Core Viewpoint - VICI Properties Inc. is a significant player in the experiential real estate investment trust (REIT) sector, with a market capitalization of $35.4 billion, focusing on gaming, hospitality, and entertainment properties [1][2]. Company Overview - VICI Properties Inc. is based in New York and owns notable assets such as Caesars Palace Las Vegas, MGM Grand, and the Venetian Resort Las Vegas, positioning itself as a leader in experiential real estate [1]. - The company is classified as a large-cap stock, reflecting its size and influence within the diversified REIT industry [2]. Financial Performance - In Q2, VICI reported a 4.6% year-over-year revenue increase to $1 billion, slightly exceeding consensus estimates, driven by higher income from sales-type leases and lease financing [5]. - The company's AFFO per share rose 5.3% from the previous year to $0.60, aligning with Wall Street expectations, and it raised its fiscal 2025 AFFO per share guidance to between $2.35 and $2.37 [5]. Stock Performance - VICI's shares are currently trading 3.3% below their 52-week high of $34.29, reached on September 16, 2024, and have gained 1.8% over the past three months, outperforming the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) [3][4]. - Year-to-date, VICI shares are up 13.5%, significantly outpacing XLRE's 4.1% increase, although they have declined 1.2% over the past 52 weeks, still better than XLRE's 5.7% drop [4]. - The stock has been trading above its 200-day and 50-day moving averages since early June, indicating a bullish trend despite minor fluctuations [4].

Core Viewpoint - Many investors are attracted to dividend-paying stocks, particularly real estate investment trusts (REITs), due to their requirement to distribute at least 90% of taxable income as dividends [1] Group 1: Realty Income - Realty Income has been operating for over 50 years and owns more than 15,600 properties, primarily generating rental income from retailers, which account for about 80% of its annual rent [4] - The company maintains a high occupancy rate of 98.6% and has achieved a 3.4% increase in rental renewal rates during the second quarter [5] - Realty Income has a history of consistently increasing dividends, having raised payouts annually for approximately 30 years, with a current annualized dividend rate of $3.23 [6][7] - The stock offers a dividend yield of 5.4%, compared to the FTSE Nareit All Equity REITs Index yield of 4% as of the end of July [9] Group 2: Vici Properties - Vici Properties, established in 2017, focuses on leasing properties to gaming and entertainment companies, which are subject to economic cycle fluctuations [10]

Core Insights - VICI Properties has a high-quality portfolio of gaming, hospitality, and entertainment assets, supported by long-term triple-net lease agreements that ensure stable rental revenues [1] - The company recently increased its quarterly cash dividend by 4% to 45 cents per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 5.43% based on a share price of $33.15 [2] - Analysts are optimistic about VICI, with a consensus estimate for 2025 FFO per share rising to $2.39, and the company's shares have increased by 13.5% year-to-date, outperforming the industry [3] Portfolio and Lease Structure - VICI Properties holds a robust portfolio of 54 gaming and 39 experiential properties, including iconic locations like Caesars Palace and MGM Grand, with an average lease term of 40.1 years and a 100% occupancy rate [5][7] - The lease agreements are designed to be inflation-protected, with 42% of the rent roll linked to CPI escalation in 2025, projected to rise to 90% by 2035, ensuring steady cash flow growth [6] Financial Performance and Growth - Since its inception in 2017, VICI has achieved a 377% increase in adjusted EBITDA and has diversified its portfolio to include experiential assets, reducing exposure to gaming-specific risks [7][8] - The company has maintained an annual dividend growth rate of 6.6% since 2018, surpassing many competitors in the triple-net REIT sector [11] Balance Sheet and Credit Ratings - As of June 30, 2025, VICI Properties had liquidity of $3.0 billion and a net leverage ratio of 5.2, within its long-term target of 5.0-5.5 [9] - The company holds investment-grade credit ratings from Moody's, S&P Global Ratings, and Fitch Ratings, facilitating favorable access to the debt market [10]

Core Insights - Dividend income is crucial for income-focused investors, with Realty Income (O) and VICI Properties (VICI) being prominent players in the REIT sector, known for their reliable dividend payments supported by extensive portfolios and long-term lease agreements [1][2] Realty Income Overview - Realty Income has a diversified portfolio of over 15,600 properties across 91 industries, focusing on essential sectors like grocery and service-oriented retail, which provides a stable rent foundation [4] - The company reported a strong operational performance with an occupancy rate of 98.6% and a rent recapture rate of 103.4%, indicating robust real estate strength [5] - Realty Income has a liquidity of $5.1 billion and maintains investment-grade ratings, supporting its dividend reliability [6] - Despite its strengths, Realty Income faces challenges such as muted AFFO growth and risks associated with retail exposure, including potential bankruptcies [7] VICI Properties Overview - VICI Properties specializes in experiential real estate, owning premier gaming and entertainment assets, which positions it to benefit from consumer trends favoring experiential activities [8] - The company maintains a 100% occupancy rate across its 93 properties, backed by long-term triple-net leases averaging 40 years, ensuring reliable rental income [10] - VICI's rent structure includes inflation protection, with 40% linked to CPI, expected to rise to 90% by 2035, enhancing income visibility [11] - VICI has achieved a 377% growth in adjusted EBITDA since its formation, diversifying beyond gaming into experiential assets [12] Financial Performance and Estimates - Realty Income's 2025 sales and FFO per share estimates indicate year-over-year growth of 6.14% and 1.67%, respectively, with recent downward revisions [14] - In contrast, VICI's 2025 sales and FFO per share estimates show growth of 3.86% and 5.75%, with upward revisions over the past month [17] - Year-to-date, Realty Income shares have increased by 11.3%, while VICI Properties has gained 13.5%, both outperforming the S&P 500 [20] Valuation Comparison - Realty Income trades at a forward price-to-FFO of 13.63X, above its one-year median, while VICI trades at 13.50X, below its one-year median [20] - Both companies carry a Value Score of D, indicating potential valuation concerns [20] Conclusion - While both Realty Income and VICI Properties provide dependable dividends, VICI is positioned as the more compelling choice for investors seeking resilient income streams due to its superior income safety profile and diversified asset base [22][23]

Key Points Vici Properties is the largest owner of casino real estate in the U.S., including a substantial portfolio on the Las Vegas Strip. Buoyed by strong adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) guidance and the possibility of more accommodative monetary policy, the REIT is trouncing broader real estate benchmarks this year. A steadily rising dividend and efforts to diversify beyond gaming properties could make Vici a long-term winner in the real estate sector. 10 stocks we like better than Vici Pr ...

Group 1: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners has $6 billion in organic expansion projects expected to enter commercial service by the end of this year, with additional projects set to start in 2026, providing stable cash flow for continued distribution increases [1] - The current yield for Enterprise Products Partners is 6.9%, supported by stable cash flow from fee-based income derived from long-term contracts and regulated rate structures [2] - The company has a strong balance sheet, allowing for continued growth beyond the current year [1] Group 2: Clearway Energy - Clearway Energy aims to pay out 70%-80% of its stable cash flow as dividends, with expected cash available for dividends rising from $2.08 per share this year to $2.50-$2.70 per share by 2027, supporting a 5%-8% annual dividend growth target [3] - The company offers a 6.3% dividend yield, backed by predictable cash flow from long-term power purchase agreements with utilities and corporate buyers [4] Group 3: Vici Properties - Vici Properties has a current dividend yield of 5.4%, with a portfolio that includes long-term net leases that escalate rents in line with inflation, providing stable and rising rental income [6][8] - The REIT has extended its dividend growth streak to eight years, achieving a 6.6% compound annual growth rate during this period [8] Group 4: Verizon - Verizon has a dividend yield of 6.4% and is projected to generate between $19.5 billion and $20.5 billion in free cash flow this year, sufficient to cover its annual dividend commitment of less than $12 billion [9][10] - The company has a strong financial profile that supports strategic investments, including a $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications to enhance its fiber network [10][11] Group 5: W.P. Carey - W.P. Carey offers a 5.4% dividend yield, with a diversified portfolio secured by long-term net leases that provide stable cash flow [12] - The company has invested $1.3 billion in new properties this year and aims for an investment volume target of $1.4 billion to $1.8 billion [13][14] Group 6: Overall Market Context - The S&P 500 currently has a historically low dividend yield of 1.2%, making high-yield dividend stocks like Clearway Energy, Enterprise Products Partners, Verizon, Vici Properties, and W.P. Carey attractive for income-seeking investors [5][15]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting personal in-depth research and due diligence before making investment decisions, highlighting the inherent risks involved in trading [3]. Group 1 - The analysis is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional investment advice [3]. - There is a clear disclaimer regarding the lack of any stock or derivative positions in the companies mentioned, indicating a neutral stance [2]. - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and does not reflect any business relationships with the companies discussed [2]. Group 2 - Past performance is noted as not being a guarantee of future results, underscoring the uncertainty in investment outcomes [4]. - The article clarifies that no recommendations or advice are provided regarding the suitability of investments for particular investors [4]. - The authors of the analysis include both professional and individual investors, which may affect the perspectives presented [4].

Group 1 - The article introduces "The Undercovered Dozen," which highlights twelve actionable investment ideas on tickers with less coverage [1] - Inclusion criteria for "undercovered" tickers include a market cap greater than $100 million, more than 800 symbol page views in the last 90 days, and fewer than two articles published in the past 30 days [1]

Core Insights - VICI Properties Inc. has announced a 4% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, raising it to 45 cents per share from 43.25 cents, effective October 9, 2025, for shareholders of record as of September 18, 2025 [1][10] - The new annualized dividend rate is $1.80 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 5.37% based on a share price of $33.50 as of September 4, 2025 [2][10] - VICI has increased its dividend six times in the past five years, with a payout growth of 6.8% during this period [2][3] Dividend Sustainability - VICI aims to distribute 75% of adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) to shareholders, providing a reliable income stream for dividend-focused investors [4] - The company has a solid foundation for its dividend payouts, supported by a high-quality portfolio of gaming and experiential assets, including flagship properties like Caesars Palace and MGM Grand [5][6] - VICI maintains a 100% occupancy rate across its 54 gaming and 39 experiential properties, secured by long-term, triple-net leases averaging 40.1 years [6] Lease Structure and Financial Resilience - A significant portion of VICI's rent roll is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with 40% currently and expectations to increase to 90% by 2035, aiding in revenue growth during inflationary periods [7] - 74% of VICI's rent comes from S&P 500 tenants, enhancing income stability and creditworthiness [7] - Since its inception in 2017, VICI has expanded its adjusted EBITDA by 377%, diversifying its portfolio to include experiential assets, which reduces sector-specific risks [8] Financial Position - VICI has $3 billion in liquidity as of June 30, 2025, providing financial flexibility to navigate market fluctuations [8] - The company's last quarter annualized net leverage ratio was 5.2, within its long-term target range of 5.0-5.5 [8] - With a solid operating platform and growth opportunities, VICI is well-positioned for sustainable dividend growth [9]

Group 1 - The focus is on growth and dividend income as a strategy for retirement planning [1] - The portfolio is structured to generate monthly dividend income that grows through reinvestment and annual increases [1] - The author holds long positions in VICI, O, NNN, and SPG, indicating a beneficial interest in these stocks [1] Group 2 - The article is presented as personal opinion and not as professional investment advice [2] - It emphasizes the importance of individual research before making investment decisions [2] - The content is intended for educational purposes and does not consider the reader's specific financial situation [2]