Realty Income Is the Dividend Stock I'd Buy as Cooling Inflation Turns Into a Tailwind

June's inflation report showing a decline to 3.5% year-over-year is positive news for Realty Income, a rate-sensitive REIT. With cooling inflation reducing the likelihood of further Fed rate hikes, the stock becomes more attractive for income investors seeking its 5.1% yield and 31-year dividend growth track record. The company owns 15,571 properties with 98.9% occupancy and trades at 14x expected AFFO.