Realty Income Corp  (O) Trade Now »     Rate O  -  Discuss O  -  Add to Watch List        

Realty Income Corporation engages in the acquisition and ownership of commercial retail real estate properties in the United States. The company leases its retail properties primarily to regional and national retail chain store operators. As of December 31, 2007, it owned 2270 retail properties located in 49 states, covering approximately 18.5 million square feet of leasable space.

The company is a dividend achiever as well as a component of the S&P 1500 index. It has been increasing its dividends for the past 14 consecutive years. From 1998 up until June 30 2008 this dividend growth stock h

Filed under: Industry, Stocks to Buy

Over the last few months, real estate investment trusts (REITs) have shown that they are able to survive in tough conditions, at least compared with most other stocks. However, there have been signs of weakness for REITs lately and this is likely to continue.

With recession fears still looming, real estate operators are facing yet another difficult situation brought on by rising unemployment, which could result in lower office and retail space demand. And rising inflation will come with higher interest rates, leading to higher borrowing expenses for REI

Many income investors have looked to REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) as a source of dividends.<!--more--> REITs are pass-through entities and to qualify for this status, they must pay dividends equal to 90% or more of their taxable income. Because many REITs are now trading far below their 2007 highs, their yields appear very attractive. For example, National Retail Properties (NNN) currently pays a 6.6% dividend, while Realty Income Corporation (O) is paying 6.1% (the author is long O).

Sincemany of these companies were started after The Tax Reform Act of 1986,you won’t find them o