As part of my investment strategy, I believe in combining quality and value. Agree Realty's accelerating investment guidance and record liquidity bode well for future growth. The REIT enjoys a low cost of capital.
Finding stocks expected to beat quarterly earnings estimates becomes an easier task with our Zacks Earnings ESP.
Despite new S&P highs, I expect continued market volatility and see a 50/50 chance of recession in the next 6–12 months. The Fed's reluctance to cut rates, ongoing trade tensions, and potential stagflation keep me cautious, even as market sentiment turns greedy. Realty Income remains attractive for dividend investors due to its diversified portfolio, strong balance sheet, and proactive management despite tenant challenges.
REITs are attractive for income-focused investors, especially retirees, due to required high payouts and current undervaluation from elevated interest rates. Interest rates heavily influence REIT performance; while rates remain high, this is an opportunity to accumulate quality REITs for long-term gains. I highlight Agree Realty, NNN REIT, and Alexandria Real Estate Equities as fundamentally sound picks with double-digit upside potential over the next 1–2 years.
Building a portfolio of dividend machines is a great way to fund a retirement. I share two types of stocks that I would bet my retirement on. I share some of my top dividend income picks of the moment.
AI adoption will drive long-term value for REITs by boosting efficiency, reducing costs, and expanding profit margins, ultimately raising FFO and fair valuations. Management-intensive REIT sectors—like multifamily, retail, tower infrastructure, and single-family rentals—stand to benefit most from AI-powered operational improvements. Smaller REITs may gain a competitive edge as AI tools help them operate more efficiently, potentially narrowing the gap with larger players.
The REIT market is often slow to react to big changes. This can result in great opportunities for active investors. I present two undervalued REITs that I am buying ahead of the crowd.
Gold and net lease REITs are both tangible, safe-haven assets, but net lease REITs offer income growth and inflation protection for long-term investors. Realty Income and Agree Realty are my top picks, thanks to their scale, disciplined management, and strong balance sheets in a fragmented sector. Net lease REITs benefit from demographic trends and corporate real estate monetization, creating robust demand and consolidation opportunities for leading players.
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), passive income generally includes earnings from rental activity or any trade, business, or investment in which the individual does not materially participate.
Using Realty Income's annualized dividend of $3.228, you could collect an easy $1,400 a year.
US equity markets retreated from the cusp of record-highs this week as encouraging inflation data showing surprisingly muted tariff-related inflation was spoiled by a sudden escalation in Middle East tensions. The critical CPI and PPI reports both showed cooler-than-expected inflation in May for a third-straight month, as lower oil prices and moderating shelter costs more than offset the tariff uplift. Upsetting the key disinflationary offset that has kept overall inflation suppressed in recent months, the exchange of attacks between Iran and Israel sent global oil prices surging to four-month highs.
Retirement is often misunderstood; rather than a cliff, it should be an off-ramp to more meaningful, flexible work and personal fulfillment. Research shows that abrupt retirement can negatively impact health, purpose, and longevity; maintaining meaningful work and community is crucial. Financial independence should be about gaining the freedom to design a fulfilling life, not simply quitting work altogether.