1 Magnificent Real Estate Dividend Stock Down 6.5% to Buy and Hold Forever

Core Viewpoint - VICI Properties' shares are down approximately 6.5% from their 52-week high, presenting a potential buying opportunity for investors, especially given the stock's current dividend yield of 5.7% and growth potential [1]. Group 1: Business Model and Income Stability - VICI Properties invests in leading casino, hospitality, wellness, entertainment, and leisure destinations, primarily through triple-net leases with an average remaining lease term of 40 years [3]. - Most leases include rent escalation clauses linked to inflation, with 42% of leases escalating this year and projected to rise to 90% by 2035, resulting in stable and steadily increasing rental income, with a 1.7% average same-store rent growth this year [4]. - The company pays out about 75% of its adjusted funds from operations (FFO) in dividends, allowing it to retain a significant portion of cash flow for reinvestment in new income-generating properties [4]. Group 2: Financial Health and Growth Potential - VICI Properties maintains a strong investment-grade balance sheet with a low leverage ratio of 5.2, providing financial flexibility for new investments [5]. - The company has consistently increased its dividend every year since its inception, achieving a 6.6% compound annual growth rate in dividends, significantly higher than the average 2.3% growth for similar REITs [6]. - The combination of stable cash flow and conservative financial metrics supports the sustainability of VICI Properties' high-yielding dividend, with ample growth drivers for future income increases [7].