Although the business model is relatively low-risk, the reward potential is huge, and the proof is in the performance. Since going public, the stock has averaged a 17.1% annual total return, handily beating the S&P 500's 9.7%. It just went on sale Coincidentally, as soon as Realty Income was added to the dividend aristocrats, the share price underwent a pullback, mainly caused by speculation of rising interest rates and their potential effect on REITs. In fact, Realty Income's share price has dropped by more than 7% since the end of January.