EPR Properties (EPR) will raise its monthly dividend by 5.9 percent to $0.36 per share in 2018. The new dividend yield for the specialty REIT is 7.3%.

The dividend of $0.36 per common share is payable February 15, 2018 to shareholders of record on January 31, 2018. This dividend represents an annualized dividend of $4.32 per common share, an increase of nearly 6% over prior year and the Company’s eighth consecutive year with an annual dividend increase.

“We are pleased to announce the Company’s eighth consecutive significant annual dividend increase,” commented Company President and CEO Greg Silvers. “This announcement reflects the ongoing strength of our differentiated portfolio and our ability to deliver consistent dividend growth.”

EPR Properties is a specialty real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in entertainment, education and recreation properties. EPR has investments in megaplex theatres, entertainment retail centers, family entertainment centers, public charter schools, early education centers, K-12 private schools, ski areas, waterparks, golf entertainment complexes and other recreational real estate.