Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:EPRT) Given Consensus Rating of “Moderate Buy” by Brokerages

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:EPRT) has been given an average rating of “Moderate Buy” by the twelve brokerages that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and ten have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $35.4091.

Several equities analysts have recently commented on EPRT shares. Evercore ISI lowered their target price on Essential Properties Realty Trust from $36.00 to $35.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a report on Monday, December 15th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $36.00 price objective on Essential Properties Realty Trust in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Mizuho increased their target price on Essential Properties Realty Trust from $32.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Barclays reissued an “overweight” rating and set a $37.00 price target on shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, Berenberg Bank assumed coverage on shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust in a report on Monday, October 13th. They issued a “buy” rating and a $36.00 price objective on the stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Essential Properties Realty Trust

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in EPRT. TD Private Client Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust during the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Essential Properties Realty Trust during the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. First Horizon Corp raised its position in shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust by 146.9% during the 4th quarter. First Horizon Corp now owns 1,131 shares of the company’s stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 673 shares in the last quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $44,000. Finally, Salomon & Ludwin LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $46,000. 96.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Essential Properties Realty Trust Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:EPRT opened at $30.19 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $5.98 billion, a PE ratio of 24.35, a P/E/G ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.99. Essential Properties Realty Trust has a fifty-two week low of $27.44 and a fifty-two week high of $33.35. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $30.50 and a 200 day simple moving average of $30.45. The company has a quick ratio of 5.66, a current ratio of 5.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68.

Essential Properties Realty Trust Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were paid a $0.31 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. This is an increase from Essential Properties Realty Trust’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.30. This represents a $1.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.1%. Essential Properties Realty Trust’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 100.00%.

About Essential Properties Realty Trust

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc (NYSE: EPRT) is a self-administered real estate investment trust that acquires, owns and manages single-tenant commercial properties subject to long-term, triple-net leases. The company’s portfolio primarily consists of small-box retail and industrial assets, including convenience stores, automotive service centers, quick-service restaurants, fitness centers and other necessity-based businesses. Under a triple-net lease structure, tenants assume responsibility for property taxes, insurance and most maintenance expenses, providing Essential Properties with predictable, stable cash flows.

Since its founding in April 2016 and its initial public offering later that year, Essential Properties has pursued a growth strategy focused on partnering with creditworthy tenants operating in densely populated trade areas.