SCHEDULE: BlackRock Boosts CareTrust REIT Stake to 16.5%

BlackRock, Inc. has reported a 16.5% beneficial ownership stake in CareTrust REIT, Inc., holding 36,787,947 shares of common stock as of September 30, 2025.

Summary

• BlackRock, Inc. reported beneficial ownership of 36,787,947 shares of CareTrust REIT, Inc. common stock.
• This represents 16.5% of the class of securities.
• BlackRock holds sole voting power over 36,002,775 shares and sole dispositive power over 36,787,947 shares.
• The filing was made pursuant to Rule 13d-1(b), indicating BlackRock is a passive investor.
• BlackRock certified that the securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose of changing or influencing control of CareTrust REIT, Inc.
• One of BlackRock's subsidiaries, iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, holds more than 5% of the total outstanding common stock of CareTrust REIT, Inc.
• BlackRock Fund Advisors is identified as an entity beneficially owning 5% or greater of the outstanding shares.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The filing itself is a factual disclosure of ownership. However, a significant stake held by a major institutional investor like BlackRock, especially with a passive intent, can be viewed as a positive signal of confidence in the issuer's long-term prospects by the market.

Positives

• A major institutional investor, BlackRock, holds a significant 16.5% stake, potentially signaling confidence in CareTrust REIT, Inc.
• BlackRock's certification indicates a passive investment, suggesting no immediate intent to influence control, which can provide stability.

Negatives

• No specific negative information about CareTrust REIT, Inc. is contained within this beneficial ownership report.

Risks

• The filing itself does not detail specific risks for CareTrust REIT, Inc. It is a disclosure of ownership.

Future Outlook

NA

Management Comments

• "I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect, other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under 240.14a-11." (Certification by Spencer Fleming, Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.)

Industry Context

CareTrust REIT, Inc. operates in the healthcare real estate sector, primarily focusing on skilled nursing facilities and senior housing. BlackRock, as one of the world's largest asset managers, frequently takes significant passive stakes in publicly traded companies across various industries, including REITs, as part of its investment strategies for its funds and clients. This filing indicates BlackRock's continued or updated significant investment in the healthcare REIT space.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: BlackRock's significant stake means a large portion of the company's shares are held by a major institutional investor, which can influence trading liquidity and investor perception. The passive nature of the investment suggests stability.
• Management: BlackRock's passive intent means management is unlikely to face immediate pressure from this specific shareholder regarding operational or strategic changes.

Next Steps

• BlackRock will continue to monitor its investment in CareTrust REIT, Inc. and file amendments to Schedule 13G as required by SEC rules if its ownership percentage changes significantly or its investment intent shifts.

Key Dates

Keywords

CareTrust REIT, BlackRock, beneficial ownership, common stock, Schedule 13G, institutional investor, real estate investment trust, healthcare REIT