So, you’re looking to invest in real estate? But the thought of fixing toilets and chasing down rent-checks makes you wanna run for the hills? I get it. That’s where Realty Income stocks, specifically REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), come in. Think of them as owning a piece of the property pie without the actual landlord headaches. These companies own income-producing properties and then share the profits with us, the shareholders, in the form of dividends. And let me tell you, those dividends can be pretty sweet.
Now, in 2025, the stock market’s a rollercoaster, but these REITs? They’re built to last and pay you while they do it.
So, here are my top 5 picks for Realty Income stocks that not only offer solid dividends but also have the potential for growth.
These are the ones I’m keeping my eye on, and honestly, the ones I’m putting my own money into.
1. Realty Income Corporation (NYSE: O)
It is a the monthly money machine.
Let’s start with the OG, the king of the hill: Realty Income. They literally call themselves “The Monthly Dividend Company.” How cool is that? Getting paid every month? It’s like a mini-paycheck just for owning their stock.
They own over 11,000 commercial properties, and their tenants are those businesses that tend to do well even when the economy is struggling, drugstores, dollar stores, places people need.
This translates to a consistently juicy dividend yield, usually hovering around 5.8%.
But here’s the kicker: they’ve raised their dividend 127 times since going public in ’94. That’s why they’re part of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats. It’s an exclusive club of companies that consistently increase their payouts.
Realty Income is the reliable friend you can always count on. It’s not going to skyrocket overnight, but it’s going to consistently pay you and grow its dividend over time. If you’re looking for stability and a regular income stream, this is a great cornerstone for your portfolio.
2. Crown Castle International Corp (NYSE: CCI)
It’s a company that is riding the 5G rocket.
Okay, now let’s get a little more techy. Crown Castle isn’t your typical landlord. They own cell towers and fiber optics, the backbone of our connected world. Think of it as owning the roads of the internet.
With 40,000+ cell towers and 90,000+ miles of fiber, they’re essential for the 5G revolution. We’re talking long-term leases with those telecom giants, which translates into a solid 4.5% dividend yield.
We’re only going to use more data, right? Hybrid work is here to stay. Streaming isn’t going anywhere. Crown Castle is positioned perfectly to benefit from these trends. It’s not the highest yield on this list, but it has serious growth potential.
3. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: DLR)
It is the cloud’s silent partner.
Data centers might not be the sexiest thing to talk about at a cocktail party, but they are absolutely critical to our digital lives. Digital Realty owns over 290 data centers around the world. It houses the servers for all those cloud computing companies.
They have a dividend yield of around 4.5%, which is great. But the real opportunity here is growth.
As more businesses shift to AI, remote work, and online everything, the demand for data storage is going to explode.
I see Digital Realty as a way to invest in the tech boom without betting on one specific company. They’re the picks-and-shovels play of the digital age. Plus, you get a nice dividend while you wait for the cloud to keep expanding.
4. VICI Properties (NYSE: VICI)
It is a little Vegas with your dividends.
Time for a little bit of fun! VICI Properties owns iconic casinos and entertainment destinations like Caesars Palace and the MGM Grand. Their dividend yield is around 5.4%.
VICI was born out of the ashes of casino bankruptcies. But they’ve transformed that Las Vegas glam into a reliable income machine. They use “triple-net leases,” which means the tenants (the casinos) are responsible for maintenance, insurance, and property taxes.
In a world where people are craving experiences, VICI is a smart bet. People will always want to go on vacation, see shows, and try their luck at the casino. Plus, with the triple-net leases, VICI’s costs are lower, which means more money for us, the shareholders.
5. STAG Industrial (NYSE: STAG)
It is the E-commerce workhorse.
Last but not least, we have STAG Industrial. They focus on warehouses and distribution centers, the unsung heroes of the e-commerce boom. Think of Amazon fulfillment centers, but without the Amazon branding.
STAG Industrial is a real estate company that makes money by owning and renting out big warehouses and industrial buildings to businesses. Its business model is simple: it buys properties in key locations across the U.S., like near highways or shipping hubs, where companies need space to store goods or manage online orders. STAG signs long-term leases with these tenants, collecting steady rent payments every month.
As a real estate investment trust (REIT), it’s required to share most of those profits with investors as dividends, making it a reliable income machine fueled by the boom in online shopping and logistics.
Their dividend yield is around 4.23%, and here’s the kicker: they pay it monthly, just like Realty Income.
STAG isn’t going to make headlines, but it’s a solid, dependable way to profit from the e-commerce trend. It’s a workhorse for your income portfolio, and those monthly dividends are a nice bonus.
Why These Five?
This list isn’t just about chasing the highest yields. It’s about building a diversified and resilient income stream. Realty Income and STAG offer that rock-solid stability with monthly dividends.
Crown Castle and Digital Realty tap into the unstoppable tech trends. And VICI brings a unique flavor with its entertainment focus.
These five REITs cover retail, telecom, tech, gaming, and logistics – sectors that perform differently in different economic climates.
Look, there’s always a risk. Rising interest rates could put pressure on REITs, as borrowing costs increase and yields have to compete with bonds. And there are other great REITs out there, like American Tower and Public Storage, but they just didn’t make my personal cut for this list.
But I truly believe these five are proven performers with solid track records.
Your Move: Time to Build Your Income Stream
In 2025, Realty Income stocks are still a great option for investors who want cash flow without the volatility of tech stocks or the low yields of traditional bonds.
Whether you’re saving for retirement or just want to supplement your income, Realty Income, Crown Castle, Digital Realty, VICI, and STAG offer a powerful combination of income and stability.
Do your own research before making any investment decisions? Think about what sectors you want to invest in. But if you are considering adding some REITs to your portfolio, these five are a great place to start.
Have a happy investing.
