VICI Properties (VICI) Maintains Appeal Despite Analyst Downgrades

VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE:VICI) is one of Goldman Sachs’ top REIT stock picks. On February 2, Scotiabank analysts downgraded VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE:VICI) to Sector Perform from Outperform and cut the price target from $36 to $30. The downgrade underscores the analyst’s cautious sentiment on the stock.

Earlier on January 5, Cantor Fitzgerald cut the stock’s price target to $33 from $35 but reiterated an Overweight rating. In a research note, the firm noted that U.S. equity REITs returned 2.9% in 2025, trailing the S&P 500, but sees potential upside in 2026. A more favorable macro environment, steady supply and demand fundamentals, and a growing M&A trend could support the sector. Cantor also highlighted VICI’s strong balance sheet and a well-covered, 4% dividend as key attractions despite recent underperformance.

In the fourth quarter, VICI Properties entered into an agreement to acquire seven casino properties. The acquisitions included the STRAT Hotel on the North Las Vegas Strip, two Arizona Charlie’s locations in the Las Vegas Locals market, and two properties in Laughlin. The acquisition marked a significant milestone, paving the way for the company to enter the Las Vegas Locals market, the second-largest gaming market in the U.S.

VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE:VICI) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns, acquires, and develops a massive portfolio of gaming, hospitality, and entertainment destinations. It acts as a landlord for iconic properties, including Caesars Palace, the MGM Grand, and the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.