Essential Properties Realty Trust (NYSE:EPRT) Sets New 1-Year High – Should You Buy?

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:EPRT)’s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $33.35 and last traded at $33.2060, with a volume of 1052840 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $33.11.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts recently weighed in on EPRT shares. Evercore restated an “outperform” rating on shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an “overweight” rating on shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust in a research report on Friday, February 13th. Weiss Ratings restated a “buy (b-)” rating on shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Barclays reiterated an “overweight” rating and issued a $37.00 price objective on shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, Mizuho increased their target price on shares of 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. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $35.67.

Essential Properties Realty Trust Price Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 6.37, a current ratio of 6.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.31, a P/E/G ratio of 2.46 and a beta of 0.99. The business’s 50 day simple moving average is $30.84 and its 200-day simple moving average is $30.63.

Essential Properties Realty Trust Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st were paid a $0.31 dividend. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.7%. This is a positive change from Essential Properties Realty Trust’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.30. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 31st. Essential Properties Realty Trust’s payout ratio is 96.88%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Essential Properties Realty Trust

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust during the 2nd quarter worth $26,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Essential Properties Realty Trust by 82.0% in the fourth quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 899 shares of the company’s stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 405 shares during the last quarter. First Horizon Corp grew its position in Essential Properties Realty Trust by 146.9% in the fourth quarter. First Horizon Corp now owns 1,131 shares of the company’s stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 673 shares during the last quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC acquired a new position in Essential Properties Realty Trust during the third quarter worth about $46,000. Finally, Clearstead Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Essential Properties Realty Trust by 664.4% in the fourth quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 1,590 shares of the company’s stock worth $47,000 after acquiring an additional 1,382 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.98% of the company’s stock.

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.