Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. Announces 2023 Dividend Tax Status

Rhea-AI Summary

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: EPRT) announced that 86.0340% of the dividends paid to common shareholders for the 2023 tax year are classified for federal income tax purposes as a taxable distribution. The tax attributes of the common stock dividends paid per share are outlined, including the record date, payment date, rate per share, ordinary dividends, qualified dividends, section 199A dividends, and non-dividend distribution.

Tax Specialist

The announcement by Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. regarding the tax classification of dividends provides critical information for shareholders, particularly in terms of tax planning and understanding the nature of their investment returns. The high percentage of dividends classified as taxable distributions indicates that the majority of the payouts will be subject to federal income tax. This classification affects the after-tax income shareholders can expect to receive and can influence investment decisions.

It is important to note that the Section 199A dividends, which are part of the ordinary dividends, are potentially eligible for the 20% qualified business income deduction under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This deduction can provide a significant tax benefit for individual investors in the company, reducing their taxable income derived from these dividends.

Moreover, the portion of the dividend classified as non-dividend distribution suggests a return of capital, which is not taxed immediately but reduces the shareholder's cost basis in the stock. This could have implications for capital gains taxes when the stock is eventually sold. In summary, the tax treatment of these dividends can have a substantial impact on an investor's portfolio and tax liability.

Financial Analyst

From a financial analysis perspective, the dividend payout information provided by Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. is a key indicator of the company's financial health and cash flow stability. Dividends are often seen as a sign of corporate maturity and confidence in future earnings. The steady increase in the rate per share over the course of the year suggests that the company is committed to providing consistent returns to its shareholders.

Investors often look for companies with a history of dividend growth as it can be indicative of a sustainable business model and disciplined financial management. The incremental increases in dividend payments throughout the year could be a positive signal to the market, potentially attracting income-focused investors. However, it's also essential to consider the payout ratio and whether these distributions are sustainable in the long-term without compromising the company's capital expenditure needs or debt repayment obligations.

Market Research Analyst

Understanding the broader market implications of Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.'s dividend announcement requires an examination of the current real estate investment trust (REIT) market trends. REITs are typically valued by investors for their dividend yields, which are generally higher than those of other sectors. The classification of dividends as mostly taxable distributions can affect the attractiveness of REITs to certain investor demographics, particularly those seeking tax-advantaged income.

Additionally, the company's ability to maintain and gradually increase its dividend payouts, as indicated by the payment schedule, can be reflective of its operational efficiency and asset quality in a competitive market. It's important to monitor how this aligns with industry norms and investor expectations. Any significant deviation could influence market sentiment and the stock's performance. Furthermore, the consistency in dividend growth can be a differentiator in the REIT sector, potentially impacting the company's stock valuation relative to its peers.

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: EPRT; the “Company”) announced today that 86.0340% of the dividends paid to common shareholders for the 2023 tax year are classified for federal income tax purposes as a taxable distribution. The tax attributes of the common stock dividends paid per share are outlined below.

CUSIP: 29670E107

Record Date		Payment Date		Rate Per Share		Ordinary Dividends		Qualified Dividends (Amount included in Ordinary Dividends)		Section 199A Dividends (Amount included in Ordinary Dividends)		Non-Dividend Distribution
3/31/23		4/14/23		$0.2750		$0.2366		—		$0.2366		$0.0384
6/30/23		7/14/23		$0.2800		$0.2409		—		$0.2409		$0.0391
9/29/23		10/13/23		$0.2800		$0.2409		—		$0.2409		$0.0391
12/29/23		1/12/24		$0.2850		$0.2452		—		$0.2452		$0.0398

About Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. is an internally managed REIT that acquires, owns and manages primarily single-tenant properties that are net leased on a long-term basis to companies operating service-oriented or experience-based businesses. As of September 30, 2023, the Company’s portfolio consisted of 1,793 freestanding net lease properties with a weighted average lease term of 13.9 years and a weighted average rent coverage ratio of 4.0x. In addition, as of September 30, 2023, the Company’s portfolio was 99.8% leased to 363 tenants operating 584 different concepts in 16 industries across 48 states.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240129369054/en/

Investor/Media:

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.

Robert W. Salisbury, CFA

Senior Vice President, Capital Markets

609-436-0619

info@essentialproperties.com

Source: Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.

What percentage of the dividends paid to common shareholders for the 2023 tax year are classified for federal income tax purposes as a taxable distribution?

86.0340% of the dividends paid to common shareholders for the 2023 tax year are classified for federal income tax purposes as a taxable distribution.

What are the tax attributes of the common stock dividends paid per share?

The tax attributes of the common stock dividends paid per share include the record date, payment date, rate per share, ordinary dividends, qualified dividends, section 199A dividends, and non-dividend distribution.

What is the CUSIP for Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.?

The CUSIP for Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. is 29670E107.