Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:EPRT) Short Interest Down 25.0% in December

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:EPRT) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 11,371,024 shares, a decrease of 25.0% from the December 15th total of 15,157,240 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,786,232 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 6.4 days. Currently, 5.8% of the company’s shares are short sold. Currently, 5.8% of the company’s shares are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,786,232 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 6.4 days.

Essential Properties Realty Trust Stock Up 1.0%

Essential Properties Realty Trust stock traded up $0.30 during trading on Friday, reaching $30.84. 1,505,820 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,704,021. Essential Properties Realty Trust has a 52-week low of $27.44 and a 52-week high of $33.35. The firm has a market cap of $6.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.76, a PEG ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 5.66 and a current ratio of 5.66. The company’s 50-day moving average is $30.53 and its two-hundred day moving average is $30.51.

Essential Properties Realty Trust (NYSE:EPRT) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $0.48 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.48. The company had revenue of $144.93 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $140.42 million. Essential Properties Realty Trust had a return on equity of 6.38% and a net margin of 45.25%.The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 23.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.43 earnings per share. Essential Properties Realty Trust has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.980-2.040 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 1.870-1.890 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Essential Properties Realty Trust will post 1.83 earnings per share for the current year.

Essential Properties Realty Trust Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were given a $0.31 dividend. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 31st. This is an increase from Essential Properties Realty Trust’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.30. Essential Properties Realty Trust’s dividend payout ratio is currently 100.00%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Essential Properties Realty Trust

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. TD Private Client Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Essential Properties Realty Trust in the second quarter valued at $25,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new position in shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust during the second quarter worth about $44,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC bought a new position in shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust during the third quarter worth about $46,000. Finally, Versant Capital Management Inc grew its stake in Essential Properties Realty Trust by 54.2% in the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 1,867 shares of the company’s stock worth $56,000 after purchasing an additional 656 shares in the last quarter. 96.98% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have recently commented on EPRT shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “buy (b-)” rating on shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Barclays reaffirmed an “overweight” rating and set a $37.00 price target on shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an “overweight” rating on shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust in a report on Monday, January 5th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $36.00 price objective on Essential Properties Realty Trust in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, 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. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $35.41.

Essential Properties Realty Trust Company Profile

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.