Instead of bonds, try these seven stocks that yield monthly income.
The Federal Reserve recently raised interest rates for the first time since 2018. While rising rates are good news for income investors, the Fed’s planned incremental 0.25% hikes mean interest rates will likely remain historically low for at least several more quarters. In the meantime, income investors waiting for higher rates on bonds and savings can invest in high-yielding dividend stocks as a source of regular income. Most high-yield stocks pay quarterly dividends or distributions, but these monthly dividend stocks have at least 6% yields and make payments about once every four weeks.
AGNC Investment Corp. (ticker: AGNC)
AGNC Investment is a mortgage real estate investment trust, or REIT, which is a type of corporation that receives certain tax benefits and is required to distribute 90% of taxable income to investors. This mandate guarantees a relatively consistent dividend, which is reflected in AGNC’s regular 12-cent monthly payout. As a mortgage REIT, AGNC doesn’t invest in residential real estate directly. Instead, it buys mortgage-related securities, which are largely federal loans backed by government-sponsored enterprises, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Federal backing reduces the risk associated with these assets, giving income investors peace of mind.
Dividend yield: 12.1%
Prospect Capital Corp. (PSEC)
Prospect Capital is a business development company, or BDC. Prospect provides capital to middle-market companies and private equity financial sponsors for refinancing, leveraged buyouts, acquisitions and other purposes. Since its 2004 initial public offering, Prospect has made more than 375 investments totaling more than $18.1 billion. Its current portfolio consists of 127 companies in 39 industries, providing investors with deep diversification. Like REITs, BDCs pay out at least 90% of their taxable profits as distributions to investors to maintain a lower corporate tax rate. Prospect pays a consistent monthly distribution of 6 cents per share.
Dividend yield: 8.6%
Main Street Capital Corp. (MAIN)
Main Street Capital is another leading public BDC with a diversified portfolio, a proven track record and a lofty monthly distribution. Main Street has 184 investments, manages $5.7 billion in capital and has a healthy balance sheet. This BDC focuses largely on debt investments in lower-middle-market companies that have annual revenue of between $10 million and $150 million. Main Street Capital is trading at just under $42 per share with a 6% trailing dividend yield.
Dividend yield: 6%
LTC Properties Inc. (LTC)
LTC Properties is a REIT that owns and operates senior housing and health care properties. The portfolio is about an even 50-50 split between senior housing and skilled nursing properties. Senior housing facilities were hit particularly hard during the pandemic, and LTC shares are still not back to pre-pandemic levels. Despite the challenges, LTC maintained its 19-cent monthly dividend payment throughout the worst of the pandemic.
Dividend yield: 6.3%
Broadmark Realty Capital Inc. (BRMK)
Broadmark Realty Capital is a REIT that provides financial services for real estate investors and developers. The company offers short-term, first-deed-of-trust loans backed by real estate to fund the acquisition, renovation or development of residential or commercial real estate. Since its inception in 2010, Broadmark has funded more than 1,200 real estate loans worth an aggregate of $2.8 billion. The company has a $1.5 billion active, diversified loan portfolio with exposure to properties in 19 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. Broadmark reported $947 million in 2021 loan production, up 51.2% compared with 2020, resulting in 19.5% portfolio growth.
Dividend yield: 10%
Ellington Financial Inc. (EFC)
Ellington Financial is a mortgage REIT that invests in residential loans, commercial mortgages and commercial loans. The company says it focuses on underserved, niche market segments, where it believes it has identified market inefficiencies that provide investment opportunities. Ellington switched to a monthly dividend payment in 2019, but it was forced to cut that payment by about 50% during the pandemic in 2020. Ellington has since been steadily building its dividend back up to its current level of 15 cents per share, paid monthly.
Dividend yield: 10.9%
Gladstone Commercial Corp. (GOOD)
Gladstone Commercial Corp. is an equity REIT that invests in industrial and office properties, focusing on high quality properties in primary and secondary growth markets. As of the end of 2021, its portfolio consisted of 129 properties across 27 states. Since its 2003 IPO, its occupancy has never fallen below 95% thanks to its rigorous evaluation of tenant credit strength. It has grown its monthly dividend modestly since 2018, enduring through the pandemic and raising its monthly payout from 12.5 cents to the current rate of 12.54 cents.
Dividend yield: 6.5%
7 monthly dividend stocks with high yields:
— AGNC Investment Corp. (AGNC)
— Prospect Capital Corp. (PSEC)
— Main Street Capital Corp. (MAIN)
— LTC Properties Inc. (LTC)
— Broadmark Realty Capital Inc. (BRMK)
— Ellington Financial Inc. (EFC)
— Gladstone Commercial Corp. (GOOD)
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7 Monthly Dividend Stocks With High Yields originally appeared on usnews.com
Update 04/20/22: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.
