There's nothing passive about passive income when it comes to boosting the bottom line in your portfolio. Regular income from investments is a great way to actively pad your personal payroll, and there are some great options to consider now in this down market.

Brilliant is in the eye of the beholder, but it's hard to argue against long records of regular dividend increases and share-price appreciation that together create total return that bests the benchmark S&P 500.

Three that do just that are Prologis (NYSE: PLD), Lowe's Companies (NYSE: LOW), and Crown Castle International (NYSE: CCI). Here's more on these companies, beginning with a look at their 10-year total return and that of the S&P 500.

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Source Fool.com