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Vici Properties
Vici Properties
from Wikipedia

Vici Properties Inc. is an American real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in casino and entertainment properties, based in New York City. It was formed in 2017 as a spin-off from Caesars Entertainment Corporation as part of its bankruptcy reorganization. It owns 54 casinos, hotels, and racetracks, four golf courses, and 38 bowling alleys around the United States and Canada.

Key Information

History

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Vici Properties was formed as part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization of Caesars Entertainment Operating Company (CEOC), the largest division of Caesars Entertainment. After placing CEOC into bankruptcy in January 2015, Caesars proposed splitting CEOC into two companies: a REIT, which would own the company's casinos, and an operating company, which would manage them.[2] The plan was designed to maximize value for CEOC's creditors by taking advantage of favorable tax treatment for REITs.[3] Several members of Congress opposed the plan, calling it an abuse of the REIT laws.[4] They asked the Internal Revenue Service to deny tax-free status to the spin-off, but their protest went unheeded.[4][5]

The spin-off of Vici to CEOC's creditors was completed on October 6, 2017, the day that CEOC emerged from bankruptcy.[6][7][8] Vici began with a portfolio of nineteen casinos and racetracks, all leased to Caesars at a total initial annual rent of $630 million, and four golf courses.[6][9] The company's name was adopted from the phrase "Veni, vidi, vici," commonly attributed to Julius Caesar; vici in Latin means "I conquered".[10]

Vici acquired Harrah's Las Vegas from Caesars in December 2017 for $1.1 billion, and leased it back at an initial annual rent of $87.4 million.[11][12]

MGM Growth Properties, a REIT affiliated with Caesars competitor MGM Resorts International, offered in January 2018 to acquire Vici for an estimated $5.9 billion.[13] Vici's board rejected the offer, deciding instead to proceed with a planned initial public offering.[10] Vici completed its IPO on the New York Stock Exchange in February 2018, raising $1.2 billion.[14][15]

The company moved its headquarters to New York City from the Las Vegas area in mid-2018.[16][17]

Vici completed two transactions with Caesars in 2018, purchasing the Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace for $508 million and Harrah's Philadelphia for $242 million, and leasing them back to Caesars for $35 million and $21 million per year, respectively.[18]

In 2019, Vici made two purchases in conjunction with Penn National Gaming. Vici bought the real estate of the Margaritaville Resort Casino in Louisiana and Greektown Casino–Hotel in Detroit for $261 million and $700 million, respectively, while Penn bought both properties' operating businesses and leased them from Vici for annual rent of $23 million and $56 million, respectively.[19][20][21] Vici bought a second casino from Greektown seller Jack Entertainment, Jack Cincinnati Casino, in September 2019, paying $558 million for the real estate; Hard Rock International leased the property for $43 million per year.[22][23]

In December 2019, Vici bought three casinos in Missouri and West Virginia from Eldorado Resorts in conjunction with Century Casinos: Isle Casino Cape Girardeau, Lady Luck Casino Caruthersville, and Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort.[24] Vici paid $278 million for the real estate assets, and leased them to Century for $25 million per year.[25] A month later, the company bought two more properties from Jack Entertainment, Jack Cleveland Casino and Jack Thistledown Racino, for a total of $843 million, leasing them back for $66 million per year.[26]

In July 2020, Eldorado Resorts acquired Caesars Entertainment, becoming Vici's primary tenant, and renamed itself to Caesars Entertainment.[27] In connection with this acquisition, Vici bought three properties (Harrah's Atlantic City, Harrah's Laughlin, and Harrah's New Orleans) from Caesars for a total of $1.8 billion, and leased them back to the new Caesars for $154 million per year.[28]

Starting in 2020, Vici expanded beyond the gaming sector, largely by providing construction loans for hospitality and entertainment properties, often with an option to purchase the property after completion.[29][30][31] By 2023, Vici had announced financing arrangements for Canyon Ranch spas, Great Wolf Resorts water parks, a Kalahari Resorts water park, Cabot golf resorts, and BigShots Golf driving ranges.[31][32] It also acquired the Chelsea Piers entertainment complex in Manhattan and 38 Bowlero bowling alleys.[33][34]

Vici more than doubled its size in 2022 by acquiring MGM Growth Properties and the Venetian complex on the Las Vegas Strip. Vici purchased the real estate of the Venetian complex from Las Vegas Sands in February 2022 for $4 billion.[35][36] The acquisition included the Venetian and Palazzo casino hotels and the Sands Expo convention center.[36] Apollo Global Management bought the operating business and leased the property from Vici for $250 million per year.[35]

In April 2022, Vici acquired MGM Growth Properties for $17.2 billion (including $5.7 billion in assumed debt).[37][38][39] The purchase added full ownership of thirteen properties to Vici's portfolio, and half ownership of the MGM Grand Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay resorts, and increased Vici's annual revenue by $1 billion,[40] along with making it the largest land owner on the Las Vegas Strip, with over 660 acres.[41] Vici bought out the other half of interest in the MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay from Blackstone for $1.27 billion plus $1.5 billion in assumed debt in January 2023.[42][43]

Several smaller acquisitions were made in 2022 and 2023. Vici expanded to Canada, acquiring eight casinos in Alberta from Pure Canadian Gaming and Century Casinos for a total of US$363 million.[44][45] It also added Foundation Gaming as a tenant, purchasing two casinos in Mississippi for $293 million, and acquired the Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Maryland for $204 million, in conjunction with Century.[46][47]

Properties

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Leased to Caesars Entertainment

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Leased to Century Casinos

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Leased to MGM Resorts International

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Leased to Pure Canadian Gaming

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Leased to other companies

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Golf courses

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The company owns and operates four golf courses:[49]

Former properties

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia

Vici Properties Inc. is an S&P 500 experiential real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns, acquires, and develops properties focused on gaming, hospitality, entertainment, and leisure destinations across the United States.
The company was formed as a REIT and began operations on October 6, 2017, through a spin-off from Caesars Entertainment Corporation, initially leasing properties to Caesars under long-term triple-net agreements that ensure stable cash flows by shifting operational costs to tenants.
Vici Properties' portfolio comprises 93 assets, including 54 gaming facilities and 39 other experiential properties, spanning approximately 127 million square feet with around 60,300 hotel rooms and over 500 restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, leased to leading operators like Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, and Penn Entertainment.
Geographically diverse across multiple states, the portfolio emphasizes high-quality, single-tenant assets that generate predictable rental income, contributing to the company's investment-grade credit rating and inclusion in the S&P 500 index.
Key achievements include rapid portfolio expansion through strategic acquisitions, such as properties from GLPI and real estate linked to the Venetian Resort, alongside consistent dividend growth reflecting robust financial performance in the experiential real estate sector.

History

Formation and Spin-off from Caesars Entertainment (2017)

VICI Properties was formed as a (REIT) on October 6, 2017, through the spin-off of assets from Operating Company (CEOC), coinciding with CEOC's emergence from Chapter 11 proceedings that had commenced in 2015. The restructuring separated CEOC's property holdings from its operational casino and hospitality businesses, enabling the parent to concentrate on gaming operations while transferring land, buildings, and related assets to VICI under long-term triple-net lease agreements. This separation aimed to unlock value in the stable, income-generating portfolio, insulated from operational risks, and provided CEOC with liquidity to address approximately $10 billion in secured debt through distributions to creditors. The initial portfolio transferred to VICI encompassed 19 gaming facilities, including prominent properties such as and , along with Harrah's Philadelphia racetrack and casino, all leased back to Caesars under master lease agreements with an initial aggregate annual rent of $630 million. These assets, spanning approximately 32.5 million square feet, were selected for their experiential appeal and location in key markets, positioning VICI to generate predictable rental income while Caesars retained operational control and . The transaction structure facilitated debt reduction for Caesars by monetizing value outside operations, with the spin-off contributing to an overall post-reorganization enterprise value for Caesars of about $20 billion. Following the spin-off, VICI's commenced public trading under the VICI, initially on the OTC Markets Group's on October 18, 2017, before listing on the , signaling investor interest in the REIT's focus on high-quality, leased gaming real estate amid ' stabilized finances. This debut underscored confidence in VICI's model of owning irreplaceable assets with creditworthy tenants, distinct from the cyclical operating risks borne by post-bankruptcy.

Initial Public Offering and Early Expansion (2018–2020)

VICI Properties completed its initial public offering on the on February 5, 2018, issuing 69,575,000 shares of at $21.50 per share, which generated gross proceeds of approximately $1.5 billion before discounts and expenses, netting about $1.4 billion. The offering, the fourth-largest REIT IPO in history, provided capital to repay outstanding indebtedness under its credit facilities, redeem second-lien notes, and finance future property acquisitions, enabling VICI to operate independently as a public REIT focused on experiential . Post-IPO, VICI pursued accretive sale-leaseback transactions to scale its portfolio rapidly. In June 2018, it agreed to purchase the land and real estate of Margaritaville Resort Casino in , from Penn National Gaming for $376 million, with the deal closing on January 2, 2019, under a long-term triple-net yielding an initial annual rent of about $30 million. Earlier in 2018, VICI acquired the Octavius Tower at in for $508 million and Harrah's Philadelphia in , for $242 million, both from , integrating these assets into long-term and broadening its exposure within the gaming sector. In November 2018, VICI committed to buying the real estate of Greektown Casino-Hotel in , , from Jack Entertainment for $700 million as part of a $1 billion joint transaction with Penn National Gaming, which assumed operations under a 15-year with 3% annual escalators. Expansion continued into 2019 and 2020 through additional deals with Jack Entertainment, diversifying VICI's geographic footprint into the Midwest. In April 2019, VICI agreed to acquire JACK Cincinnati Casino in for approximately $780 million (including adjacent Racetrack), closing in September 2019 and leasing it to International. Later that October, it announced the $843.3 million purchase of and JACK Thistledown Racino, both in , finalizing the transaction in January 2020 with Jack Entertainment as tenant under leases generating $65.9 million in initial annual rent. These transactions, totaling over $2 billion in real estate value from Jack properties, exemplified VICI's strategy of opportunistic growth via sale-leasebacks with regional operators, even amid the pandemic's disruptions to the gaming industry, as stable structures provided resilience.

Growth Through Acquisitions and Diversification (2021–Present)

Following the completion of its initial public expansions, VICI Properties pursued aggressive growth in its core gaming segment through high-profile acquisitions. In February 2022, the company completed the $4 billion purchase of the land and real estate assets associated with the Venetian Resort Las Vegas and Center, a deal initially announced in March 2021 as part of ' divestiture. This transaction, structured as a sale-leaseback with as the operator, enhanced VICI's presence in the market and contributed to expanding its gaming portfolio beyond 50 properties by integrating additional U.S. assets during the period. Shifting toward diversification, VICI began investing in non-gaming experiential assets starting in 2022. The company entered the destination golf sector in June 2022 via its initial partnership with Cabot, providing financing for Cabot Citrus Farms in —the first U.S. property in Cabot's luxury golf collection—and later expanded this relationship in December 2023 with investments in Cabot properties in and , including the Castle Stuart Golf Links. In 2023, VICI acquired Chelsea Piers facilities for $342.9 million, broadening into urban sports and entertainment venues. Complementing these moves, VICI expanded internationally with gaming acquisitions, including four Alberta casinos from Pure Canadian Gaming in January 2023 and four more from Century Casinos in May 2023, marking its entry into the market. Subsequent transactions reinforced this strategy, with the July 2023 completion of the Rocky Gap Casino Resort acquisition—leased back to Century Casinos at a 7.6% —further integrating into existing tenant leases. In April 2025, VICI closed a $1.3 billion senior unsecured notes offering, comprising $400 million at 4.75% due 2028 and $900 million at 5.625% due 2035, to refinance maturing debt and support ongoing capital deployment. These efforts underpinned financial momentum, as evidenced by second-quarter 2025 revenues reaching $1.0 billion, a 4.6% increase year-over-year, reflecting embedded growth from diversified holdings now spanning 54 gaming and 39 non-gaming experiential properties across 26 U.S. states and one Canadian province.

Business Model

Real Estate Investment Trust Structure and Triple Net Leases

VICI Properties Inc. operates as a (REIT) under sections 856 through 860 of the , necessitating the annual distribution of at least 90% of its REIT to stockholders to qualify for pass-through taxation and avert entity-level federal income or excise taxes. This requirement facilitates tax efficiency by subjecting dividends primarily to shareholder-level taxation rather than corporate rates, with VICI aligning distributions to its adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) while targeting compliance to preserve REIT status. Non-compliance could trigger loss of REIT qualification, imposing and a four-year re-election prohibition. Central to VICI's framework are triple-net agreements covering 100% of its portfolio, wherein tenants bear all property-related operating expenses, including taxes, insurance premiums, maintenance, capital expenditures, and ground obligations. This arrangement isolates VICI from direct involvement in day-to-day and cost volatility, channeling focus toward , oversight, and capital allocation for asset-backed income generation. By shifting these burdens to lessees, typically operators with aligned incentives to maintain properties, the model reduces operational risks and fosters consistent, low-variance revenue streams. Leases incorporate extended terms and escalation mechanisms for enduring cash flow predictability, with a weighted average remaining lease term of 40.1 years as of September 1, 2025, factoring in renewal options. Rent provisions include fixed annual increases of 1% to 2% or consumer price index (CPI)-linked adjustments—applicable to 42% of the rent roll in 2025, rising to 90% by 2035—with caps to balance growth and certainty, thereby hedging inflation and embedding organic revenue expansion without reliance on re-leasing. These features underpin resilient, inflation-adjusted income, minimizing exposure to market cycles through contractual longevity and automatic uplifts.

Tenant Relationships and Revenue Generation

VICI Properties maintains long-term master lease agreements with a select group of experiential operators, primarily and , which together account for approximately 74% of its annualized rent as of December 31, 2024. , the largest tenant, operates under multiple master leases covering and regional properties, with initial terms extending to 2035 and featuring tenant guarantees from the parent entity. Similarly, operates under a master lease expiring in 2047, encompassing properties like and , with comparable cross-default protections and parent guarantees. Other notable tenants include , , JACK Entertainment, and Century Casinos, each contributing through dedicated master leases that bundle multiple assets to streamline administration and enforce collective obligations. These triple-net master leases differentiate VICI from traditional property owners by shifting all operational responsibilities—such as , taxes, and —to tenants, thereby insulating VICI from day-to-day risks while ensuring steady cash flows. Rent payments typically comprise a fixed base component subject to annual escalators (ranging from 1% to 2%, or the greater of 2% or CPI in later years, with some capped at 3%), supplemented by percentage rent tied to tenant gross revenues in select agreements (e.g., 20-30% of total rent under certain leases). Approximately 40% of annualized rental revenue incorporates CPI-linked adjustments for protection, fostering revenue predictability across the portfolio's weighted average remaining term of 40.7 years as of year-end 2024. This structure has enabled 100% contractual rent collection since VICI's inception, with full occupancy across 93 assets leased under 18 agreements. Following its 2017 spin-off from , which initially concentrated exposure on a single tenant, VICI pursued diversification by acquiring assets from varied operators, reducing reliance on any one lessee and mitigating risks associated with tenant-specific downturns. By 2024, the tenant base expanded to 13 operators across gaming, , and sectors, with over 99% of leasing s derived from high-traffic experiential destinations like and venues that generate resilient demand. This evolution supported $3.85 billion in total 2024 s, predominantly from rental income, underscoring the model's efficacy in converting tenant operational success into stable, escalator-protected yields without VICI assuming direct management liabilities.

Risk Management and Operational Efficiency

VICI Properties employs conservative leverage and disciplined capital allocation to maintain investment-grade ratings, including a BBB- rating from with a stable outlook as of mid-2025. This approach targets long-term net leverage within 5.0-5.5x EBITDA, supported by a payout of approximately 66-67% on adjusted funds from operations (AFFO), which preserves flexibility for management and growth without excessive distributions. Such strategies mitigate and risks inherent to REIT financing, evidenced by upgrades like Moody's to Baa3 in late 2024, reflecting quality amid variable economic conditions. Operational efficiency stems from the triple-net lease structure, where tenants bear all property-level costs, including capital expenditures (CapEx), taxes, , and maintenance, resulting in negligible direct CapEx requirements for VICI. General and administrative (G&A) expenses remain low, totaling around $14-21 million per quarter in recent periods and representing 1.5-2.1% of revenues, among the lowest in the REIT sector due to a streamlined portfolio of large, single-tenant assets. Portfolio monitoring emphasizes tenant creditworthiness through long-term leases with master covenants from resilient operators, enabling near-100% cash rent collection even during the 2020 pandemic downturn, when many peers faced deferrals. This resilience underscores causal links between asset quality—focused on experiential with durable demand—and operational stability, with proactive oversight via lease escalators tied to CPI for inflation protection.

Portfolio of Assets

Gaming and Casino Properties

VICI Properties owns 54 gaming properties across the United States, forming the core of its portfolio and providing stable rental income through ownership of high-traffic casino resorts and related facilities. These assets, located in multiple states including Nevada, New Jersey, and Louisiana, encompass major casino complexes that attract millions of visitors annually, supporting consistent revenue streams backed by long-term leases on experiential real estate. The scale of this segment underscores its role in portfolio resilience, as gaming venues demonstrate enduring demand driven by tourism and entertainment. Prominent holdings include iconic Las Vegas Strip properties such as , , MGM Grand, , The Venetian, and , which collectively represent a significant concentration in and serve as primary revenue contributors due to the region's status as a global gaming hub. This Las Vegas focus, encompassing multiple resorts with extensive gaming floors and amenities, balances the portfolio's geographic diversification while leveraging high occupancy and visitor volumes for operational steadiness. Beyond , regional casinos and racetracks in states like —such as those affiliated with —and bolster exposure to varied markets, mitigating reliance on any single locale. The gaming portfolio's composition, including both destination resorts and smaller-scale regional operations, enhances overall stability by tapping into diverse sources within the sector, with properties generating rent from casino gaming, , and ancillary activities. As of June 30, 2025, these 54 assets span approximately 15 states, reflecting strategic expansion that prioritizes proven, high-traffic venues for long-term value preservation.

Experiential and Non-Gaming Properties

VICI Properties maintains a portfolio of 39 non-gaming experiential properties, spanning leisure, entertainment, and wellness destinations across 17 states and multiple metropolitan areas, as of September 2025. These assets, totaling approximately 2.4 million square feet, include bowling centers with over 1,520 lanes and 1,113 arcade games, alongside facilities focused on youth sports, waterparks, and lifestyle hubs. The properties operate under triple-net lease structures with extended initial terms—often exceeding 30 years—and escalation provisions tied to the Consumer Price Index, mirroring the stable revenue model of VICI's gaming leases while achieving 100% rent collection since the company's inception, even amid economic disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. Key holdings encompass four championship golf courses in Nevada and other U.S. locations, including Cascata Golf Course, Rio Secco Golf Course, Grand Bear Golf Course in , and Chariot Run Golf Course in , managed by an affiliate of Cabot, a developer of luxury golf resorts. Urban sports facilities like in , acquired outright in December 2023 for an undisclosed amount following an initial loan investment, feature 780,000 square feet of sports amenities, event spaces, production studios, and a under a 32-year triple-net with a 10-year extension option held by the operator. Additional assets include 38 bowling and entertainment venues purchased in 2023 for $432.9 million, wellness properties like facilities, and waterpark resorts operated by Great Wolf Lodge partners. Expansion in this category accelerated through targeted acquisitions and investments from 2023 to 2025, including the conversion and deal in 2023, further commitments to and Cabot-linked developments in 2024, and increased financing for lifestyle projects like One Beverly Hills in 2025, totaling hundreds of millions in capital deployment. These moves diversify streams away from gaming sector volatility, leveraging for premium, experience-driven that supports long-term and escalatory rent growth projected to cover 90% of the rent roll by 2035. By prioritizing operators with proven track records in experiential , VICI enhances portfolio stability without direct operational involvement.

International Holdings

VICI Properties marked its initial expansion beyond the in January 2023 through the acquisition of four casino properties from PURE Canadian Gaming Corp. in a sale-leaseback transaction valued at approximately C$272 million (US$200 million at prevailing exchange rates). The properties include PURE Edmonton, PURE Yellowhead, PURE Calgary, and PURE Halifax, operated under a long-term triple-net master with an initial 25-year term and four five-year renewal options. This transaction established VICI's presence in the Canadian market, focusing on gaming venues in and , with annual base rent set at C$14.3 million escalating by 2% annually. In September 2023, VICI further diversified its international portfolio by acquiring the real estate assets of four additional Alberta-based from subsidiaries of Century Casinos, Inc., for US$163 million in another sale-leaseback deal. These assets, including Casinos of the Rockies - , St. Albert, and others in the province, operate under a separate 15-year triple-net lease with two five-year renewal options and an initial annual base rent of C$11.3 million, also escalating at 2% per year. Collectively, these eight represent VICI's primary overseas holdings as of 2025, comprising a modest portion of its overall portfolio but serving as a strategic foothold for geographic diversification amid stable North American gaming demand. The structures mirror VICI's domestic model, featuring triple-net terms where tenants cover property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, with rents denominated in Canadian dollars but providing USD-equivalent cash flows through fixed escalators and currency hedging considerations. As of December 2024, following the acquisition of PURE Canadian Gaming by Indigenous Gaming Partners, VICI amended the master to maintain unchanged economic terms, including an updated annual base rent of C$22.0 million (approximately $15.5 million), underscoring lease stability despite operator changes. This approach mitigates volatility while aligning with VICI's emphasis on experiential assets. VICI's Canadian entry positions it to capitalize on regional and gaming growth, with potential for measured international expansion linked to global experiential trends, though the company has prioritized domestic opportunities through 2025 without announcing further overseas deals. These holdings contribute to portfolio resilience by tapping into Canada's regulated gaming sector, which benefits from proximity to U.S. markets and steady visitor traffic.

Divestitures and Former Assets

VICI Properties has executed few, if any, significant divestitures since its formation through the spin-off of Entertainment's real estate assets in 2017 and in 2018, reflecting a strategic emphasis on long-term retention of high-quality experiential properties under triple-net lease structures. Public filings and announcements through 2025 indicate no major asset sales, with the company's portfolio growth driven predominantly by acquisitions rather than disposals. This approach has resulted in net acquisitions or neutral activity, preserving stable rental income streams while avoiding the operational disruptions associated with frequent divestments. Minor portfolio optimizations, such as amendments or adjustments to ownership interests in joint ventures, have occasionally occurred without constituting outright sales of core holdings. For instance, disclosures in reports highlight potential future divestiture considerations tied to market conditions or tenant performance, but no such transactions have materially impacted the portfolio's composition or metrics as of the second quarter of 2025. Overall, the absence of notable former assets underscores VICI's confidence in the enduring value of its gaming and non-gaming properties, contributing to consistent revenue growth and portfolio expansion exceeding 90 assets by mid-2025.

Financial Performance

VICI Properties' revenue increased from $2.16 billion in to $3.85 billion in 2024 and $4.0 billion in 2025, reflecting continued portfolio expansion through acquisitions such as the 2022 purchase of full ownership interests in Venetian Resort and annual rent escalations embedded in long-term triple-net leases averaging 2% or higher. This growth outpaced the broader REIT sector, as VICI's focus on high-barrier-to-entry gaming and experiential assets enabled consistent income from creditworthy tenants like and MGM Resorts, which contributed over 70% of lease revenues. Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO), a key metric for REIT that adjusts for non-cash items like straight-line rent and , demonstrated steady expansion, with full-year 2025 AFFO per share reaching $2.38, up 5.1% from $2.26 in 2024. In Q4 2025, AFFO attributable to common stockholders rose 6.8% year-over-year to $642.5 million, and AFFO per share was $0.60, up 5.6% year-over-year from $0.57, highlighting operational leverage from fixed lease payments that insulate earnings from tenant-level volatility. In 2025, revenues reached $4.0 billion, a 4.1% increase from $3.8 billion in the prior year, driven by rent escalators and contributions from recently integrated assets despite reported declines in visitor volumes linked to economic pressures. The triple-net structure mitigated these headwinds, as tenants remain obligated to cover property expenses and base rents, enabling AFFO per share of $2.38 while maintaining low general and administrative expenses at 1.8% of revenues for 2024. VICI Properties provided guidance for full-year 2026 AFFO of $2.59–$2.625 billion, or AFFO per share of $2.42–$2.45, implying 1.7%–2.9% per share growth from 2025's $2.38.
YearRevenue ($ billions)YoY Growth (%)AFFO per Share ($)
20202.16-1.65
20211.51-30.11.76
20222.6072.21.92
20233.6138.82.15
20243.856.62.26
20254.03.92.38
Note: 2021 revenue dip reflects spin-off adjustments and COVID impacts; AFFO data excludes certain non-recurring items for comparability.

Dividend Policy and Shareholder Value

VICI Properties, as a (REIT), is required by law to distribute at least 90% of its to shareholders in the form of s to maintain its tax-advantaged status. The company has adhered to a quarterly payment schedule since its 2017 spin-off from , starting at approximately $0.21 per share and progressively increasing through regular adjustments. By September 2025, the board approved a 4% hike to $0.45 per share, payable on October 9, 2025, to shareholders of record on September 18, 2025, reflecting ongoing commitment to escalating payouts amid portfolio expansion. This trajectory has delivered an annualized growth rate of about 6.6% since 2018, supporting a forward yield of roughly 5.5-5.8% as of late 2025, which appeals to income-oriented investors seeking stable cash flows from experiential assets. The dividend policy balances high distribution levels with financial prudence, targeting a payout of around 65-75% of adjusted funds from operations (AFFO), which leaves room for reinvestment in accretive acquisitions while covering obligations. For instance, second-quarter 2025 AFFO reached $630.2 million, up 6.4% year-over-year, providing a buffer that has enabled consistent coverage without excessive leverage reliance. This approach contrasts with more aggressive 100%+ AFFO payouts in some REITs, as VICI's retention—facilitated by and equity raises for growth—has compounded through both yield and capital appreciation, yielding total returns that have outpaced the three-year of specialized REIT peers at approximately 9.4%. VICI's dividend resilience is evident in its navigation of economic pressures, including the 2020 , where it adjusted but sustained payments relative to gaming-focused peers, prioritizing long-term stability over short-term maximization. Empirical data underscores this consistency: unlike some sector counterparts that suspended distributions, VICI's policy has emphasized predictable escalation tied to rent escalators and , fostering investor confidence and positioning it as a benchmark for capital return efficiency in triple-net lease REITs.

Stock Market Performance and Valuation Metrics

Vici Properties Inc. (NYSE: VICI) has demonstrated resilience in its stock performance amid broader market fluctuations in the real estate sector. As of October 24, 2025, the stock recorded a year-to-date total return of 11.23%, incorporating dividends, outperforming some REIT peers while trailing the S&P 500's approximate 20% gain for the period. Over the trailing 12 months, shares returned about 0.81%, reflecting sensitivity to environments and gaming industry dynamics. The 52-week trading range spanned from $27.98 to $34.03, with the share price closing at $31.19 on October 24. Inclusion in the index since June 2022 has enhanced VICI's visibility and liquidity, supporting growth to $33.26 billion as of late October 2025. This expansion underscores investor recognition of the company's ability to deploy capital into high-quality, single-tenant assets, with cumulative equity issuances exceeding $30 billion since inception facilitating acquisitions. Valuation metrics position VICI at a modest premium to book value, trading at a price-to-book ratio of 1.23 based on a June 2025 book value per share of $25.57, equating to approximately a 23% premium that signals market assessment of the durability of its triple-net leases with operator-tenants like Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts. Forward price-to-earnings multiple stood at 11.34, while funds from operations (FFO) per share for the quarter ended June 2025 reached $0.82, implying an annualized FFO multiple around 15x at prevailing prices—below historical sector medians for gaming-focused REITs and indicative of perceived cash flow predictability from experiential properties. These ratios reflect a balance of yield attractiveness and growth potential, with the premium over book value tied to low vacancy rates and contractual rent escalators rather than speculative elements.

Strategic Initiatives

Major Acquisitions and Investments

In February 2022, completed its $4 billion acquisition of the land and real estate assets associated with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, including and the Center, from Corp., a transaction initially announced in March 2021 and priced at a 6.25% . This deal expanded VICI's exposure and generated initial annual rent of approximately $250 million under a long-term triple-net with the property's operators, contributing to immediate accretion to adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) per share due to the spread between the cap rate and VICI's . A transformative transaction occurred in May 2022 when VICI acquired MGM Growth Properties in a $17.2 billion all-stock deal, integrating 15 regional gaming and non-gaming assets into its portfolio under a master lease structure with annual base rent exceeding $1 billion. The acquisition, structured with a mix of equity issuance and assumption of , diversified VICI's tenant base beyond while achieving a blended cap rate of around 7%, which exceeded prevailing borrowing costs and supported AFFO growth through scale efficiencies and reduced relative leverage. Throughout 2023, VICI committed $1.8 billion to new investments across gaming and experiential sectors, yielding a blended unlevered IRR of approximately 7.7% and enhancing portfolio resilience via geographic and asset-type diversification. Key components included the July acquisition of an interest in Rocky Gap Resort's land and buildings for $203.9 million at a 7.60% cap rate, adding $15.5 million in annualized rent under an expanded master with Century Casinos, Inc. In December, VICI purchased the leasehold interest in New York for $342.9 million, securing a 32-year triple-net with two 10-year extensions on the 825,000-square-foot sports and complex, priced accretively to bolster non-gaming revenue streams. These deals were financed through a balanced approach of equity offerings, on hand, and debt issuances, including $1.3 billion in senior unsecured notes closed in April 2025 to refinance maturing obligations and fund pipeline opportunities, maintaining investment-grade credit metrics while preserving liquidity for future accretive pursuits. The consistent capture of cap rates 100-200 basis points above VICI's in these transactions directly drove per-share value creation by increasing contractual rent coverage and hedging against volatility.

Partnerships and Portfolio Expansions

VICI Properties has pursued portfolio expansions through amendments to existing master leases, enabling incremental capital investments that support tenant-led improvements while leveraging operator expertise. In December 2022, the company amended the Century Master Lease to provide approximately $51.9 million in funding via its Partner Property Growth Fund for capital projects at Century Casinos properties, including improvements that enhance operational capabilities without full ownership transfers. Similarly, in May 2024, VICI committed up to $700 million through the same fund to finance The Venetian Resort Las Vegas's $1.5 billion reinvestment initiative, comprising $400 million drawn in 2024 for renovations and expansions that capitalize on the tenant's market knowledge. In non-gaming sectors, VICI has formed partnerships to diversify into experiential assets, notably with Cabot for destination properties. Beginning in 2022, VICI entered the sector by acquiring four U.S. courses, which are operated under a agreement with Cabot, an affiliate leveraging its expertise in resort development. This collaboration expanded in October 2022 with a broadened contract and further in December 2023 through additional investments, including plans for a second Tom Doak-designed course at one property set to open in 2025, fostering revenue growth from premium leisure experiences. Recent initiatives underscore VICI's strategy of partnering with premier operators for mutual expansion as of 2025. In February 2025, VICI established a with International and focused on unique experiential real estate, initiating with a $300 million mezzanine loan for the One Beverly Hills development to tap into high-end opportunities. Complementing this, in the second quarter of 2025, VICI partnered with Red Rock Resorts on the North Fork Mono Casino & Resort, providing up to $510 million in delayed-draw financing for the tribal project, where Red Rock's operational proficiency drives development and management. These ventures prioritize alignment with "best-in-class" partners to sustain long-term portfolio diversification and yield accretion.

Future Growth Prospects

VICI Properties maintains a robust focused on experiential acquisitions, including , , and assets, amid sustained recovery in gaming revenues and rising consumer demand for experiences post-pandemic. The company's strategy prioritizes single-tenant net lease structures in these sectors to drive embedded growth, with diversification beyond traditional casinos into family and sports-related properties enhancing long-term stability. CEO Edward Pitoniak has emphasized internal capital deployment and strategic partnerships as key drivers for expansion. In 2025, VICI Properties achieved AFFO attributable to common stockholders of $2.5 billion (up 6.6% YoY), or $2.38 per share (up 5.1% YoY from $2.26), through tenant lease amendments, redevelopment opportunities, and new strategic investments. For 2026, the company has provided guidance for AFFO of $2.59–$2.625 billion, or $2.42–$2.45 per share, implying 1.7%–2.9% per share growth from 2025 levels, reflecting confidence in operational efficiencies and portfolio yield accretion from experiential investments. Further diversification potential exists via rights of first offer on tenant expansions and selective acquisitions in high-barrier-to-entry markets, supported by VICI's strong liquidity position and track record of capital markets access exceeding $10 billion in post-formation equity and issuances. Analysts forecast modest revenue growth of approximately 3.2% annually, aligned with experiential sector trends, though execution depends on disciplined to maintain quality.

Risks and Criticisms

Tenant Credit and Market Dependencies

VICI Properties' rental income exhibits significant concentration in two primary tenants: and , which collectively accounted for approximately 74% of total rent as of early 2025, with Caesars contributing 39% and MGM 35%. This dependency exposes the company to tenant-specific credit risks, including potential pressures from downgrades or operational challenges faced by these operators, as highlighted in mid-2025 financial assessments noting tenant strains amid broader fluctuations. In the first half of 2025, VICI recorded a $45 million increase in its allowance for credit losses, partly attributable to equity market volatility affecting tenant performance. Geographically, VICI's portfolio maintains heavy exposure to the market, where key properties such as , MGM Grand, and The Venetian generate substantial rent under master lease agreements. Las Vegas visitor numbers declined 11.3% year-over-year in June 2025, dropping from 3.49 million to 3.09 million, driven by reduced and convention attendance, which fueled investor concerns over regional demand softness. However, this downturn has primarily influenced rather than VICI's core rental streams, as fixed-rent structures insulated cash flows from immediate visitation volatility. Company executives emphasized the Strip's enduring appeal and long-term recovery potential during second-quarter 2025 earnings discussions. To counter these concentrations, VICI employs master structures that pool multiple properties, reducing the likelihood of isolated tenant defaults triggering widespread concessions or restructurings. Leases incorporate robust tenant covenants, including cross-default provisions and minimum rent guarantees tied to initial base amounts with annual escalators, alongside a weighted-average remaining term exceeding 41 years as of mid-2025. Ongoing diversification into non-gaming assets and regional expansions, such as Canadian venues showing visitation upticks, further dilutes single-tenant and market-specific vulnerabilities.

Leverage and Financial Vulnerabilities

VICI Properties Inc. carries total of approximately $17.3 billion as of June 30, 2025, reflecting capital raises to support acquisitions and portfolio expansion. Since its spin-off in 2017, the company has raised nearly $30 billion in combined and equity financing to fund major deals, including from and MGM Resorts, which has elevated its balance sheet leverage. This includes approximately $500 million in debt-funded acquisitions during 2025 alone. Key leverage metrics include a debt-to-equity ratio of 65% and a net debt to annualized adjusted EBITDA ratio of 5.1x as of Q2 2025, levels that align with its investment-grade credit ratings of Baa3 from Moody's (upgraded November 2024), BBB- from S&P, and BBB- from Fitch. Approximately 83% of debt is unsecured, with secured portions limited to 17% of total debt as of March 31, 2025, supporting unencumbered asset coverage for obligations. The company maintains $3.0 billion in liquidity, comprising cash and undrawn credit facilities, which bolsters refinancing capacity amid maturities. Critics highlight vulnerabilities from high leverage tied to revenue-volatile casino properties, with net /EBITDA ratios approaching 6x in some analyses, increasing sensitivity to hikes and credit market tightening. Investor analyses note that such gearing—higher than some diversified REIT peers—amplifies risks during economic slowdowns, potentially straining coverage if gaming cash flows weaken. These concerns are tempered by VICI's predominantly fixed-rate structure, which mitigates short-term rate fluctuations, and proactive refinancings, such as $1.3 billion in early 2025 to extend maturities at investment-grade spreads. The firm has demonstrated resilience, incurring no debt defaults through major downturns including the , while preserving its dividend and achieving full investment-grade status across agencies by early 2025. ratings reflect sufficient coverage and asset , though sustained high leverage could pressure metrics if acquisition-driven growth outpaces .

Broader Industry Challenges in Gaming and Hospitality

The gaming and hospitality sectors, encompassing casino resorts and related entertainment venues, have delivered measurable economic benefits through job creation and tourism stimulation. In 2023, the U.S. commercial gaming industry supported $329 billion in total economic output, including 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs with associated wages of $104 billion, while generating $53 billion in tax revenues for federal, state, and local governments. These contributions often manifest in regional developments where casino properties anchor hospitality ecosystems, boosting visitor spending on lodging, dining, and events; for instance, casino-driven tourism has historically increased local retail sales and hotel occupancy in host communities. Empirical analyses indicate that such facilities can yield net positive fiscal impacts when accounting for multiplier effects, though benefits concentrate in states with mature markets like Nevada and New Jersey. Critics highlight persistent social costs linked to , including and associated harms, which challenge the industry's . Approximately 5 million U.S. adults exhibit compulsive behaviors, correlating with elevated rates of , , and ideation among affected individuals. Annual social costs from problem are estimated at $14 billion, covering healthcare expenditures, criminal justice involvement, and workplace absenteeism, with disproportionate burdens on lower-income demographics who comprise a significant portion of heavy gamblers. Longitudinal studies reveal that gambling expansion, such as legalized , has driven surges in -related helpline calls—up to 180,000 monthly searches nationally post-2018—attributable to increased accessibility and marketing intensity. Proponents counter that these harms reflect individual predispositions rather than inherent industry flaws, arguing regulated environments with tools and age verification reduce illegal alternatives and that rates (around 2-3% for disorder) remain low relative to participation, with no causal evidence of widespread societal decay beyond vulnerable subsets. For landlords in triple-net lease structures, operational liabilities like mitigation fall primarily on tenants, limiting direct exposure while underscoring ethical debates over profiting from high-risk activities. Regulatory pressures further complicate the landscape, including rising taxes and market saturation risks from expansions. Commercial gaming taxes reached a record $14.67 billion in direct state and local collections in 2023, with some jurisdictions imposing effective rates exceeding 50% on online segments, prompting operator pushback and potential relocations. Ongoing in over 40 states for has fueled revenue growth but heightened compliance burdens, such as data privacy mandates and anti-money laundering scrutiny, alongside threats from illicit offshore operators eroding tax bases. While expansions promise broader economic gains, empirical data links them to parallel increases in irresponsible play among low-income groups, straining public resources without proportional harm mitigation. investment trusts focused on gaming properties benefit from structures that decouple rental streams from volatile regulations, as fixed obligations persist barring tenant , though prolonged downturns could indirectly test portfolio resilience.

References

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