Investing for Income: Monthly Dividend Stocks to Consider
For many investors, particularly retirees who depend on their investments to cover daily expenses, the timing of dividend payments can be crucial. While the majority of income-generating stocks distribute dividends on a quarterly basis, a growing number of investors are seeking opportunities that offer monthly payouts. This approach can provide a more consistent cash flow, helping to manage regular bills effectively. In this context, we will explore three notable investments known for their reliability in delivering monthly dividend payments: Realty Income (NYSE: O), Main Street Capital (NYSE: MAIN), and the JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSEMKT: JEPI). As an investor in all three, I believe these stocks can serve as dependable sources of income, especially in a climate where uncertainties such as inflation and shifting tariffs may unsettle the broader market. **Realty Income** Realty Income has established itself as a dominant force in the retail real estate investment trust (REIT) sector, boasting an impressive portfolio of around 15,600 properties nationwide. The company’s major tenants include well-known retailers such as Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and 7-Eleven, indicating a diverse tenant base that can help mitigate risks associated with tenant defaults. The core of Realty Income's business model is straightforward: it acquires properties, leases them out, and returns a significant portion of the rental income to its investors. To maintain its beneficial tax status as a REIT, the company is mandated to distribute at least 90% of its taxable income as dividends. This requirement has helped Realty Income maintain a robust occupancy rate of over 96% since its initial public offering (IPO) in 1994, even during periods when some tenants faced economic challenges and store closures. Remarkably, Realty Income has raised its dividend payout a staggering 130 times since it went public, and dividends are distributed on a monthly basis. Currently, the company boasts a substantial forward dividend yield of 5.7%. Analyzing its financial performance, Realty Income achieved an adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) per share compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2014 to 2024. Projections for 2025 indicate that AFFO per share will grow modestly by 1% to 2%, reaching between $4.22 and $4.88, comfortably covering the anticipated annual dividend of $3.22. Given its current trading price of $56, Realty Income is valued at only 13 times this year’s AFFO estimate, suggesting that its high yield coupled with a low valuation may limit potential downside risk in a volatile market. **Main Street Capital** Transitioning to Main Street Capital, this business development company (BDC) specializes in providing capital to middle-market companies, defined as businesses with annual revenues ranging from $10 million to $150 million. Traditional banks often hesitate to lend to these smaller enterprises due to their perceived higher risk, which can hinder these companies' ability to secure necessary funding from venture capitalists or private investors. Main Street Capital steps into this void by offering higher-interest loans, thereby filling a critical need in the financial landscape. Like REITs, BDCs are also required to distribute at least 90% of their taxable incomes as dividends, ensuring that they return a significant portion of their earnings to investors. Since its IPO in 2007, Main Street has consistently paid out monthly dividends and has increased its annual dividend payout over the last four years. Currently, the company offers a forward dividend yield of 7.4%, making it an attractive option for income-focused investors. In a market fraught with uncertainties, the appeal of reliable monthly dividend stocks remains strong. Realty Income and Main Street Capital exemplify opportunities for investors seeking steady income streams. As always, it is advisable for investors to conduct thorough research and consider their financial goals when exploring these investment avenues.