FAQS
FAQS
General FAQs
Essential Properties Realty Trust is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, owns, and manages operationally essential single-tenant properties leased on a long-term basis to service-oriented and experience-based businesses. EPRT transacts on an all-cash basis and partners with tenants nationwide.
EPRT partners with middle-market operators in service-oriented and experience-based industries. This includes restaurants, car washes, early childhood education, medical/dental services, automotive service, convenience stores, entertainment, equipment rental and sales, grocery stores, veterinary/pet care services, fitness centers, building materials, and light industrial.
A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate across various property sectors.
A triple net lease allows the tenant to maintain full control of the real estate under a secure long-term lease while being responsible for associated expenses, such as property tax, insurance, and common area maintenance (CAM).
Benefits include monetizing real estate, unlocking capital, improving balance sheet liquidity, securing favorable lease terms, and maintaining operational control of the property.
EPRT selects tenants based on factors such as creditworthiness, the long-term viability of business operations, lease terms, real estate fundamentals, and industry dynamics to ensure long-term stability and profitability.
Essential Properties Realty Trust (EPRT) supports its tenants as a real estate capital partner by offering flexible lease structures, managing the diligence and closing processes, and proactively overseeing property management. EPRT provides the capital needed for growing and stable middle-market operators to address various real estate needs, including balance sheet management and construction financing.
The typical lease term with EPRT ranges from 10 to 20 years, often with renewal options, and fixed escalations to provide long-term stability.
EPRT differentiates itself from other REITs by focusing on transparent communication, flexibility in deal structure, and positioning itself as the quickest, most efficient and reliable closing partner in the space.
EPRT is committed to sustainability through energy-efficient property management practices, reducing its carbon footprint, and supporting tenants in achieving our own sustainability goals.
Sale-Leaseback FAQs
A sale-leaseback is a financial transaction where a business sells an asset, typically real estate, and then leases it back from the buyer. This allows the owner to monetize the value of the real estate while maintaining control over its use, unlocking capital on the balance sheet by converting a fixed asset into working capital.
Companies engage in sale-leasebacks as a creative source of financing to improve financial flexibility without the need to take on more debt. The needs can vary, but some of the main uses include funding growth, paying down debt, turn fixed-assets into working capital, and simply diversifying their assets.
The impact of a sale-leaseback varies based on how the seller uses the proceeds. By converting a fixed asset into cash, a company can pay down debt, invest in new revenue streams or equipment, or fund acquisitions. This can enhance liquidity, improve debt ratios, and potentially boost financial metrics like return on assets (ROA).
Depending on the state in which the sale takes place, the seller may have to pay taxes on capital gains from the sale. However, lease payments are typically deductible as a business expense, offsetting taxable income.
Lease rates are usually determined based on market conditions, market rents, the creditworthiness of the tenant, the length of the lease, and the terms of the agreement.
Lease terms can vary widely, but typically include long-term leases (10-20 years), renewal options, and triple net leases (NNN) where the tenant is responsible for taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
A sale-leaseback can positively affect a company’s operational flexibility by unlocking capital tied in real estate, allowing the company to reinvest in core business activities and growth opportunities. This financial strategy transforms illiquid assets into liquid capital without disrupting business operations, as the company continues to occupy and operate from the same property under a long-term lease. Additionally, by removing property ownership responsibilities, companies can focus more on their primary business functions and strategic initiatives, enhancing overall operational efficiency and maximizing returns.
Industries where real estate is essential to their operational success and profitability frequently engage in sale-leaseback transactions. Some examples include restaurants, car washes, early childhood education, medical/dental services, automotive service, convenience stores, entertainment, equipment rental and sales, grocery stores, veterinary/pet care services, fitness centers, building materials, and light industrial.
To prepare for a sale-leaseback transaction, a company should gather and organize its financial statements, compile property-level information, and provide a comprehensive business history along with the reasons for pursuing the sale-leaseback.
- Initial Review: Our team works closely with you to complete a valuation of your site. We conduct a comprehensive analysis and review factors such as site location, tenant, rental rate, lease structure, comparable rent market analysis and more. There is no charge for our consultation, and no obligation on your part. This phase can be completed in as little as 48 hours.
- Detailed Proposal: We map out the details of the transaction and provide you with a tailored proposal to acquire your real estate. We provide guidance every step of the way, answering your questions and ensuring that the process is as transparent, easy and efficient as possible.
- Closing and Funding: An experienced and dedicated team will be assigned to your transaction, ensuring a fast and efficient process that we take great pride in delivering. Throughout the process, you will know exactly where your transaction stands.
M&A FAQs
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) refer to the consolidation of companies or assets. A merger involves combining two companies into one entity, while an acquisition occurs when one company purchases another. M&A transactions are strategic moves used by businesses to grow, enter new markets, acquire new technologies, or achieve operational efficiencies.
EPRT partners with equity buyers to facilitate acquisitions by providing the capital to purchase the real estate in an all-cash transaction at closing, while the acquiring group funds the operations of the business.
Partnering with EPRT for a simultaneous closing reduces the capital required to acquire operations, potentially lowers the acquisition multiple, and eliminates the need to manage the diligence and closing process for the real estate. EPRT also provides in-house property appraisals at no cost, which can be used in negotiations or as a sanity check on the asking price.
EPRT has engaged in Simultaneous Close M&A partnerships across all our portfolio sectors, collaborating with equity sponsors (PE, venture, etc.), franchisors, franchisees, corporate operators, and consolidators.
Built-to-Suit / Construction Financing FAQs
A build-to-suit project with EPRT involves constructing a new facility specifically designed to meet the needs and specifications of a particular tenant. The tenant commits to a long-term lease agreement with EPRT and manages the construction process. EPRT is also engaged in Second Generation rebuilds, where we purchase an existing asset and retrofit it to meet the specific needs and requirements of a tenant.
EPRT is presented with a target location by a developer or operator, along with an estimated land cost (which EPRT can also assess) and a development budget. Typically, EPRT covers the costs for land, construction (hard costs), and most soft costs, while the Partner is responsible for FF&E. The project is financed through the land purchase at closing and scheduled construction draws until completion.
Note: EPRT does not handle site selection, project management, or developer choice; our role is focused on funding the project, confirming valuations, and overseeing the diligence and closing processes.
Benefits include acquiring a facility tailored to specific business needs, avoiding upfront capital expenditures for construction, and influencing the building’s design and functionality, all while minimizing out-of-pocket costs and expanding your footprint. Additionally, long-term leases offer stability and predictability in occupancy costs.
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902 Carnegie Center Boulevard, Suite 520
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
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