Enterprise Products Partners (EPD -1.73%) currently yields 6.7%. The master limited partnership (MLP), which sends investors a Schedule K-1 Federal Tax Form each year, backs that payout with a very stable cash flow profile and strong balance sheet. The midstream energy company's integrated network of pipelines, processing plants, storage terminals, and export facilities generates predictable cash flow backed primarily by long-term, fixed-rate contracts and government-regulated rate structures. The company p ...

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].

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] Group 2 - The article expresses personal opinions and is not intended as investment advice [2][3] - It emphasizes the importance of conducting individual research before making investment decisions [2]

Group 1 - iREIT+HOYA Capital focuses on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1] - The service offers a free two-week trial for potential investors to explore exclusive income-focused portfolios [1] Group 2 - ROI (return on investment) is a common metric for measuring investment success, calculated by appreciation in value plus income received divided by the original investment principal [2] - The article emphasizes a defensive investment strategy with a medium- to long-term horizon [2]

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]

Group 1 - VICI Properties has completed significant acquisitions, including MGM Growth Properties and The Venetian, over three years ago [1] - The company aims to invest in firms with strong qualitative attributes and hold them long-term while focusing on attractive pricing based on fundamentals [2] - The investment strategy involves maintaining a concentrated portfolio to avoid losses and maximize exposure to high-potential companies [2]

Company Performance - VICI Properties Inc. closed at $31.45, reflecting a +0.22% change from the previous day, outperforming the S&P 500 which fell by 0.53% [1] - Over the past month, VICI shares have decreased by 0.88%, while the Finance sector and S&P 500 gained 3.08% and 5.17% respectively [1] Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is expected to show an EPS of $0.59, a 3.51% increase from the same quarter last year, with revenue forecasted at $995.14 million, indicating a 3.99% growth [2] - For the annual period, earnings are anticipated to be $2.34 per share and revenue at $3.98 billion, reflecting increases of +3.54% and +3.52% respectively from the previous year [3] Analyst Estimates - Recent changes in analyst estimates for VICI Properties Inc. are important as they reflect the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns, with positive adjustments indicating a favorable outlook on the company's health and profitability [4] - The Zacks Rank system, which incorporates these estimate changes, currently ranks VICI Properties Inc. as 2 (Buy), with a 0.17% increase in the consensus EPS estimate over the past month [5][6] Valuation Metrics - VICI Properties Inc. has a Forward P/E ratio of 13.39, which is a premium compared to its industry's Forward P/E of 11.24 [7] - The company's PEG ratio stands at 2.91, compared to the industry average of 2.44, indicating a higher expected earnings growth rate relative to its price [7] Industry Context - The REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry, part of the Finance sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 130, placing it in the bottom 48% of over 250 industries [8] - Research indicates that industries in the top 50% outperform those in the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [8]

Core Viewpoint - The REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry is facing macroeconomic challenges, but certain segments are showing resilience due to strong demand driven by demographic trends and technological advancements [1][2][4]. Industry Overview - The Zacks REIT and Equity Trust - Other sector includes a variety of REIT stocks across asset categories such as industrial, office, healthcare, and data centers, generating income through rental payments [3]. - Economic growth is crucial for the real estate sector, as it correlates with higher demand, occupancy rates, and rental pricing power for landlords [3]. Current Challenges - Macroeconomic volatility and evolving trade policies, including tariffs, pose significant challenges for the real estate sector, potentially impacting consumer purchasing power and interest rate policies [4]. - Changing tenant preferences are creating a divide between prime and non-prime assets, with modern, amenity-rich spaces in demand while older properties face rising vacancies [5]. Growth Opportunities - Certain real estate sectors are benefiting from demographic shifts and technological trends, such as the migration to the Sun Belt and the rise of e-commerce, which are driving demand in residential and industrial markets [6]. - Data Center and Telecommunication REITs are experiencing growth due to increased reliance on digital services, AI, and cloud computing [6]. - Healthcare REITs are positioned to benefit from an aging population, driving long-term demand for quality healthcare facilities [6]. Industry Performance - The Zacks REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry has underperformed compared to the S&P 500 and the broader Finance sector, with a 6.7% increase over the past year versus 11.4% for the S&P 500 and 19.4% for the Finance sector [11]. - The industry's current valuation is at a forward 12-month price-to-FFO ratio of 15.63, lower than the S&P 500's forward P/E of 21.83 and the Finance sector's 16.21 [14]. Stock Recommendations - **VICI Properties**: Engaged in owning and acquiring gaming and entertainment properties, with a strong portfolio and a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy). Expected revenue growth of 3.52% year-over-year for 2025 [18][20]. - **W.P. Carey**: A large net-lease REIT with a diversified portfolio, also holding a Zacks Rank 2. Projected revenue growth of 5.23% year-over-year for 2025 [22][24]. - **Easterly Government Properties**: Focused on mission-critical properties leased to U.S. government agencies, with a Zacks Rank 2 and expected revenue growth of 11.9% year-over-year for 2025 [26][28].

Core Viewpoint - Investing in real estate, particularly through Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) like VICI Properties, offers a strong opportunity for passive income through dividends and portfolio growth. Group 1: Company Overview - VICI Properties is a leading REIT focused on experiential real estate, owning significant properties such as the Venetian Resort Las Vegas and Chelsea Piers in New York City [4] - The REIT operates under long-term triple net leases with an average remaining term of 40 years, which are designed to escalate rents tied to inflation [5] Group 2: Financial Performance - VICI Properties currently offers a dividend yield of 5.5%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's sub-1.5% yield, and has been growing its dividend at a compound annual rate of 7.4% [2][8] - The REIT pays out approximately 75% of its adjusted funds from operations (FFO) in dividends, maintaining a solid balance sheet with a net leverage ratio of 5.3 times [6][7] Group 3: Growth Opportunities - There is an estimated $400 billion in U.S. gaming properties not currently owned by REITs, presenting a substantial growth opportunity for VICI Properties [10] - The company is also exploring investments in tribal casinos and has formed partnerships for developing non-gaming experiential properties, such as indoor water parks and wellness retreats [11][12] Group 4: Strategic Initiatives - VICI Properties has established strategic relationships to identify unique experiential real estate opportunities, including a recent $300 million mezzanine loan for the development of One Beverly Hills [13] - The REIT's ongoing expansion of its portfolio supports its ability to continue increasing dividends, making it a compelling investment choice for income [14][15]