The Motley Fool·2025-12-05 01:00Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential for real estate investment trusts (REITs) to attract investors as interest rates decline, comparing two specific REITs: Realty Income and Vici Properties, to determine which is a better investment for the future [1][2]. Group 1: Overview of Realty Income - Realty Income owns over 15,500 commercial properties primarily leased to recession-resistant retailers, maintaining an occupancy rate of 98.7% in 2024 [4]. - The company has a history of paying monthly dividends and has raised its payout 132 times since its IPO [4]. - Realty's adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) per share grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2019 to 2024, with expectations of a slight increase in AFFO for 2025 [11][12]. Group 2: Overview of Vici Properties - Vici Properties owns 93 casinos and entertainment properties, focusing on long-term leases with major tenants like Caesar's Entertainment and MGM Resorts, achieving a perfect occupancy rate of 100% since its IPO [6][7]. - The company has raised its dividend annually for seven consecutive years and expects its AFFO per share to rise by 4% to 5% in the near future [7][13]. - Vici's AFFO per share grew at a CAGR of 9% from 2019 to 2024, indicating strong performance despite macroeconomic challenges [13]. Group 3: Comparative Analysis - Both Realty and Vici are triple net lease REITs, requiring them to distribute at least 90% of their taxable income as dividends [3]. - Vici is considered a better investment due to its stronger AFFO growth, perfect occupancy rates, lower valuation, and higher dividends compared to Realty [15]. - As interest rates decline, both companies are expected to benefit from cheaper expansion opportunities and milder macroeconomic headwinds for their tenants [14].