A good dividend record alone, however, isn't enough to keep you sleeping at night. That's why it's so comforting that Realty Income has an investment-grade-rated balance sheet. That helps keep interest costs down, ensures it can tap debt markets when needed, and provides a backstop against adversity. Far too often dividend investors chase yield without giving enough credence to what's backing that payment. In Realty Income's case, the foundation is just as solid as the dividend record it's supporting.