ETF Comparison
O vs STAG: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Realty Income Corporation and STAG Industrial covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated May 20, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| O | STAG | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Realty Income Corporation | STAG Industrial |
| Issuer | — | — |
| Last Close | $61.71 as of May 20, 2026 | $38.19 as of May 20, 2026 |
| Distribution yield | 5.26% | 3.90% |
| Expense ratio | — | — |
| AUM | — | — |
| Distribution frequency | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | — | — |
| Objective | A real estate investment trust that invests in freestanding, single-tenant commercial properties subject to long-term net lease agreements. Known as "The Monthly Dividend Company," Realty Income has a long track record of monthly dividend payments and consistent dividend growth. | A real estate investment trust focused on income-producing properties. |
| Asset class | Real Estate | Real Estate |
| Inception date | 10/18/1994 | — |
| Last dividend | $0.27 | $0.39 |
| Ex-dividend date | 04/30/2026 | 03/31/2026 |
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Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
O (Realty Income Corporation) and STAG (STAG Industrial) are both dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
O offers the higher yield at 5.26% vs 3.90% for STAG. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, O would generate roughly $43.83/month, while STAG would produce $32.50/month, at current distribution rates.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, O would cost approximately $0 in fees vs $0 for STAG (simplified, not compounded). Both charge the same expense ratio.
Strategy & risk
O tracks — with a reit approach, while STAG tracks — using a reit strategy.
Fund details
O is managed by — (launched 10/18/1994) with — in assets. STAG is managed by — (launched —) with — in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Is O or STAG better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. O currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between O and STAG?
O (Realty Income Corporation) tracks — with a reit strategy, while STAG (STAG Industrial) tracks — with a reit approach. They are issued by — and — respectively.
Can I hold both O and STAG?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, O or STAG?
O has an expense ratio of — while STAG charges —. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in O vs STAG generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in O would generate roughly $43.83 per month ($526.00 annually). The same in STAG would produce about $32.50 per month ($390.00 annually).
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O vs STAG — at a glance
Generated April 2026 from current fund data.
Overview
Both O and STAG are commercial real estate investment trusts paying distributions to shareholders, but they operate in distinctly different property segments. Realty Income (O) owns freestanding, single-tenant net lease properties—primarily drugstores, convenience stores, and service stations—where tenants bear most operating costs. STAG Industrial focuses on industrial and logistics properties leased to multiple tenants, a faster-growing real estate category. The biggest distinction is frequency and yield: O pays monthly and yields 5.07%, while STAG pays quarterly at 3.87%.
How they differ
O's 1.2 percentage-point yield advantage stems partly from its net lease model, where tenants cover property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, reducing O's operating burden but also limiting upside. STAG's industrial focus exposes it to e-commerce and supply-chain demand—a structural tailwind over the past decade—but comes with higher tenant concentration risk and a lower distribution rate. O trades near its 52-week high ($67.94), having pulled back from recent peaks, while STAG trades closer to mid-range ($38.45, 52-week range $31.64–$39.98). O's monthly payment cadence appeals to income-focused investors; STAG's quarterly schedule is more typical for REITs. Neither fund publishes explicit fee data in your input, but as operating REITs (not closed-end funds), both avoid the 0.5–1.5% management fees common to fund structures.
Who each is best for
- O: Income investors prioritizing steady monthly cash flow and relative stability; works well in taxable accounts because monthly distributions are more tax-efficient to reinvest, and in retirement accounts where monthly deposits matter less. Best for investors with moderate risk tolerance and a time horizon of 5+ years.
- STAG: Growth-oriented income seekers comfortable with quarterly payments and willing to accept exposure to industrial real estate fundamentals; suited to taxable accounts where the lower yield may benefit from lower embedded capital gains; works for investors seeking leveraged real estate exposure with less defensive positioning.
Key risks to know
- Sector concentration. O's reliance on net lease retail (drugstores, gas stations) faces secular headwinds from e-commerce and pharmacy consolidation. STAG's industrial focus is cyclical and sensitive to logistics demand, rising interest rates, and supply-chain shifts.
- Interest rate sensitivity. Both REITs carry debt and depend on low rates for valuations and refinancing costs. A sustained rise in long-term rates typically pressures commercial real estate values and REIT prices.
- Tenant credit risk. O's net lease tenants (CVS, Walgreens, etc.) are generally creditworthy, but retail bankruptcies remain a tail risk. STAG's smaller, more diversified tenant base introduces idiosyncratic default risk.
- NAV and distribution sustainability. O's 5.07% yield is achievable but leaves limited margin for rent declines or capital appreciation; flat or negative price growth could erode long-term total returns. STAG's lower yield is more cushioned, but industrial valuations remain elevated relative to historical averages.
Bottom line
If you prioritize steady, predictable monthly income and are comfortable with defensive retail real estate exposure, O stands out. If you seek capital appreciation potential alongside a lower, more sustainable distribution rate and industrial real estate exposure, STAG merits consideration. Neither is objectively superior—the choice hinges on your income needs, risk tolerance, and conviction in the underlying property types. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
AI-generated analysis for educational purposes only. Verify important details independently; past performance does not guarantee future results.
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