ZACKS·2025-09-11 15:46Core 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]