Is Realty Income Stock a Long-Term Buy?
The Motley Fool
by newsfeedback@fool.com (Justin Pope)February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Realty Income (NYSE: O), often referred to as "The Monthly Dividend Company," has recently made headlines with its impressive rebound after years of underperformance. Following a period that left many investors frustrated, the stock has surged, delivering double-digit returns since early 2023. This performance has sparked debates among investors: is this a short-term rally or the start of a new era for the company? Despite its past struggles, there are compelling reasons to view Realty Income as a long-term buy.
Realty Income’s history dates back to the mid-1990s, and while it faced challenges in recent years, its fundamentals remain strong. The company’s diversified portfolio of commercial real estate properties across the U.S. provides stability and growth potential. Its focus on essential retail spaces, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, has helped it navigate economic uncertainties more effectively than peers. Additionally, Realty Income’s conservative balance sheet and disciplined approach to capital allocation have positioned it for sustained success.
The recent surge in Realty Income’s stock price can be attributed to several factors, including improved investor sentiment and a growing recognition of its value as a dividend-paying stalwart. With a long history of consistent dividend payments, Realty Income offers both income generation and growth opportunities. Its ability to adapt to market shifts while maintaining steady cash flows makes it an attractive option for investors seeking stability in their portfolios.
For those considering Realty Income as a long-term holding, the combination of its strong balance sheet, diversified portfolio, and consistent dividend history suggests that this rally may not be fleeting. Investors interested in real estate exposure or reliable income streams could find significant value in Realty Income, particularly given its relatively attractive valuation compared to other high-dividend stocks.
Ultimately, while past performance does not guarantee future results, the factors driving Realty Income’s recent success—divers
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Originally published on The Motley Fool on 2/25/2026