The past several months have marked a return to net lease for many of my publications. Just recently, I published an article on Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. ( EPRT ) that explored the company’s sector-leadingAnalyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of O, EPRT either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no bu ...

Core Viewpoint - Essential Properties Realty Trust Inc. reported mixed Q3 2025 earnings, with FFO below expectations but revenues exceeding consensus estimates, and raised its full-year guidance for AFFO per share [2][4]. Financial Performance - The company announced Q3 2025 FFO of $0.48, which was below the consensus estimate of $0.51 [2]. - Revenues for the quarter were $144.93 million, surpassing the consensus of $138.59 million [2]. - The company raised its full-year 2025 guidance for AFFO per share to a range of $1.87 to $1.89 [4]. - For full-year 2026, the expected AFFO per share is projected to be between $1.98 and $2.04 [4]. Investment Insights - The stock price of Essential Properties has a 52-week range of $27.44 to $34.88, with a current dividend yield of 3.88% [1]. - The company paid $1.20 per share in dividends over the last 12 months [1]. - To generate an income of $100 per month from dividends, an investment of approximately $30,928 is needed, based on the current dividend yield [4][5]. Operational Highlights - The CEO noted favorable operating trends, with resilient tenant credit performance and strong origination activity, leading to a record GAAP Cap Rate of 10.0% on investments for the quarter [3].

Core Insights - Net lease REITs have gained renewed attention in recent months, particularly in the context of capitalization rates within the sector [1] Group 1: Industry Focus - The net lease sector has been a focal point for analysis, with discussions centered around capitalization rates [1]

Core Insights - Net lease REITs have gained renewed attention in recent months, particularly in the context of capitalization rates within the sector [1] Group 1: Industry Focus - The net lease sector has been a focal point for analysis, with discussions centered around capitalization rates [1]

Group 1 - The investment approach has received over 500 five-star reviews, indicating high satisfaction among members who are experiencing benefits [1] - The company invests significant resources, over $100,000 annually, into researching profitable real estate investment opportunities [1] - The strategy involves using bank financing to purchase properties and utilizing rental income from tenants to repay the bank [2] Group 2 - Jussi Askola, the leader of the High Yield Landlord investing group, shares real-time transactions and maintains three distinct portfolios: core, retirement, and international [2] - The group offers buy/sell alerts and a chat room for direct interaction with Jussi and his team of analysts [2] - Leonberg Capital, led by Jussi Askola, is a value-oriented investment boutique that provides consulting services to hedge funds, family offices, and private equity firms focused on REIT investing [2]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any specific content related to a company or industry [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an AFFO per share of $0.48 for Q3 2025, representing a 12% increase compared to Q3 2024 [16] - Total AFFO for the quarter was $96.2 million, up 24% from the same period in 2024 [16] - Cash G&A expenses were approximately $6.7 million, consistent with the guidance range for the full year [17] - The company declared a cash dividend of $0.30, resulting in an AFFO payout ratio of 63% [17] - The pro forma net debt to annualized adjusted EBITDAre remained low at 3.8 times as of quarter end [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed $370 million in investments during the quarter, with a weighted average initial cash yield of 8% and a strong average gap yield of 10% [7][13] - Same-store rent growth was reported at 1.6%, an increase from 1.4% in the previous quarter [11] - The overall portfolio rent coverage increased to 3.6 times from 3.4 times last quarter [11] - The percentage of annual base rent under one times rent coverage declined by 120 basis points [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with investments in 2,266 properties leased to over 400 tenants, maintaining a weighted average lease term of approximately 14 years [10] - The investment pipeline remains strong, with cap rates in the mid to high 7% range expected [15][54] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on middle-market sale-leasebacks with growing operators, sourcing 70% of its $370 million investments from existing relationships [7] - The company is targeting an AFFO per share growth of 6% to 8% for 2026, with an initial guidance range of $1.98 to $2.04 [9][21] - The company aims to maintain a well-capitalized balance sheet with low leverage and significant liquidity to support growth [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the investment market and capital markets, noting that the interest rate environment is more stable, contributing to lower cap rates [25][54] - The company anticipates continued strong portfolio performance and a pace of investments consistent with historical averages [9] - Management highlighted that credit loss assumptions remain consistent with previous years, reflecting a disciplined investment strategy [42][102] Other Important Information - The company successfully executed a $400 million 10-year unsecured bond offering, improving its weighted average debt maturity by approximately 18% to 4.5 years [18] - The company expects to utilize funds from the bond offering to support investment activities and maintain balance sheet flexibility [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for cap rates going forward - Management indicated that lower cap rates are expected due to a stable interest rate environment and strong competition, but they can compete effectively in the market [25] Question: New industrial assets and future investments - Management confirmed ongoing investments in industrial outdoor storage sites and expects to continue this trend, focusing on granular, fungible assets [27] Question: Credit loss assumptions for 2026 - Management stated that credit loss assumptions for 2026 are consistent with previous years, based on a deep dive into the portfolio [42][102] Question: Activity in the fourth quarter - Management expects fourth-quarter activity to align with historical averages, estimating around $300 million in investments [48] Question: Tenant credit watch list update - The tenant credit watch list has improved, with the current coverage at 1.2 times, down 40 basis points quarter over quarter [91] Question: Differences in yields between retail and industrial properties - Management noted that cap rate compression is expected across all property types, driven by credit and real estate pricing rather than property type [118]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an AFFO per share of $0.48 for Q3 2025, representing a 12% increase compared to Q3 2024 [16] - Total AFFO for the quarter was $96.2 million, up 24% from the same period in 2024 [16] - The company increased its 2025 AFFO per share guidance to a range of $1.87-$1.89 and established initial 2026 guidance of $1.98-$2.04, implying a growth rate of 6% to 8% [9][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed $370 million in investments during the quarter, with a weighted average initial cash yield of 8% and a strong average gap yield of 10% [7][13] - Same-store rent growth was reported at 1.6%, an increase from 1.4% in the previous quarter, with overall portfolio rent coverage increasing to 3.6x from 3.4x [8][11] - The percentage of annual base rent (ABR) under one times rent coverage declined by 120 basis points [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with investments in 2,266 properties leased to over 400 tenants, maintaining a weighted average lease term of approximately 14 years [10] - The company expects to invest between $1 billion and $1.4 billion in 2026, with cap rates expected to compress modestly due to a stable interest rate environment [9][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on middle-market sale-leasebacks with growing operators, highlighting a balanced investment sourcing strategy [7] - The company aims to maintain a well-capitalized balance sheet with low leverage and significant liquidity to support growth and tenant relationships [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the investment market and capital markets, noting that the interest rate environment is more stable, contributing to lower cap rates [25][22] - The company anticipates continued strong portfolio performance and a pace of investments consistent with historical averages [9][21] Other Important Information - The company successfully executed a $400 million unsecured bond offering with a 5.4% coupon, improving its weighted average debt maturity by approximately 18% to 4.5 years [18] - The company declared a cash dividend of $0.30 in the quarter, resulting in an AFFO payout ratio of 63% [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for lower cap rates and competition - Management indicated that lower cap rates are primarily driven by a stable interest rate environment and expressed confidence in sourcing sale-leaseback opportunities despite competition [25] Question: Industrial assets acquisition and future expectations - Management confirmed ongoing investment in industrial outdoor storage sites and expects growth in this asset type, focusing on granular, fungible assets [27] Question: Cap rate expectations and guidance - Management expects cap rates to compress modestly, with a potential static spread in the future, and noted that current assumptions are similar to those from the previous year [30][41] Question: Credit loss assumptions and portfolio performance - Management stated that credit loss assumptions for 2026 are consistent with previous years, with a focus on specific operators rather than macro trends [102] Question: Tenant credit watch list update - The tenant credit watch list has improved, currently sitting at 1.2x coverage, down 40 basis points quarter over quarter [91] Question: Investment opportunities by region - Management indicated that investment opportunities are prioritized based on tenant relationships rather than specific geographic regions [95] Question: Lease escalation risks - Management acknowledged that higher rent escalations could introduce credit risk but emphasized the importance of ensuring tenants can meet their obligations [96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company reported an AFFO per share of $0.48, representing a 12% increase compared to 2024, with total AFFO reaching $96.2 million, up 24% year-over-year [15][17] - The company increased its 2025 AFFO per share guidance to a range of $1.87 to $1.89 and established initial 2026 guidance of $1.98 to $2.04, implying a growth rate of 6% to 8% [7][21] - Total G&A expenses for Q3 2025 were $10.2 million, up from $8.6 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to increased compensation expenses [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed $370 million in investments during the quarter, with a weighted average initial cash yield of 8% and a strong average GAAP yield of 10% [6][13] - Same store rent growth was reported at 1.6%, an increase from 1.4% in the previous quarter, with overall portfolio rent coverage rising to 3.6 times [10][11] - The company sold seven properties for $11.5 million in net proceeds, highlighting the importance of maintaining a liquid portfolio [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with investments in 2,266 properties leased to over 400 tenants, maintaining a weighted average lease term of approximately 14 years [9] - The percentage of ABR under one times rent coverage declined by 120 basis points, indicating improved tenant credit trends [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on middle market sale leasebacks with growing operators, aiming to balance new operator additions with existing relationships [6][10] - The investment pipeline remains strong, with expectations to invest between $1 billion and $1.4 billion in 2026, supported by a stable interest rate environment [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the investment market and capital markets, noting that the interest rate environment is more stable, contributing to lower cap rates [28][61] - The company anticipates modest cap rate compression in the coming quarters, driven by a stable interest rate environment [7][36] Other Important Information - The company successfully executed a $400 million unsecured bond offering with a 5.4% coupon, improving its weighted average debt maturity to 4.5 years [18][19] - The company declared a cash dividend of $0.30 in the quarter, resulting in an AFFO payout ratio of 63% [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for cap rates going forward - Management indicated that lower cap rates are expected due to a stable interest rate environment and a strong pipeline of sale leaseback opportunities [28][29] Question: New industrial assets and future expectations - The company has been investing in industrial outdoor storage sites and expects to continue this trend, focusing on granular fungible assets [30][31] Question: Credit loss assumptions for 2026 - Management stated that credit loss assumptions for 2026 are consistent with previous years, with a focus on specific assets and tenants [46][47] Question: Watch list update - The watch list for tenants with coverage less than one time has improved to 1.2 times, down 40 basis points quarter-over-quarter [96] Question: Investment opportunities by state - The company prioritizes investment opportunities based on tenant relationships rather than specific geographies, indicating a broad range of opportunities across the U.S. [100] Question: Impact of increased competition - Management acknowledged increased competition but emphasized their ability to execute and maintain a good reputation as a reliable capital provider [86][121]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company reported an AFFO per share of $0.48, representing a 12% increase compared to Q3 2024 [13] - Total AFFO for the quarter was $96.2 million, up 24% from the same period in 2024 [13] - The company increased its 2025 AFFO per share guidance to a range of $1.87 to $1.89 and established initial 2026 guidance of $1.98 to $2.04, implying a growth rate of 6% to 8% [7][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed $370 million in investments during the quarter, with a weighted average initial cash yield of 8% and a strong average gap yield of 10% [5][11] - Same-store rent growth was reported at 1.6%, an increase from 1.4% in the previous quarter, with overall portfolio rent coverage increasing to 3.6 times [6][9] - The percentage of annual base rent (ABR) under one times rent coverage declined by 120 basis points [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with investments in 2,266 properties leased to over 400 tenants, maintaining a weighted average lease term of approximately 14 years [8] - The company sold seven properties for $11.5 million in net proceeds, executed at a 6.6% weighted average cash yield [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on middle-market sale-leasebacks with growing operators, highlighting a balanced investment sourcing strategy [5] - The company aims to maintain a well-capitalized balance sheet with low leverage and significant liquidity to support growth and tenant relationships [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the investment market and capital markets, noting that the interest rate environment is more stable, contributing to lower cap rates [23][46] - The company anticipates modest cap rate compression in the coming quarters, driven by a stable interest rate environment [7][28] Other Important Information - The company successfully executed a $400 million 10-year unsecured bond offering with a 5.4% coupon, improving its weighted average debt maturity by approximately 18% to 4.5 years [16] - Cash G&A expenses were approximately $6.7 million for the quarter, consistent with the guidance range for the full year [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for cap rates going forward - Management indicated that lower cap rates are expected due to a stable interest rate environment and a strong pipeline of sale-leaseback opportunities [23] Question: New industrial assets and future expectations - The company has been investing in industrial outdoor storage sites and expects to continue this trend, focusing on granular, fungible assets [25] Question: Cap rate expectations and guidance - Management confirmed that cap rate assumptions are similar to the previous year, with expectations for a modest downtick [35] Question: Credit loss assumptions for 2026 - Management stated that credit loss assumptions for 2026 are consistent with previous years, based on a deep dive into the portfolio [74] Question: Update on tenant credit watch list - The watch list currently sits at 1.2 times coverage, down 40 basis points quarter over quarter [68] Question: Differences in yields between retail and industrial properties - Management noted that there is no significant differentiation in cap rates across property types, with expectations for compression across the entire opportunity set [85]