Top Monthly Dividend Stocks for Passive Income in 2025

EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR) represents a compelling comeback story in the monthly dividend space. The real estate investment trust specializes in experiential properties, including ski resorts, movie theaters, water parks, and eat-and-play businesses through its net lease model. While the company faced significant challenges during the pandemic that forced dividend suspensions, its recovery has been remarkable. The dividend was reinstated in 2021, and EPR Properties is now strategically reducing its exposure to theaters while capitalizing on rising demand for entertainment properties.

The company’s financial metrics demonstrate its renewed strength. With a current yield of 6.51% and a funds from operations payout ratio of approximately 70%, EPR Properties maintains sustainable dividend distributions. The stock, trading around $54, has gained 23% in 2025 and over 100% in the last five years, reflecting investor confidence in its turnaround. Recent capital investments of $48.6 million in the second quarter and $109 million committed to property development and redevelopment projects signal management’s commitment to growth, particularly as potential interest rate cuts could provide additional tailwinds for the business.

Realty Income (NYSE:O) stands as one of the most reliable monthly dividend stocks available to investors. This REIT owns an impressive portfolio of 15,600 properties across the United States and Europe, utilizing a net lease model that requires tenants to cover most operating expenses. This strategic approach allows Realty Income to maintain minimal operating costs while generating stable, predictable income streams. The company’s diversification across 91 industries and multiple geographic regions provides natural risk mitigation against sector-specific downturns.

Realty Income’s dividend track record is exceptional, featuring a 30-year streak of annual dividend increases and 132 monthly dividend raises since going public. The company has delivered 112 consecutive quarterly increases while maintaining a 5.48% yield. With an occupancy rate of 98.6% and leases that include annual rent increases, Realty Income consistently grows its funds from operations. The REIT pays out 75% of income as dividends while retaining the remainder for portfolio expansion, supporting its ongoing acquisition spree and billion-dollar investments in new properties.

AGNC Investment Corp. (NASDAQ: AGNC) offers a different approach to monthly dividend investing as a mortgage real estate investment trust. The company focuses exclusively on agency residential mortgage-backed securities, providing private capital to the U.S. housing market and improving liquidity in residential real estate mortgage markets. By investing in securities backed by government agencies like Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Ginnie Mae, AGNC significantly reduces credit risk compared to other high-yield investments.

AGNC Investment stands out with its impressive 14.17% yield, one of the highest among monthly dividend stocks. Despite challenges from interest rate hikes, the company has maintained the same dividend rate for over five consecutive years, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Trading at $10.16, the stock presents an attractive entry point as potential rate cuts could drive upside performance. Management expects a return on equity close to 20% on new investments, providing ample coverage for current dividends and operating costs. The company’s business structure and consistent performance through various market cycles make it a reliable choice for income-focused investors.

These three monthly dividend stocks share several strategic advantages in today’s market environment. All benefit from potential interest rate cuts, which could lower borrowing costs and boost property values for EPR Properties and Realty Income, while providing relief to AGNC Investment’s mortgage-backed securities portfolio. Each company employs distinct risk management strategies—EPR Properties through experiential property diversification, Realty Income through geographic and industry spread, and AGNC Investment through government-backed securities.

The sustainability of these dividend payments is supported by strong fundamental metrics. EPR Properties’ 70% FFO payout ratio, Realty Income’s 75% income distribution rate, and AGNC Investment’s ability to cover dividends through new investment returns all indicate well-managed dividend policies. For investors seeking consistent passive income amid market volatility and high living costs, these companies offer compelling combinations of yield, sustainability, and growth potential through their proven business models and market positions.