Dividend comparison
O vs NNN: Which Is Better for Income?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for Realty Income Corporation and NNN REIT, Inc., side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
O vs NNN: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Income. Their trailing yields are almost the same: 5.85% for O and 5.92% for NNN. O pays monthly, NNN pays quarterly.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, NNN returned 12.3% versus 4.7% for O, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $11,228 in NNN and $10,470 in O.
- Risk. O has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 5 years was -34.5%, against -25.2% for NNN.
- Dividend growth. O grew its yearly payout 3.9% a year over the last 4 years, versus 3.0% for NNN.
Bottom line: NNN has the edge on these figures, with stronger 5-year returns and smaller drawdowns. O does not lead on any of the measures compared here.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
| Metric | O Realty Income Corporation | NNN NNN REIT, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 5.85% | 5.92% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $3.25 | $2.42 |
| Payout frequency | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Last dividend | $0.2715 on Oct 15, 2026 | $0.6200 on Aug 14, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Oct 30, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Next payment | $0.2715 on Nov 13, 2026 | $0.6200 on Nov 13, 2026 |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 3.9% over 4 yrs | 3.0% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $56.34 | $41.59 |
| Payout ratio (TTM) | 226.9% | 117.9% |
| Dividend growth streak | 30 years | 36 years |
| Beta | 0.70 | 0.76 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -34.5% | -25.2% |
| Market cap | $53.06B | $7.90B |
| Exchange | NYSE | NYSE |
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.
O
$48.71/mo
$585 /yr at 5.85% yield
NNN
$49.36/mo
$592 /yr at 5.92% yield
Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. O pays monthly; NNN pays quarterly.
| Year | O | NNN |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3.2170 | $2.3600 |
| 2024 | $3.1255 | $2.2900 |
| 2023 | $3.0510 | $2.2300 |
| 2022 | $2.9670 | $2.1600 |
| 2021 | $2.7557 | $2.1000 |
Strategy: Dividend stocks
Individual companies with long records of paying and raising dividends. Comparing two of them comes down to how safe the payout is, measured by the payout ratio and balance sheet, how fast it has grown, and what the business needs to keep earning it. A single stock carries company-specific risk that a fund spreads out.
A single company can cut or suspend its dividend, and one holding can fall far more than a diversified fund.
Performance
Total returns with dividends reinvested, from the adjusted closing price series. $10,000 invested on Oct 20, 2021 would now be worth $10,470 in O and $11,228 in NNN.
| Period | O | NNN |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | -0.07% | 0.10% |
| 3 months | -12.39% | -16.13% |
| Year to date | 3.97% | 4.95% |
| 1 year | -2.00% | -1.16% |
| 3 years | 33.54% | 33.86% |
| 5 years | 4.70% | 12.28% |
- O
- NNN
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-20 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Quick verdict
NNN has the edge on these figures, with stronger 5-year returns and smaller drawdowns. O does not lead on any of the measures compared here. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Still deciding? Compare them in your portfolio
Forecast dividend income, track payouts, and see how O vs NNN fits with the rest of your holdings. Free to start — no credit card required for the trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is O or NNN better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. O currently yields 5.85% Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) while NNN yields 5.92%. Higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, but may come with different risk, growth, or NAV characteristics. Compare total return and payout sustainability — not just the headline yield.
What is the difference between O and NNN?
Realty Income Corporation (O) is a stock listed on NYSE. NNN REIT, Inc. (NNN) is a stock listed on NYSE. Side-by-side metrics on this page cover yield, fees, returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history when available.
Which has performed better, O or NNN?
Over the last 5 years, NNN has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: O returned 4.7% and NNN returned 12.3%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, O or NNN?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, O has been riskier: O fell as much as 34.5% and NNN as much as 25.2%. Their betas are 0.70 and 0.76.
How often do O and NNN pay dividends?
O pays monthly and NNN pays quarterly.
How much income does $10,000 in O vs NNN generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in O would generate roughly $48.71 per month ($585 annually). The same amount in NNN would produce about $49.36 per month ($592 annually). Actual payouts vary with distribution changes and reinvestment.
Can I hold both O and NNN?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify strategy or index exposure. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on overlapping holdings and factor exposure. Model both inside Dividend Wealth to see combined income, sector mix, and forecast impact.
Where can I compare O vs NNN with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how O and NNN fit alongside the rest of your portfolio. A 14-day free trial of Standard is available with no credit card required; a limited Free plan is also available.
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For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.