Top 5 Real Estate Stocks to Buy Now

2. Essential Properties Realty Trust (NYSE:EPRT)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 19

Forward Dividend Yield as of August 6, 2022: 4.34%

Essential Properties Realty Trust (NYSE:EPRT) which is led by president and CEO Pete Mavoides, aims to create opportunities for growth and entrepreneurship in the middle market. The company acquires, owns, and manages single-tenant properties which are then leased to service-oriented or experience-based businesses such as restaurants, car washes, automotive services, medical and dental services, convenience stores, equipment rental, entertainment, early childhood education, grocery, and health and fitness on a long-term basis. EPRT owns 1,545 properties in 46 states all of which are leased to 323 tenants operating in 16 industries.

According to the company’s first-quarter 2022 report, net income per share climbed by 50% to $0.21, while Adjusted Funds for Operations (AFFO) per share increased by 27% to $0.38. Pete Mavoides commented that they increased their 2022 AFFO per share guidance range to $1.50-$1.53 as their balance sheets and investments continue to strengthen. 

The current market capitalization of EPRT is $3.50 billion with 19 hedge fund holders and a yield of 4.34%. Essential Properties paid a dividend of $0.27 per share to their investors this 14th of July, 2022 which is a 3.8% increase over the previous quarter.

Essential Properties Realty Trust (NYSE:EPRT) has been rated as a Buy by Stifel  Evercose ISI and RJ Milligan, with a price objective of $28. Analysts rate the stock as a strong buy with a price objective of $30.92. This places Essential Properties as the second-best REIT to buy now.