ZACKSยท2025-06-12 17:16Core 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].