Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. remains a Buy, offering double-digit total return potential driven by raised 2026 AFFO guidance and robust fundamentals. EPRT's Q3 results showed strong AFFO and FFO growth, 99.8% occupancy, and record $370M investment activity at attractive spreads. The REIT's low-leveraged balance sheet, 3% dividend raise, and 63% AFFO payout ratio provide flexibility and dividend safety.
Essential Properties Realty Trust has been the fastest-growing net lease REIT on the market in recent years. EPRT operates in a massive addressable market, with over 200,000 businesses in the United States. The REIT has over $1.4 billion of liquidity on its balance sheet and sports a BBB- S&P credit rating with a positive outlook.
Dividend growth is a great catalyst for upside in the REIT sector. This is especially true when the dividend growth potential is underappreciated by the market. I highlight 3 such cases that I expect to surge higher over the coming years.
The broader REIT sector have underperformed despite multiple Fed rate cuts since 2024. 2026 seems to be as choppy as this year, unless the long-term yields do not come down, which I see as a low probability event. The risks is that investors buy low yielding, low growth REITs, which continue to deliver negative or barely positive inflation adjusted income streams.
Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:EPRT ) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 23, 2025 10:00 AM EDT Company Participants Robert Salisbury - Senior VP and Head of Corporate Finance & Strategy Peter Mavoides - President, CEO & Director A. Peil - Executive VP & Chief Investment Officer Max Jenkins - Executive VP & COO Mark Patten - Executive VP, CFO, Treasurer & Secretary Conference Call Participants Haendel St. Juste - Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Research Division Michael Goldsmith - UBS Investment Bank, Research Division William John Kilichowski - Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Research Division Bennett Rose - Citigroup Inc., Research Division Jana Galan - BofA Securities, Research Division Caitlin Burrows - Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division Jay Kornreich - Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Research Division Richard Hightower - Barclays Bank PLC, Research Division Eric Borden - BMO Capital Markets Equity Research Daniel Guglielmo - Capital One Securities, Inc., Research Division James Kammert - Evercore ISI Institutional Equities, Research Division Omotayo Okusanya - Deutsche Bank AG, Research Division Greg McGinniss - Scotiabank Global Banking and Markets, Research Division Ryan Caviola - Green Street Advisors, LLC, Research Division John Massocca - B.
Essential Properties (EPRT) came out with quarterly funds from operations (FFO) of $0.48 per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate . This compares to FFO of $0.43 per share a year ago.
Essential Properties Realty Trust and NNN REIT present attractive long-term buying opportunities due to strong fundamentals and resilient income profiles. EPRT boasts high occupancy (99.6%), low leverage, and a 4% yield, with double-digit upside potential if it returns to historical multiples by 2027. NNN offers a 36-year dividend growth streak, a 5%+ yield, and solid liquidity, despite recent occupancy dips and tenant headwinds.
Essential Properties Realty Trust offers a compelling buying opportunity below $30, with strong AFFO growth and raised guidance despite recent share price weakness. EPRT's Q2 earnings showed solid revenue and AFFO growth, but sector volatility and minor occupancy declines have pressured the stock. With low leverage, ample liquidity, and a low payout ratio, EPRT is well-positioned to capitalize on a lower rate environment and long-term growth.
I compare Realty Income and Essential Properties Realty Trust, two net lease REITs, to determine which offers better long-term value. Realty Income is renowned for income and safety, but its recent returns lag behind both EPRT and the broader real estate index. EPRT, a smaller net lease REIT, has delivered superior total returns over the past five years, prompting a closer look at its advantages.
Essential Properties (EPRT) came out with quarterly funds from operations (FFO) of $0.46 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.47 per share. This compares to FFO of $0.43 per share a year ago.
REITs have suffered a three-year-long bear market. They could offer significant upside in a future recovery. I think the next leg of the REIT rally is very close. I explain why.
Essential Properties Realty Trust is a well-managed REIT with strong growth, resilient fundamentals, and a conservative balance sheet, making it attractive for long-term investors. Despite a recent price pullback and solid financials, I maintain a hold rating due to ongoing economic uncertainty, potential tenant risks, and macro headwinds. EPRT's dividend is well-covered, leverage is low, and liquidity is strong, positioning the REIT to weather downturns and capitalize on future opportunities.