Core 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].

Core Insights - Morning Star emphasizes the importance of companies with economic moats for long-term investment success, but also acknowledges that companies without moats can be attractive investments when priced with a significant margin of safety [1][2] Company Summaries - **Caesar's Entertainment**: This company is expected to capture a high single-digit revenue share of the $72 billion domestic commercial casino gaming market despite potential near-term challenges from tariff policies affecting travel and gaming demand. Concerns about high financing costs and elevated debt levels exist, but management has a history of generating cash flows to manage debt [3][4] - **Maricold Realty Trust**: The operator of temperature-controlled warehouses has seen its share price decline due to falling occupancy rates and rent pressures. However, there are signs that speculative supply growth will decrease in the coming years, which may support a recovery in occupancy. The stock is trading at a significant discount to its $27 fair value estimate, making it an attractive option for long-term investors [4][5] - **Fresh Pet**: Despite facing near-term challenges such as slower dog adoption rates and cautious consumer spending, Fresh Pet is well-positioned for growth due to its unique fresh distribution model and expanding store footprint. Innovations in bag production are enhancing product quality while reducing costs, which is expected to boost profitability and sales growth. The stock is currently trading at a deep discount to its $15 fair value estimate [6][7]

[Music] I'm finance executive editor Brian Sazi and you're taking a look at live shot opening bells on Wall Street on this Monday morning. Ambassador Mike Waltz ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange to recognize the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and climate leaders getting things underway over at the NASDAQ to kick off New York Climate Week. Now, there's no shortage of things for investors to uh think about this morning.Everything from President Trump's new plan for the H-1B ...