Essential Properties(EPRT) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an AFFO per share of $0.46, representing a 7% increase compared to Q2 2024 [19] - Total AFFO for the quarter was $93 million, up 21% from the same period in 2024 [19] - General and administrative expenses increased to $10.7 million from $8.7 million year-over-year, primarily due to increased compensation expenses [20] - The company declared a cash dividend of $0.30, resulting in an AFFO payout ratio of 65% [20] - Income-producing gross assets reached $6.6 billion at quarter end [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company invested $334 million in the second quarter at a weighted average cash yield of 7.9% [6][11] - The weighted average lease term for new investments was 19.5 years, with a weighted average annual rent escalation of 2.2% [11] - The portfolio ended the quarter with investments in 2,190 properties leased to over 400 tenants, with a weighted average lease term of 14 years [9] - Same store rent growth was reported at 1.4%, with occupancy at 99.6% [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed $642 million of investments in the first half of the year and increased its full-year investment guidance range to $1 billion to $1.2 billion [8][9] - The weighted average unit level coverage ratio was 3.4 times, indicating strong profitability and cash flow generation by tenants [10] - The company sold 23 properties for $46.2 million in net proceeds during the quarter, with an average cash yield of 7.3% [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on middle market sale leasebacks with growing operators in targeted industries, emphasizing the value of recurring business with its tenant base [6][8] - The management anticipates that competition may increase as capital markets normalize, leading to potential cap rate compression [8] - The company aims to maintain a well-capitalized balance sheet with low leverage and significant liquidity to support external growth [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the operating environment, noting favorable conditions for sourcing attractive investment opportunities [6] - The company is increasing its 2025 AFFO per share guidance to a range of $1.86 to $1.89, reflecting an 8% growth at the midpoint [23] - Management highlighted strong portfolio performance and healthy tenant credit trends, with no major concerns emerging in the credit landscape [71] Other Important Information - The company raised approximately $119 million of equity through its ATM program during the quarter [21] - The pro forma net debt to annualized adjusted EBITDA was 3.5 times at quarter end [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is preventing the company from leaning more into acquisitions despite a strong pipeline? - Management indicated they are leaning strongly into acquisitions but are conservative in guidance due to limited visibility on the pipeline [30] Question: Can you provide an update on occupancy and the quantum of assets in the vacancy bucket? - Management noted a slight increase in vacancy with nine properties out of 2,190, primarily in the restaurant space, and emphasized strong forward indicators of risk [31][32] Question: What are the expectations regarding competition and cap rates? - Management expects competition to increase as substantial capital has been raised for net lease investments, which may impact transaction markets [39][40] Question: Can you elaborate on the acquisition of the Whistle car wash portfolio? - Management explained that the acquisition was part of a strategy to manage industry concentration and that the portfolio had strong lease economics [58][61] Question: How does the company view the current credit environment? - Management expressed confidence in the stability of cash flows and tenant performance, with no major concerns emerging [71] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding future debt capital? - Management indicated a preference for the bond market as a long-term source of permanent debt capital, while remaining opportunistic in the current market [125][126]