Is HQ or O a better dividend investment in 2026?

HQ currently yields 4.00% with a 5% 5-year dividend growth rate. O yields 5.97% with 3.2% growth. The better choice depends on your goal: O offers higher current income, while HQ is better for long-term compounding. Use the DRIP calculator above to model your specific scenario.

What is the dividend yield difference between HQ and O?

HQ has a forward dividend yield of 4.00% (2.00/share annually). O yields 5.97% (3.12/share annually). The yield gap is 1.97 percentage points.

How much would $10,000 in HQ vs O pay in dividends per year?

With $10,000 invested: HQ would pay approximately $400/year in dividends. O would pay approximately $597/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these amounts grow substantially due to compounding.

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HQ vs O: Dividend Comparison 2026

Q: Does HQ or O pay monthly dividends?

HQ pays quarterly dividends. O pays monthly dividends. Monthly payers are preferred by investors who want regular cash flow to cover living expenses.

HQ yields 4.00% · O yields 5.97% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers

After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled

🏆 HQ wins by $5.3K in total portfolio value

INVESTMENT

TIME HORIZON10 years

4.00%

Share price

$50.00

Annual div

$2.00

5Y div CAGR

Payout ratio

50%

After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP

Portfolio value

$28.0K

Annual income

$899.19

Full HQ calculator →

Realty Income Corporation

5.97%

Share price

$52.30

Annual div

$3.12

5Y div CAGR

3.2%

Payout ratio

76%

After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP

Portfolio value

$22.7K

Annual income

$1,416.15

Full O calculator →

Portfolio growth — HQ vs O

Annual dividend income

MetricHQO

Forward yield	4.00%	5.97% ✓
Annual dividend / share	$2.00	$3.12 ✓
Payout ratio	50% ✓	76%
1-year div growth	5% ✓	2.8%
5-year div CAGR	5% ✓	3.2%
Portfolio after 10y	$28.0K ✓	$22.7K
Annual income after 10y	$899.19	$1,416.15 ✓
Total dividends collected	$6.4K	$9.6K ✓
Payment frequency	quarterly	monthly
Sector	Stock	REIT

Year-by-year: HQ vs O ($10,000, DRIP)

Year	HQ Portfolio	HQ Income/yr	O Portfolio	O Income/yr	Gap
1	$11,120	$420.00	$10,826	$615.65	+$294.00 → HQ
2	$12,357	$458.31	$11,727	$673.66	+$630.00 → HQ
3	$13,721	$499.76	$12,710	$737.59	+$1.0K → HQ
4	$15,227	$544.58	$13,785	$808.08	+$1.4K → HQ
5	$16,885	$593.02	$14,961	$885.87	+$1.9K → HQ
6	$18,713	$645.34	$16,247	$971.76	+$2.5K → HQ
7	$20,724	$701.81	$17,655	$1,066.66	+$3.1K → HQ
8	$22,938	$762.73	$19,197	$1,171.57	+$3.7K → HQ
9	$25,372	$828.41	$20,888	$1,287.65	+$4.5K → HQ
10	$28,047	$899.19	$22,743	$1,416.15	+$5.3K → HQ

HQ vs O: Complete Analysis 2026

HQ — Stock

HQ is a dividend-paying stock. Use this calculator to estimate your future dividend income, DRIP compounding returns, and passive income potential from investing in HQ shares.

Full HQ Calculator →

O — REIT

Nicknamed 'The Monthly Dividend Company', Realty Income is a net-lease REIT with 15,000+ properties across the US and Europe. It has paid monthly dividends for 55+ consecutive years with 126 dividend increases since 1994 — a true Dividend Aristocrat. Its tenants include Walgreens, Dollar General, and FedEx. A cornerstone holding for income investors.

Full O Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HQ or O better for dividend income in 2026?

HQ currently offers a 4.00% yield (2.00/share/year) while O offers 5.97% (3.12/share/year). O provides higher current income. However, HQ has grown its dividend faster (5% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.

How much would $10,000 in HQ vs O earn per year?

With $10,000 invested today: HQ pays approximately $400/year. O pays approximately $597/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $899/year (HQ) and $1,416/year (O).

Does HQ or O pay monthly dividends?

HQ pays quarterly dividends. O pays monthly dividends. O pays monthly, which is preferred by investors who need regular cash flow.

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⚠️ Educational purposes only. Not financial advice. All projections use historical data; actual results will vary.