VICI Gains 2.48% on Jefferies Upgrade and Strategic Expansion Ranks 438th in 250M Trading Volume

VICI Properties (VICI) rose 2.48% on August 4, 2025, with a trading volume of $0.25 billion, ranking 438th in the market. The stock’s performance was influenced by renewed interest in its experiential real estate portfolio and a revised price target from Jefferies. Analysts highlighted VICI’s unique positioning in the REIT sector, emphasizing its long-term triple-net leases and high-margin cash flows.

A bullish thesis on VICI argued its intrinsic value exceeds $55 per share, driven by its ownership of iconic properties like Caesars Palace and MGM Grand. The company’s business model, characterized by near-97% EBITDA margins and CPI-linked rent escalators, offers inflation protection and predictable cash flows. Institutional investors have also shown increased ownership, with some hedge funds boosting stakes significantly in recent quarters.

Jefferies upgraded its price target for VICI to $44 from $43, maintaining a "Buy" rating. The firm cited the company’s strategic expansion into non-gaming experiential infrastructure, such as wellness resorts and family entertainment centers, as a catalyst for long-term growth. Additionally, short interest in VICI surged by 341.3% in July, indicating heightened market speculation, though the 5.3 days-to-cover ratio suggests limited immediate pressure from short sellers.

VICI’s recent quarterly results demonstrated resilience, with revenue exceeding expectations and a dividend yield of 5.2% reinforcing its appeal to income-focused investors. The stock’s valuation, trading at a trailing P/E of 12.69 and forward P/E of 11.78, reflects a discount to its intrinsic value metrics. Analysts noted that broader gaming legalization and institutional recognition of VICI as essential infrastructure could further unlock its potential.

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