3 Great Income Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Investors looking for yield might want to consider real estate investment trusts (REITs) and utilities as part of their portfolio. These are often highly stable companies with above-average dividend yields. While these stocks are often known for being stodgy, slow growers, not all of them are. The first one in this list of three stocks has growth and income, which is a great combination in any stock market.

American Tower (AMT) is a REIT with a great business model. American Tower is in the communications infrastructure business, which generally means cellphone towers. Realty Income (O) is another REIT, but it has a somewhat different business model. Realty Income invests in single-occupant properties where most of the operating costs are borne by the tenant. Duke Energy (DUK) is a regulated utility based in the Southeast. Regulated utilities provide electricity and gas services and are generally granted a local monopoly. In exchange for this local monopoly, they subject themselves to a high degree of regulation.

Source: Motley Fool

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