How to Invest for Monthly Dividends

This is the first in a series of articles based on types of vehicles that pay monthly dividends.

Many people have the desire to increase their monthly income which leads to various activities to accomplish this objective. They may work extra hours at their job, start a side business or stuff envelopes for a few extra dollars. These tasks are all legitimate ways to make more money. But most are not aware of the simple way to increase monthly income by getting monthly dividend checks.

Truth is that many people don’t realize that this is a great time to invest in dividend securities. Yes, the market was scary throughout 2008 and 2009 as the markets tanked and the economy sunk into a recession. Unemployment reached double digits in many areas across the United States. During volatile times, investors watch as their growth and technology stocks get hammered until they reach new lows in price. However, the best time to invest is when there are signs of an improving economy. This is what has happen over the last six to 12 months as the markets started trending up and stock prices reached new 52-week highs.

So why would you invest when the market has already started to recover? During the economic meltdown lead by the imploding debt crisis, companies started to batten down the hatches by conserving their cash. During the last few quarters, companies in the S&P 500 had more cash and current assets on their balance sheet than in the last decade. There are several things companies can do with this cash. But the one that is of interest to us is companies using the cash to increase dividends. Therefore, if you purchase stock in a stable company, there is a better than average chance that the dividend will increase in the future.

This increase in dividends will be a positive for many investments that pay monthly dividends. The result being that your dividend yield on cost increasing over the next few years. Generally, when dividends increase the share price will follow. the investor will have more income from the dividend increase and potential for a capital gain if share prices increase. This is the reason why now is a good time for dividend investing.

How do you invest for monthly income? Today, there are several investment vehicles designed to pay monthly dividends. These include closed-end ETFs, business development companies, royalty trusts, REITs and even high-yield corporate bonds. As we progress through this series, each of these investments will be examined in greater detail with specific company names that are potential investments paying dividends of 10% of more. Yes, some of these investments pay at or above 15% yields today.

Here is a couple monthly dividend payers to consider:

Global Net Lease (GNL)

Dividend Yield: 11.22%

Global Net Lease (NYSE:GNL) is another REIT, primarily serving the commercial market. It owns properties in the United States and Europe, and rents to quality tenantslike FedExFamily Dollar and ING Bank, organizations that can not only reliably pay their rent as it comes due, but outfits that tend to stay put once they establish roots.

There’s a bit of a twist Global Net Lease brings to the table that allows it to juice its payout to its current yield of 11.22%, however. It also acquires much of its rental real estate through an arrangement called a sale-leaseback.

In simplest terms, a sale-leaseback lets a property-owning company free up the value of real estate by selling a space it owns to a landlord like Global Net Lease, and then remain in that space as a tenant. It’s a win-win scenario, as the renter enjoys a big cash infusion and Global Net Lease has a tenant already lined up.

Horizon Technology Finance (HRZN)

Dividend Yield: 10.23%

Finally, Horizon Technology Finance (NASDAQ:HRZN) has earned a spot on a list of monthly dividend stocks to mull. As the name suggests, Horizon Technology Finance provides capital to young, upcoming technology outfits, though it doesn’t cater strictly to the tech sector.

It’s also heavily involved in the development of life science and biotechnology companies. Its portfolio includes biotech names like AccuVein and Celsion, along with traditional tech plays like cybersecurity company Control Scan and communications technology player Xtera.

Its results are as erratic as what you’d expect from major technology names, but it’s worth the wild ride. Horizon’s yielding 10.23% at its current price, and it has not had any sustained trouble affording its dividend payment.

Learn more about investing for monthly income here.

Join the Monthly Income Newsletter voted the best value for option income trading

Follow us on Twitter – @GetRichStayRich

You Can Help End Poverty

Leave a Comment