Since my last analysis on VICI Properties (NYSE: VICI ), the stock was trading below $30, which is a level where I feel most comfortable buying. In addition to being somewhat psychological, this is also based on allowing a dividend yield closerEquity Research Analyst with a broad career in the financial market, covered both Brazilian and global stocks. As a value investor, my analysis is primarily fundamental, focusing on identifying undervalued stocks with growth potential. Feel free to reach out for colla ...

Core Viewpoint - VICI Properties (NYSE: VICI) continues to provide an above-market dividend yield, making it a preferred choice for dividend investors, although future growth is expected to moderate [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - VICI Properties is recognized for its aggressive growth in the past, appealing to dividend investors [1]. - The company is part of a broader investment strategy that emphasizes finding undervalued companies with long-term growth potential [1]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The investment approach focuses on companies with strong balance sheets and effective management teams, particularly in sectors with significant growth opportunities [1]. - The strategy combines growth-oriented principles with strict valuation criteria to enhance the margin of safety for investors [1].

Portfolio Adjustment - The company sold Organon after it cut its dividend and the stock price declined [1][2] - The company bought VICI Properties, a triple net lease REIT specializing in gaming and casino properties [1][3][4] VICI Properties Investment Rationale - VICI Properties owns 93 properties, including 54 casinos such as the Venetian and Mandalay Bay, and 39 experiential properties [4] - VICI Properties has a strong management team [4] - VICI Properties offers a 53% dividend yield and an expected 3% FFO growth [5] - VICI Properties' rent escalators are tied to CPI, potentially benefiting from rising inflation [5] - VICI Properties' tenants (e g MGN and Caesars) ensure 100% occupancy and rent collection, even during the pandemic [6] - The investment in VICI Properties is expected to generate a 9-10% annualized return [7] - VICI Properties is considered a compelling investment in a lower growth environment [8]

Group 1: Oneok - Oneok operates a large and integrated energy infrastructure platform, generating stable cash flow with approximately 90% of its revenue from fee-based contracts [3] - The company has delivered over 25 years of dividend stability and growth, raising its dividend by more than 1,200% since 2000 [3] - Recent acquisitions, including the $18.8 billion purchase of Magellan Midstream Partners, are expected to fuel earnings growth through 2027 [4][5] - Oneok anticipates annual dividend growth of 3% to 4% in the coming years due to ongoing expansion projects and merger synergies [5] Group 2: Verizon - Verizon's mobile and broadband businesses generate significant recurring revenue, allowing for investment in 5G and fiber networks while maintaining a high-yielding dividend [6] - The company expects to generate $17.5 billion to $18.5 billion in free cash flow this year, covering its annual dividend cost of over $11 billion [6] - Verizon's acquisition of Frontier Communications for $20 billion, expected to close in 2026, will enhance its fiber operations and generate over $500 million in annual cost savings [7] - The company has delivered its 18th consecutive annual dividend increase, the longest current streak in the U.S. telecom sector [8] Group 3: Vici Properties - Vici Properties is a REIT focused on gaming, hospitality, and entertainment, leasing properties under long-term, triple net agreements, providing stable cash flow [9] - The REIT pays out about 75% of its stable cash flow in dividends and retains the rest for portfolio growth [10] - Vici Properties has raised its dividend every year since its formation, achieving a 7.4% compound annual growth rate, outperforming its peers [11] Group 4: Investment Opportunity - Investing in high-quality, high-yielding dividend stocks like Oneok, Verizon, and Vici Properties can generate a meaningful and growing stream of dividend income [12]

Core Viewpoint - VICI Properties Inc. is set to announce its financial results on July 30, 2025, with expectations of growth in both earnings per share (EPS) and revenue compared to the previous year [2][3]. Financial Performance - The company closed the most recent trading day at $32.98, reflecting a daily increase of 1.17%, outperforming the S&P 500's loss of 0.11% [1]. - Over the last month, VICI's shares increased by 2.61%, lagging behind the Finance sector's gain of 3.03% and the S&P 500's gain of 5.17% [1]. - The upcoming earnings report is projected to show an EPS of $0.59, indicating a growth of 3.51% year-over-year, with quarterly revenue expected to reach $995.46 million, up 4.02% from the same period last year [2]. Annual Estimates - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are projected at $2.35 per share and revenue at $3.98 billion, representing increases of 3.98% and 3.5% respectively from the prior year [3]. - Recent changes in analyst estimates indicate a positive outlook for VICI, reflecting analysts' confidence in the company's performance and profit potential [3]. Valuation Metrics - VICI Properties Inc. has a Forward P/E ratio of 13.9, which is higher than the industry average of 11.47, suggesting that the company is trading at a premium [6]. - The company has a PEG ratio of 3.02, compared to the industry average of 2.39, indicating a higher valuation relative to expected earnings growth [7]. Industry Context - The REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry, which includes VICI, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 96, placing it in the top 39% of over 250 industries [7]. - The Zacks Rank system, which assesses stocks based on estimate changes, currently ranks VICI as 2 (Buy), reflecting a positive investment outlook [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the reliability of brokerage recommendations, particularly focusing on VICI Properties Inc. (VICI), and suggests that while the average brokerage recommendation (ABR) indicates a strong buy, investors should be cautious and validate this information with other tools like the Zacks Rank [1][5][10]. Summary by Sections Brokerage Recommendations - VICI Properties has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.32, indicating a position between Strong Buy and Buy, based on recommendations from 22 brokerage firms [2]. - Out of the 22 recommendations, 18 are Strong Buy and 1 is Buy, which accounts for 81.8% and 4.6% of all recommendations respectively [2]. Limitations of Brokerage Recommendations - Solely relying on brokerage recommendations may not be advisable, as studies show they often fail to guide investors effectively towards stocks with high price appreciation potential [5]. - Brokerage firms tend to exhibit a positive bias in their ratings due to vested interests, leading to a disproportionate number of favorable ratings compared to negative ones [6][10]. Zacks Rank as an Alternative - The Zacks Rank is presented as a more reliable tool for predicting stock price movements, categorizing stocks from Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) based on earnings estimate revisions [8][11]. - The Zacks Rank is updated more frequently than the ABR, reflecting timely changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [12]. Current Outlook for VICI Properties - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for VICI Properties has increased by 0.2% over the past month to $2.35, indicating growing optimism among analysts regarding the company's earnings prospects [13]. - The recent change in consensus estimates, along with other factors, has resulted in a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) for VICI Properties, suggesting that the Buy-equivalent ABR may be a useful guide for investors [14].

Group 1: PepsiCo - PepsiCo's dividend yield is approaching 4.5%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of less than 1.5%, marking its highest level this decade [4] - The company has a strong history of dividend payments, recently increasing its dividend by 5%, extending its growth streak to 53 consecutive years, with a 7.5% compound annual growth rate over the past 15 years [5] - PepsiCo's robust portfolio generates substantial cash flow, allowing for investments in product innovation and capacity expansions, with expected revenue growth of 4%-6% annually and high-single-digit earnings per share growth [6] - The company has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio, focusing on healthier options, which positions it for long-term growth and continued dividend increases [7] Group 2: Vici Properties - Vici Properties offers a dividend yield over 5%, supported by a stable and growing rental income stream from its extensive portfolio of gaming and entertainment properties [8] - The REIT owns 54 gaming properties and has a significant number of long-term triple net leases, with 42% of leases tied to inflation, expected to rise to 90% by 2035, ensuring stable rental income [9][10] - Vici pays out approximately 75% of its cash flow in dividends while maintaining an investment-grade balance sheet, allowing for further investments in income-generating real estate [11] - The company has consistently raised its dividend since its formation, achieving a 7.4% compound annual growth rate, outperforming its peers in the NNN REIT sector [12] Group 3: Investment Outlook - Both PepsiCo and Vici Properties are identified as strong candidates for passive income investments due to their high-yielding dividends and solid financial profiles, with a track record of consistent dividend growth [13]

Investor Presentation DISCLAIMERS Forward Looking Statements Non‐GAAP Financial Measures This presentation includes reference to Funds From Operations ("FFO"), FFO per share, Adjusted Funds From Operations ("AFFO"), AFFO per share, and Adjusted EBITDA, which are not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). These are non-GAAP financial measures and should not be construed as alternatives to net income or as an indicator of operating ...

Core Viewpoint - VICI Properties Inc. has demonstrated strong stock performance with a year-to-date gain of 12.7%, surpassing both the Zacks REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry growth of 5.5% and the S&P 500 composite's 2.8% increase [1] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, VICI reported continued benefits from expansion efforts and strategic investments, including a $510 million development fund agreement for the North Fork Mono Casino & Resort [2] - The company has a solid dividend yield of 5.5% and has achieved a 7.4% compounded annualized dividend growth rate since 2018, outperforming many peers [7][8] - VICI's adjusted EBITDA has expanded by 365% since its inception in 2017, indicating significant growth beyond gaming properties [12] Portfolio and Stability - VICI owns a diverse portfolio of 54 gaming and 39 experiential assets across the U.S. and Canada, secured by long-term triple-net leases with an average lease term of 40.7 years and a 100% occupancy rate [10] - The company expects a rent toll of 42% with CPI-linked escalation in 2025, projected to rise to 90% by 2035, enhancing revenue growth in inflationary environments [11] - 74% of VICI's rent roll comes from S&P 500 tenants, contributing to income stability and creditworthiness [11] Valuation and Market Position - VICI Properties is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-FFO of 13.68X, below the REIT-Other industry average of 15.73X, indicating a potentially undervalued position [19] - The stock is considered appealing for investment due to its compelling dividend payout, high-quality portfolio, and disciplined expansion strategy [22][23]

Core Viewpoint - Net lease REITs, particularly Realty Income Corporation and VICI Properties Inc., are appealing to income-focused investors due to their predictable cash flows and strong tenant relationships, but they differ in strategies, sector exposure, and long-term reliability [1][2]. Realty Income Corporation - Realty Income, known as "The Monthly Dividend Company," has a strong track record with 131 dividend hikes since 1994, 30 consecutive years of dividend growth, and 111 straight quarterly increases, supported by a diversified portfolio of 15,627 properties across 50 states and various industries [3][4]. - The company focuses on single-tenant, freestanding properties under long-term net leases, achieving a historical median occupancy rate of 98.2%, and is expanding into high-growth areas like data centers and gaming, with expected full-year investments of around $4 billion [4][5]. - Realty Income maintains $2.9 billion in liquidity, investment-grade ratings (A-/A3), and a fixed charge coverage ratio of 4.7, indicating a strong balance sheet for future growth [5]. - The company faces risks from retail exposure, interest rate sensitivity, and elevated leverage, with $27.6 billion in debt and a year-over-year increase in interest expenses of 11.5% to $268.4 million in Q1 2025 [6]. VICI Properties Inc. - VICI Properties specializes in experiential net lease assets, with a portfolio of 93 properties, including major gaming and hospitality venues, under long-term triple-net leases with terms ranging from 15 to 32 years [7][8]. - The company boasts a 100% occupancy rate and a significant portion of its rent (74%) comes from S&P 500 tenants, providing a strong income stream, with 42% of leases linked to CPI in 2025, expected to rise to 90% by 2035 for inflation protection [8][10]. - VICI is diversifying its portfolio beyond gaming through acquisitions and strategic loans, maintaining $3.2 billion in liquidity and a targeted net leverage ratio of 5-5.5, while offering a 7.4% CAGR in dividends since 2018 [10][11]. Financial Estimates and Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Realty Income's 2025 sales and funds from operations (FFO) per share indicates year-over-year growth of 6.48% and 2.15%, respectively, with FFO per share estimates revised slightly upward [12]. - For VICI Properties, the 2025 sales and FFO per share estimates imply year-over-year growth of 3.5% and 3.54%, with positive revisions over the past 60 days [12][14]. - Year-to-date, Realty Income shares have increased by 8.1%, while VICI Properties stock has risen by 11.2%, outperforming the S&P 500's 1.8% increase [15]. Valuation - Realty Income is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-FFO of 13.30X, slightly above its one-year median of 13.14X, while VICI is at 13.63X, close to its one-year median of 13.60X [15]. - Realty Income has a Value Score of D, whereas VICI holds a Value Score of C, indicating a relative valuation perspective [15]. Conclusion - Realty Income is recognized for its scale and reliability, while VICI Properties is noted for its superior income safety profile due to longer lease durations, mission-critical assets, and inflation protection, making VICI a more attractive option for income-seeking investors amid economic uncertainties [17].