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.
I focus on the power of compounding—both in life and investing—and recommend a slow, steady approach to building wealth. My top five monthly dividend REIT picks are Realty Income, LTC Properties, Agree Realty, Healthpeak, and Apple Hospitality, all offering value and safety. Each REIT is attractively valued, boasts strong balance sheets, and provides well-covered, above-average yields, supporting a SWAN (sleep well at night) retirement.
Agree Realty Corporation is a net lease real estate investment trust, with a top tier retailer tenant list. ADC consistently outperforms the real estate sector indexes, paying a consistent monthly dividend. Q1 2025 results were strong: double-digit AFFO growth, dividend increase, and raised guidance, reflecting momentum from a robust U.S. economy.
Many REITs pay dividends on a monthly basis. Some of them are offering high dividend yields today. I present 5 of the best monthly paying REITs for passive income.
I maintain a heavy allocation to REITs, leveraging my lifelong real estate expertise and focusing on my circle of competence for superior risk-adjusted returns. Agree Realty stands out for its high-quality tenant base, disciplined management, and predictable dividend growth, making it a core long-term holding. Digital Realty benefits from global data center demand, scale, and prudent balance sheet management, supporting robust growth and a well-covered dividend.
Net Lease REITs create value by investing at returns above their cost of capital; WACC is a key metric for quality assessment. Top Net Lease REITs like Agree Realty, Essential Properties, Four Corners, VICI, and Realty Income have the most attractive WACCs and investment spreads. High-yield or cheap REITs often have elevated payout ratios and weaker balance sheets, signaling higher risk and possible dividend instability.
The market has become an uncertain place. Neither equities nor bonds offer safety. Such times create opportunities.
REITs offer diversified, inflation-hedged income and capital appreciation, making them a compelling addition to any long-term investment portfolio. Current REIT valuations are attractive, with strong growth projected in sectors like data centers, industrial, net lease, and residential properties. I recommend focusing on quality REITs trading below historical multiples, emphasizing margin of safety and reliable dividend growth.
Agree Realty Corporation 4.250% DEP PFD A possesses a current yield of 6%+, a 200 basis point premium to Agree Realty's common shares. The REIT's growth outlook remains strong given the myriad of macro and credit-level challenges faced. Moreover, Agree Realty's leverage is relatively low and higher gearing remains a possibility. ADC.PR.A might not share in its fundamental growth factors, but its discount likely presents upside in itself, while fundamentals contribute to lower counterparty risk.