Monthly dividend payers to own heading into September

What happened: Realty Income, Main Street Capital, and EPR Properties emerged as reliable monthly dividend payers, with EPR offering a high yield of nearly 6%. A 3.5% dividend-growth portfolio, anchored by JNJ or KO, can double annual income every nine years. PEP and KMB's qualified dividends provide tax advantages. STAG Industrial switched to quarterly dividends, reducing its income appeal despite solid FFO growth and high rent increases.

Market impact: This narrative drives interest in monthly dividend stocks, benefiting Realty Income, Main Street Capital, and EPR Properties. It also highlights the tax advantages of qualified dividends, favoring PEP and KMB. STAG Industrial's dividend change may lead investors to seek alternative monthly payers.

What to watch next: Realty Income's full-year AFFO guidance update (Q3 earnings, Nov 3) will confirm its dividend reliability. EPR Properties' occupancy rate (Q3 earnings, Nov 4) will indicate its dividend sustainability. STAG Industrial's FFO growth (Q3 earnings, Nov 5) may reassure investors despite its dividend change.