15 Most Favored REITs According to Hedge Funds

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13. Essential Properties Realty Trust (NYSE:EPRT)

Sector/Industry: Real Estate Investment Trust (Retail)

Share Price: $30.83

Potential Upside: 15.8%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28

Essential Properties Realty Trust (NYSE:EPRT) is one of the most favored real estate investment trusts according to Hedge Funds.

On January 13, Richard Hightower from Barclays reaffirmed his Overweight rating for Essential Properties Realty Trust (NYSE:EPRT). The analyst also raised his price target from $36 to $37, which now results in an upside of 20%.

Hightower’s upward revision of price target is part of Barclays’ 2026 outlook for real estate investment trusts. The firm has a Neutral outlook for REITs after making adjustments to their forecasts. However, there is some optimism surrounding rentals from apartment buildings, single-family units, and storage properties.

On January 5, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Jay Kornreich maintained his positive Outlook for Essential Properties Realty Trust (NYSE:EPRT). He assigned an Overweight rating to the stock and lowered his price target from $36 to $35, which still yields an upside of 13.5% from the current level.

Kornreich highlighted lagging returns from REITs during 2025, which will rebound in the coming year. Several catalysts will support the rally, such as macroeconomic strength, demand-supply balance, and acceleration in M&A activity.

Essential Properties Realty Trust (NYSE:EPRT) is involved in the acquisition and ownership of single-tenant commercial properties, which it leases to mid-market tenants through sale-leaseback transactions. These tenants include professional service and retail businesses such as convenience & grocery stores, restaurants, medical & dental clinics, car washes, and more.

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