hedge
$40+ Billion : Total real estate investments since inception
Disciplined Approach : Rigorous underwriting and due diligence
Sale-Leaseback Expertise : Helping companies monetize real estate
Development Pipeline : Selective development opportunities
Market Capitalization
Investment Grade
Strong credit ratings from major agencies
Liquidity
Access to multiple capital sources
Leverage Management
Conservative debt-to-equity ratios
Monthly Income : Unique monthly dividend payment schedule
Dividend Growth : 30+ year track record of annual increases
Diversification : Geographic and sector diversification reduces concentration risk
Professional Management : Experienced team with proven track record
Liquidity : Publicly traded with strong daily trading volume
Inflation Protection : Built-in rent escalations and real asset backing
Defensive Characteristics : Essential-use properties with strong tenant credit
Interest Rate Sensitivity : REITs generally sensitive to interest rate changes
Tenant Credit Risk : Dependence on tenant financial health and business performance
Real Estate Market Risk : Subject to commercial real estate market cycles
Economic Sensitivity : Retail tenants may struggle during economic downturns
Competition : Intense competition for quality acquisitions
Currency Risk : International operations expose to foreign exchange fluctuations
Regulatory Changes : REIT tax requirements and real estate regulations
Green Building Standards : LEED certification and energy-efficient properties
Carbon Footprint Reduction : Initiatives to reduce environmental impact
Sustainable Development : Incorporating sustainability in new developments
Community Investment : Supporting local communities where properties are located
Tenant Partnerships : Working with tenants on sustainability initiatives
Employee Programs : Comprehensive benefits and professional development
Board Independence : Majority independent board of directors
Executive Compensation : Performance-based compensation alignment
Transparency : Comprehensive reporting and stakeholder communication
Scale Advantage : One of the largest net lease REITs globally
Cost of Capital : Access to low-cost financing due to size and credit quality
Acquisition Pipeline : Relationships provide consistent deal flow
Operating Efficiency : Economies of scale in property management
Monthly Dividends : Unique payment frequency in REIT sector
International Presence : Geographic diversification beyond U.S. markets
Sector Expertise : Deep knowledge across multiple property types
Technology Integration : Advanced systems for portfolio management
European Growth : Continued expansion in attractive European markets
Industrial Focus : Growing industrial and logistics property exposure
Sale-Leaseback Market : Large addressable market for corporate real estate
Technology Integration : PropTech and data analytics enhancement
E-commerce Growth : Last-mile distribution and fulfillment centers
Essential Retail : Focus on needs-based, recession-resistant retail
Healthcare Real Estate : Aging demographics driving healthcare property demand
Net Lease Popularity : Continued corporate adoption of sale-leaseback strategies
For current and accurate dividend yield information:
Realty Income Investor Relations : Official Dividend Information
Monthly Payment Schedule : Dividends typically declared and paid monthly
Dividend History : Complete payment history available on company website
Tax Considerations : Consult tax professionals regarding REIT dividend taxation