Dividends

One of the most attractive features of investing in REITs is that REITs must pay at least 90 percent of their taxable income to shareholders in the form of dividends each year. Dividend growth rates for REIT shares have outpaced inflation over the last decade.

Significantly higher than other equities on average, the REIT industry's dividend yields generally produce a steady stream of income through all market conditions.

To compare REIT valuations with other companies' valuations, click here.

For details on how the 2003 tax law affects REIT dividends, click here.

To view a chart showing the historical tax treatment of REIT common share dividends, click here.