VICI Properties Inc., a real estate investment trust specializing in gaming and hospitality properties, is currently trading near its 52-week lows but continues to attract strong analyst support. According to recent coverage, 80% of the 25 analysts tracking VICI Properties stock maintain Buy ratings, with the average 12-month price target suggesting more than 24% upside potential from current levels. The stock has emerged as one of the notable investment opportunities among companies trading at 52-week low stocks.
On January 13, Barry Jones from Truist Financials reiterated a Buy rating on VICI Properties with a price target of $38, according to analyst reports. Meanwhile, Richard Anderson from Cantor Fitzgerald also maintained a Buy rating on January 5, though he adjusted the price target downward from $35 to $33, reflecting broader sector challenges.
Understanding the Recent Price Target Adjustments
The reduced price targets from some analysts reflect headwinds facing the real estate investment trust sector more broadly. Cantor Fitzgerald analysts noted that US equity REITs have underperformed the S&P 500, delivering only 2.9% returns in 2025. However, the firm’s analysis suggests this underperformance may be temporary rather than indicative of fundamental weakness in quality holdings.
Despite the sector-wide challenges, analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald expressed optimism for 2026 performance. The firm cited a supportive macroeconomic environment and accelerating mergers and acquisitions activity as key drivers that could benefit VICI Properties stock and similar REITs in the coming year.
Company Fundamentals Remain Attractive
VICI Properties operates as a real estate investment trust focused on owning gaming, hospitality, wellness, entertainment, and leisure destinations across the United States and Canada. This specialized focus has positioned the company within a niche segment of the REIT market with distinct characteristics from traditional commercial or residential property trusts.
Additionally, Cantor Fitzgerald highlighted several strengths that make VICI Properties an attractive investment opportunity despite recent stock price weakness. The firm pointed to stable demand and fundamentals in the gaming and hospitality sectors, along with the company’s strong balance sheet. The growing dividend yield has also become increasingly appealing to income-focused investors as the stock price has declined.
Wall Street Outlook for 52-Week Low Stocks
The bullish analyst consensus on VICI Properties reflects a common pattern where institutional investors identify value opportunities in quality companies trading at depressed levels. When fundamentally sound businesses experience stock price declines due to sector-wide or market-wide pressures rather than company-specific problems, analysts often maintain or increase their conviction.
In contrast to the current stock price near 52-week lows, the average analyst price target implies significant recovery potential. This divergence between market pricing and analyst expectations suggests that many Wall Street professionals believe the market has overcorrected on VICI Properties stock, creating a potential entry point for investors willing to look beyond near-term sector headwinds.
Sector Dynamics and Investment Considerations
The broader REIT sector performance has weighed on individual stocks like VICI Properties, regardless of company-specific fundamentals. However, the specialized nature of gaming and hospitality real estate may insulate VICI from some challenges facing other REIT categories. These properties typically feature long-term lease agreements with established operators, providing revenue stability.
Furthermore, the merger and acquisition activity mentioned by Cantor Fitzgerald could create additional catalysts for the stock. Increased M&A activity in the REIT sector often leads to multiple expansion and improved valuations as strategic buyers recognize value that public market investors may have overlooked.
Investors will be watching for VICI Properties’ upcoming quarterly earnings reports and management commentary on operating trends in the gaming and hospitality sectors. The company’s ability to maintain stable occupancy and rental income while growing its dividend will likely determine whether the bullish analyst projections materialize over the next 12 months.
