5 Best “Sin Stocks” to Buy for Recession Protection

3. VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE:VICI)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 51

VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE:VICI) ranks among the best sin stocks to buy for recession protection. On June 15, VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE:VICI) secured the Carambola Beach Resort in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, for refurbishment into a Club Med resort, marking the company’s comeback into US territory. VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE:VICI) will fund the total renovation of the 150-key facility as part of the joint venture deal, while Club Med will sign a long-term triple-net contract.

Meanwhile, on May 12, Scotiabank boosted its price objective for VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE:VICI) from $30 to $32, maintaining a Sector Perform rating on the stock.

The first-quarter earnings in the net lease REIT industry were marked by higher AFFO and investment projections throughout the firm’s coverage, with several REITs offering forward equity either during or after the quarter to meet year-end funding requirements. In that regard, VICI’s AFFO increased 5.7% to $650.9 million from $616.0 million in Q1 2025.

VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE:VICI) is a real estate investment trust focused on owning and acquiring gaming, hospitality, wellness, entertainment, and leisure properties that operate under long-term triple net leases.

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