CEO Mavoides Peter M. Adds 1,258 Shares to 7% Holding in EPRT, Signaling “Buy‑the‑Dip” Confidence in the REIT’s Future Value

Insider Confidence Builds as CEO Purchases Shares

On January 14, 2026, Essential Properties Realty Trust Inc. (EPRT) saw its President and CEO, Mavoides Peter M., add 1,258 shares to his portfolio. The transaction—executed at zero cost because it represents a vesting of performance‑based RSUs—keeps the CEO’s holdings at 421,893 shares, roughly 7 % of outstanding equity. While the trade itself is nominal, it is part of a consistent pattern of purchases by Mr. M. over the past eighteen months, signaling ongoing confidence in the company’s trajectory.

Patterns of Insider Activity Suggest Optimism

Mr. M.’s recent buying activity follows a series of earlier purchases in October and July 2025, each for 1,200‑1,230 shares, and a small sell‑off in April 2025 when he liquidated 42,632 shares at $32.01 each. The net effect of these transactions is a gradual accumulation of shares, with the total value of his holdings climbing from 419,406 shares in mid‑July to 421,893 by mid‑January. This trend is mirrored across the executive team: Peil A Joseph, Jenkins R M., and Earnshaw T J. each completed a buy of 100‑120 shares on the same day, adding further credibility to an insider‑driven bullish stance. The fact that all purchases were made at the prevailing market price ($30.83) and with no accompanying cash outlay underscores a belief that the current valuation underrepresents future upside.

Implications for Investors and the Company’s Outlook

For investors, the CEO’s incremental share accumulation is a positive signal. Historically, insider buying has correlated with improved long‑term performance; it suggests that those closest to strategic decisions view the stock as undervalued or expect forthcoming catalysts—such as new real‑estate acquisitions, portfolio re‑balancing, or dividend enhancements. The company’s recent market data— a 4.62 % weekly gain and a modest 0.85 % monthly rise—coupled with a market cap of $6.05 B, indicates that the market is gradually recognizing value but may still have room to climb.

However, the magnitude of the trades—just a few hundred shares per transaction—remains small relative to the company’s size, limiting immediate impact on share price. Nevertheless, the collective buying spree by top executives, amplified by a 288 % spike in social‑media buzz and a highly positive sentiment score (+74), may create a “buy‑the‑dip” narrative that could attract retail investors. Analysts should monitor whether these purchases are followed by corporate actions such as dividend increases or strategic property deals that could justify a higher valuation.

Profile of CEO Mavoides Peter M.: A Gradual Accumulator

Mavoides Peter M.’s insider history paints the picture of a steady, long‑term investor. Since early 2025, he has made eight purchases, each ranging between 1,139 and 1,229 shares, totaling roughly 9,600 shares bought over six months. His only sizeable sell occurred in April 2025, when he off‑loaded 42,632 shares at $32.01 each—likely to rebalance his portfolio or meet liquidity needs. Importantly, none of his transactions involve cash purchases; all are tied to RSU vesting or market‑price acquisitions that carry no cost burden, implying that his trades are not driven by short‑term speculation but by confidence in EPRT’s long‑term prospects.

The CEO’s trading pattern—small, regular purchases punctuated by a single sell—aligns with a “buy‑the‑dip” philosophy rather than a “sell‑the‑high” strategy. This suggests that Mavoides views EPRT as a stable, income‑generating asset, consistent with the company’s focus on real‑estate investment trust (REIT) operations. For investors, this profile can be reassuring: the executive’s stake in the company’s success is tied to his own wealth, creating a natural alignment of interests.

Conclusion

While the recent insider transaction may appear modest, it is part of a broader trend of executive buying that signals confidence in Essential Properties Realty Trust Inc.’s future. Combined with positive market sentiment and an active social‑media buzz, these trades could serve as a catalyst for further investor interest. For long‑term shareholders, the CEO’s incremental accumulation may be a reassuring indicator that the company’s leadership believes the current valuation does not fully capture its intrinsic value.