Best Crypto to Buy Right Now: Bitcoin vs. Ethereum - The Ultimate 2025 Showdown

Digital gold versus decentralized world computer—the battle for crypto supremacy rages on as institutional money floods the market.

Bitcoin's store-of-value narrative keeps gaining steam while Ethereum's ecosystem expands at breakneck speed. Both assets smashed through previous resistance levels this quarter, leaving traditional investors scrambling to catch up.

Smart money's betting on both horses—hedging against fiat debasement while positioning for Web3's explosive growth. The real question isn't which one to buy, but how much of each to hold before the next leg up.

Meanwhile, Wall Street still can't decide whether crypto's a revolution or a scam—classic case of analysts missing the forest for the trees while retail pockets the gains.

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Realty Income

Realty Income has been in existence for over five decades. It owns over 15,600 properties.

The company generates most of its rental income from retailers like and. In fact, the retail sector accounted for about 80% of Realty Income's annual rent.

That's certainly a risk, given the constantly changing technology landscape that makes online shopping easier, faster, and more convenient. However, Realty Income seeks to minimize that risk by seeking tenants that have appealing in-person shopping characteristics.

Based on the company's occupancy rate, which remains high, it doesn't look like it's an issue. In the second quarter, it had a 98.6% occupancy rate. It's also extracting higher rental renewal rates, receiving a 3.4% increase during the quarter.

The business has supported consistently higher dividends. Paying out monthly, the board of directors has raised payouts annually for about 30 years. It typically increases dividends multiple times a year.

Realty Income looks like it can cover its dividends. Management expects adjusted funds from operations (FFO) to reach $4.24 to $4.28 a share (1% to 2% above 2024's $4.19), while it currently has an annualized $3.23 dividend rate. FFO is a key measure for REITs, since it's the cash available for distribution.

Realty Income's stock has a 5.4% dividend yield. For comparison, at the end of July, thehad a 4% yield.

Vici Properties

Vici Properties, formed in 2017, doesn't have an extensive operating history. It leases its properties to gaming and entertainment companies.

These companies tend to have results that fluctuate with the economic cycle. That's because people travel less when they're concerned about their personal situation.

However, Vici Properties has signed very long-term leases, with an average term remaining of more than 40 years. It also owns some marquee properties, including on the Las Vegas Strip. Some tenants include Caesars Palace Las Vegas, MGM Grand, and the Venetian Resort. Its properties have had a remarkable 100% occupancy rate.

Vici Properties' second-quarter adjusted FFO per share grew about 5% to $0.60. Management expects the figure to reach $2.35 to $2.37 for the year, a 4% to 5% increase from 2024.

The company has raised dividends annually since its 2018 initial public offering (IPO). It currently pays an annualized $1.80 a share.

Vici Properties' stock yields 5.4%.

Which REIT to choose?

It's a close call. Both stocks have performed well since the end of last year through Sept. 10. Realty Income returned 16.2%, while Vici Properties experienced a 16.5% return. They also have similar valuations -- 14 times adjusted FFO -- when using the midpoint of each one's 2025 guidance.

It comes down to investor preference. If you're looking for the more established REIT that has been through challenging times (like the Great Recession), I'd go with Realty Income.

But if you're looking for the newer company that likely has more growth potential, Vici Properties is the way to go.