tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust Inc (WHLR)
NASDAQ:WHLR
US Market

Wheeler Real Estate Investment (WHLR) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
618 Followers

Top Page

WHLR

Wheeler Real Estate Investment

(NASDAQ:WHLR)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 48 (OpenAI - 5.2)
,
Neutral 48 (OpenAI - 5.2)
,
Neutral 48 (OpenAI - 5.2)
,
Neutral 48 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:48Neutral
Price Target:
$1.00
â–¼(-61.09% Downside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/06/26
The score is held back primarily by elevated balance-sheet risk and weak technical trend signals. Offsetting factors include consistently positive operating cash flow, a 2025 return to profitability, and corporate actions that simplify the capital structure; valuation appears optically cheap but lacks dividend support.
Positive Factors
Consistent operating cash flow
Wheeler’s recurring positive operating cash flow (roughly $16M–$31M annually and improved 2025 free cash flow ~ $21.1M) provides a durable internal source to fund maintenance, interest, and selective capital needs, supporting ongoing property operations despite earnings volatility.
Grocery‑anchored retail focus
A grocery‑anchored portfolio targets necessity-driven tenants that historically deliver steadier foot traffic, lower vacancy and stronger lease credit. That business model reduces cyclicality in rent collection and supports longer-term occupancy and predictable cash flows for the REIT.
Capital‑structure simplification
Wheeler’s repeated preferred‑for‑common exchanges and retirements reduce outstanding preferred obligations and future fixed dividend burdens. Over time, a simplified capital structure can lower cash outflows, reduce complexity in claims on cash flow, and improve financial flexibility for strategic choices.
Negative Factors
Historically high leverage; thin equity
Sustained high leverage and a sharply reduced equity cushion materially constrain Wheeler’s financial flexibility. This raises refinancing and interest‑rate risk, limits ability to weather tenant stress or fund acquisitions, and increases vulnerability to cap‑market disruptions over the medium term.
Multi‑year earnings inconsistency
The pattern of several years of net losses followed by a single‑year rebound indicates uneven margin sustainability. Reliance on a one‑year profit restoration leaves uncertainty about recurring earnings power and the firm’s ability to consistently support dividends or reinvestment.
Dilution risk and investor concentration
Agreements that deepen Magnetar‑group influence and provide participation rights increase concentration risk and the prospect of future dilution. Combined with frequent preferred redemptions and adjusted conversion terms, this dynamic can dilute common holders and concentrate control over capital decisions.

Wheeler Real Estate Investment (WHLR) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Wheeler Real Estate Investment Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHeadquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (Nasdaq: WHLR) is a fully integrated, self-managed commercial real estate investment company focused on owning, leasing and operating income-producing retail properties with a primary focus on grocery-anchored centers. WHLR's portfolio contains well-located, potentially dominant retail properties in secondary and tertiary markets that generate attractive, risk adjusted returns. WHLR's common stock, Series B convertible preferred stock ("Series B Preferred Stock" and, together with the Series D Preferred Stock, the "Preferred Stock"), Series D Preferred Stock, and Convertible Notes trade publicly on Nasdaq under the symbols "WHLR", "WHLRP", "WHLRD", and "WHLRL", respectively.
How the Company Makes MoneyWHLR primarily makes money by collecting contractual rent and other property-level income from tenants leasing space in its shopping center portfolio. Key revenue streams typically include (1) base rent under long-term leases (often with periodic contractual escalations), (2) reimbursement income where tenants repay their share of operating expenses (such as common area maintenance, property taxes, and insurance) under net or modified-net lease structures, and (3) ancillary income such as leasing fees, late fees, and other tenant-related charges. Earnings and cash flow are influenced by occupancy levels, tenant credit quality (notably grocery anchors and other national/regional retailers), renewal and re-leasing spreads, and management of property operating costs. The company may also realize gains or losses from selling properties and may use financing arrangements (e.g., mortgages or other debt) that affect net income through interest expense; however, specific property sale activity, financing terms, or material partnership arrangements are not provided here and therefore are null.

Wheeler Real Estate Investment Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Positive operating cash flow and a strong 2025 profitability rebound support the score, but the multi-year history of net losses and a very weak/unclear balance sheet position (thin equity cushion and historically high leverage) keep overall financial quality below average.
Income Statement
46
Neutral
Revenue has grown meaningfully since 2020 (about $61M to ~$99M in 2025), but growth has been volatile and turned slightly negative in 2025 (-2.38% YoY). Profitability has been inconsistent: the company posted net losses from 2021–2024, followed by a return to profitability in 2025 (~$14.9M net income, ~15% net margin). While the 2025 rebound is a positive inflection, the multi-year pattern of losses and uneven margin profile keeps overall income statement quality below average.
Balance Sheet
18
Very Negative
Leverage appears very high in the years where debt is reported (debt-to-equity rising from ~3.1x in 2020 to ~8.3x in 2024), which limits financial flexibility for a retail REIT and increases refinancing/interest-rate risk. Equity also declines sharply over time (from ~$110M in 2020 to ~$59M in 2024). Although 2025 shows very low equity (~$0.2M) and zero reported debt, that combination is unusual versus prior years and still implies a very thin capital cushion relative to a ~$602M asset base, elevating balance sheet risk.
Cash Flow
62
Positive
Operating cash flow has been consistently positive across the period (roughly $16M–$31M annually), supporting baseline business durability. Free cash flow is more uneven—strong in 2022 and 2025, but modest in 2023–2024—yet the most recent year shows a notable improvement (2025 free cash flow ~$21.1M, up sharply year over year). Cash generation looks healthier than accounting earnings in several years, but variability in free cash flow and weaker conversion in 2023–2024 temper the score.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue100.37M104.57M102.33M76.64M61.31M
Gross Profit21.44M69.47M67.45M50.91M41.69M
EBITDA71.56M55.65M62.33M32.47M38.49M
Net Income8.77M-9.58M-4.69M-12.45M-9.44M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets601.73M653.70M668.33M684.54M465.28M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments48.06M42.96M18.40M28.49M22.90M
Total Debt483.75M492.74M505.72M506.48M349.72M
Total Liabilities507.04M537.05M526.80M531.98M368.93M
Stockholders Equity63.44M59.26M75.41M86.36M94.41M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow4.03M3.46M913.00K22.25M10.63M
Operating Cash Flow21.13M25.99M20.93M30.76M17.04M
Investing Cash Flow32.14M3.98M-31.52M-133.51M5.10M
Financing Cash Flow-65.36M-9.06M-5.47M118.20M-24.49M

Wheeler Real Estate Investment Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price2.57
Price Trends
50DMA
3.08
Negative
100DMA
7.13
Negative
200DMA
49.43
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.50
Negative
RSI
26.43
Positive
STOCH
7.38
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WHLR, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 2.57 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 1.64, below the 50-day MA of 3.08, and below the 200-day MA of 49.43, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.50 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 26.43 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 7.38 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for WHLR.

Wheeler Real Estate Investment Risk Analysis

Wheeler Real Estate Investment disclosed 63 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Wheeler Real Estate Investment reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Wheeler Real Estate Investment Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
65
Neutral
$2.17B12.193.79%4.94%3.15%1.96%
65
Neutral
$286.53M-90.17-1.09%7.01%14.81%-245.25%
63
Neutral
$814.73M20.3411.77%7.89%5.75%-37.69%
62
Neutral
$288.02M1.8943.13%―-69.63%-95.99%
59
Neutral
$1.18B5.6841.49%6.79%5.74%294.33%
48
Neutral
$1.68M0.6220.26%―-1.01%504.95%
46
Neutral
$155.46M-4.82-20.20%―-17.76%44.68%
* Real Estate Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WHLR
Wheeler Real Estate Investment
1.17
-1,185.33
-99.90%
SITC
SITE Centers
5.49
-0.84
-13.30%
BFS
Saul Centers
33.26
-0.18
-0.55%
SRG
Seritage
2.76
-0.61
-18.10%
PINE
Alpine Income Property Trust Inc
18.99
3.64
23.75%
CBL
CBL & Associates Properties
38.04
12.49
48.90%

Wheeler Real Estate Investment Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Wheeler Real Estate Announces CFO Exit and Governance Changes
Neutral
Mar 13, 2026

On March 10, 2026, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. reported that its Chief Financial Officer would leave the company as of March 13, 2026, and that a search for a successor is underway. Effective March 14, 2026, the company appointed longtime employee Patrick Gundlach, previously Director of Financial Reporting and a certified public accountant, as Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, noting he has no related-party ties to management or the board.

In the same March 10, 2026 disclosure, board member Kerry Campbell tendered his resignation from the Wheeler board effective March 14, 2026, to focus on chairing subsidiary Cedar Realty Trust, with the company emphasizing his departure did not stem from any disagreements. Wheeler also strengthened its governance structure by naming director Rebecca Musser as chair of the Audit Committee and appointing employee Sydney Schlimgen as Corporate Secretary, both effective March 14, 2026, signaling continuity in oversight during the CFO transition.

The most recent analyst rating on (WHLR) stock is a Hold with a $2.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Wheeler Real Estate Investment stock, see the WHLR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Wheeler REIT Adjusts Note Conversion, Processes Preferred Redemptions
Neutral
Mar 6, 2026

In March 2026, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust adjusted the conversion price of its 7.00% Subordinated Convertible Notes due 2031 to approximately $1.04 per share of common stock, after the lowest Series D Preferred Stock conversion into common shares priced at about $1.88, implying a roughly 45% discount built into the notes’ conversion terms. On March 5, 2026, the REIT processed two Series D Preferred Stock redemption requests totaling 6,502 shares at a redemption price of about $41.72 per share, settling approximately $271,000 in value through the issuance of 143,914 common shares, bringing cumulative redemptions to 1,777,083 preferred shares, around 393,000 common shares issued, and leaving 1,433,983 common and 1,640,295 Series D Preferred shares outstanding ahead of the next redemption cycle closing March 25, 2026, with the Holder Redemption Date set for April 6, 2026.

The most recent analyst rating on (WHLR) stock is a Hold with a $2.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Wheeler Real Estate Investment stock, see the WHLR Stock Forecast page.

Financial DisclosuresRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Releases 2025 Year-End Results
Neutral
Mar 5, 2026

On March 5, 2026, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. reported its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025, through the filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company also released supplemental financial and operating information for the three- and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2025, making these materials available on its investor relations website, providing investors and other stakeholders with additional detail on its performance.

The publication of the 2025 year-end results and related supplemental data offers the market a comprehensive view of Wheeler’s recent operating trends and financial position in its grocery-anchored retail portfolio. By expanding public access to these disclosures, the REIT enhances transparency around its income-producing properties, which may aid analysts and shareholders in assessing the company’s execution, risk profile and positioning within the commercial real estate sector.

The most recent analyst rating on (WHLR) stock is a Hold with a $3.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Wheeler Real Estate Investment stock, see the WHLR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Wheeler Real Estate Executes Preferred-for-Common Stock Exchanges
Neutral
Mar 4, 2026

On February 26, 2026, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. executed exchange transactions with an unaffiliated investor, issuing 60,000 shares of common stock in exchange for 2,000 shares of its Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock and 4,000 shares of its Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. The company received no cash proceeds, the exchanged preferred shares were retired and cancelled, and the common stock was issued under an exemption from Securities Act registration.

Also on February 26, 2026, Wheeler entered into a subscription agreement with another unaffiliated investor, issuing 80,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock in exchange for 120,000 shares of 6.50% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of its subsidiary Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. The acquired Cedar preferred shares were immediately contributed back to Cedar and retired, effectively reducing subsidiary-level preferred obligations while shifting that exposure to Wheeler’s own Series D Preferred Stock at the parent level.

The most recent analyst rating on (WHLR) stock is a Hold with a $3.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Wheeler Real Estate Investment stock, see the WHLR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesPrivate Placements and FinancingRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Wheeler REIT Amends Magnetar Warrants, Deepens Investor Ties
Neutral
Feb 20, 2026

On February 19, 2026, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. amended and restated previously issued common stock purchase warrants held by certain Magnetar affiliates, making them exercisable at $0.01 per share for shares equal to 12% of the company’s outstanding common stock at each exercise date, with an expiry of March 12, 2026. The company simultaneously entered into an amended registration rights agreement to register resales of the warrant shares, an excepted holder agreement raising Magnetar affiliates’ ownership limits to 19% of capital stock and 45% of common stock, and a participation rights agreement granting them rights to take up to 12% of specified future financings.

These moves deepen Wheeler’s capital and governance ties with the Magnetar-led investor group, potentially concentrating ownership and giving these investors meaningful influence over future equity and debt issuance. Separately, on February 13, 2026, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Crystal Plum resigned effective March 13, 2026, prompting a CFO search and signaling a pending leadership transition in the company’s finance organization.

The most recent analyst rating on (WHLR) stock is a Hold with a $3.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Wheeler Real Estate Investment stock, see the WHLR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Wheeler REIT Simplifies Capital Structure via Stock Exchange
Positive
Feb 9, 2026

On February 6, 2026, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. agreed to issue 439,300 shares of its common stock to two unaffiliated investors in exchange for a total of 19,100 shares of Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock and 38,200 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, with settlement occurring the same day. The company received no cash proceeds from these transactions, which were executed under a registration exemption and resulted in the retirement and cancellation of the exchanged preferred shares, simplifying its capital structure and potentially reducing future preferred dividend obligations.

Each transaction was structured so that investors received twenty-three shares of common stock for every bundle of two Series B preferred shares and one Series D preferred share, reflecting negotiated conversion economics between classes of securities. By completing these exchanges privately with existing holders and without paying commissions, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. adjusted its equity mix while avoiding the costs and regulatory requirements of a public securities offering.

The most recent analyst rating on (WHLR) stock is a Hold with a $3.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Wheeler Real Estate Investment stock, see the WHLR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Wheeler Real Estate Continues Preferred Redemptions, Adjusts Note Conversion
Neutral
Feb 6, 2026

On February 5, 2026, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. processed its 29th monthly holder redemption date for its Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, with two holders redeeming a total of 10,700 preferred shares at a redemption price of approximately $42.35 per share, settled through the issuance of 95,904 common shares. Because the lowest Series D conversion price into common stock during the February 2026 redemptions was about $4.72 per share, the conversion price of the company’s 7.00% Subordinated Convertible Notes due 2031 was further adjusted under the indenture to approximately $2.60 per common share, implying roughly 9.62 common shares for each $25 in principal, a 45% discount to $4.72. Cumulatively, the company has processed 400 Series D redemption requests for 1,770,581 preferred shares and has issued about 249,000 common shares in settlement, leaving 790,739 common shares and 1,577,898 Series D preferred shares outstanding as of February 6, 2026; the next redemption deadline is February 25, 2026, with the next holder redemption date set for March 5, 2026, underscoring the ongoing equity issuance and capital structure shifts faced by common and preferred shareholders as conversions and redemptions continue.

The most recent analyst rating on (WHLR) stock is a Hold with a $3.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Wheeler Real Estate Investment stock, see the WHLR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Wheeler Real Estate Simplifies Capital Structure via Exchanges
Positive
Jan 14, 2026

On January 8 and 9, 2026, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. entered into exchange agreements with three unaffiliated security holders to retire portions of its preferred equity in favor of common stock. In transactions settled on January 12 and 13, 2026, the company issued a total of 175,000 shares of common stock in exchange for 6,250 shares of its Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock and 12,500 shares of its Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, with the preferred shares subsequently retired and cancelled. The exchanges, conducted at a fixed ratio of 28 common shares for every combined block of two Series B and one Series D preferred share and executed under a registration exemption, allowed Wheeler to simplify its capital structure and reduce outstanding preferred obligations without raising new cash or paying commissions, reshaping the balance between its common and preferred equity for existing stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (WHLR) stock is a Sell with a $2.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Wheeler Real Estate Investment stock, see the WHLR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Wheeler REIT Adjusts Conversion Terms, Processes January Redemptions
Neutral
Jan 6, 2026

In January 2026, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. further adjusted the conversion price of its 7.00% Subordinated Convertible Notes due 2031 to approximately $1.16 per share of common stock, after the lowest Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock conversion price in that month was about $2.11, implying roughly 21.50 common shares for each $25 of note principal. On the 28th monthly Holder Redemption Date on January 5, 2026, the company processed one redemption request for 700 shares of Series D Preferred Stock at a redemption price of about $42.20 per share, settling the aggregate amount through issuance of 13,974 common shares; cumulatively, it has processed 398 redemption requests, redeeming 1,759,881 Series D Preferred shares and issuing approximately 459,000 common shares, leaving 1,909,573 common shares and 1,577,848 Series D Preferred shares outstanding as of January 6, 2026, and setting timelines for the next round of redemptions in late January and early February 2026.

The most recent analyst rating on (WHLR) stock is a Hold with a $2.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Wheeler Real Estate Investment stock, see the WHLR Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Mar 06, 2026