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W. P. Carey Inc. (WPC)
NYSE:WPC

W. P. Carey Inc. (WPC) AI Stock Analysis

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WPC

W. P. Carey Inc.

(NYSE:WPC)

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Outperform 72 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
$80.00
▲(10.53% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by solid financial performance (strong profitability and cash generation despite recent revenue contraction and modestly higher leverage) and a positive earnings outlook (AFFO growth guidance, high occupancy, and strong liquidity). Technicals add support with an upward trend and moderate momentum, while valuation is the main offset due to a relatively high P/E despite the attractive dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Cash Generation & AFFO Growth
Consistent AFFO growth and robust operating/free cash flow underpin dividend sustainability and reinvestment capacity. Reliable cash generation supports W. P. Carey’s ability to fund acquisitions, repay debt, and maintain payouts while preserving optionality for accretive capital recycling over the medium term.
High Occupancy & Long Leases
Extremely high occupancy and long average lease terms provide durable, predictable rent streams and lower turnover risk. Multi-decade lease lengths reduce exposure to cyclical leasing markets and support stable cash flow, aiding forecasting and long-term dividend coverage.
Diversified Capital & Low-Cost Financing
Large liquidity reserves, diverse equity access (ATM/forward sales) and sub-3.5% average funding costs give the company durable financing flexibility. This supports pipeline funding, refinancing of maturities and preserves ability to pursue accretive deals without stressing liquidity or forcing asset sales in adverse markets.
Negative Factors
Rising Leverage & Near-Term Refinancings
Leverage has increased toward sector-elevated levels, reducing balance-sheet flexibility. Material 2026 maturities and higher net-debt/EBITDA create refinancing execution risk and raise sensitivity to market-rate moves, potentially constraining opportunistic investment or increasing funding costs if markets tighten.
Top-line Contraction
Recent revenue declines signal weaker top-line momentum which can curb AFFO expansion over time. Slower or negative revenue trends limit organic growth, reduce scale benefits and make the company more reliant on accretive transactions to sustain per-share cash flow growth and dividend coverage.
Cap-Rate Compression & Competitive Pressure
Anticipated cap-rate compression narrows the spread between disposition and acquisition yields, challenging the firm’s historical ability to recycle capital accretively. Persistent competition for prime net-lease assets could reduce future going-in yields and temper long-term AFFO accretion from new investments.

W. P. Carey Inc. (WPC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

W. P. Carey Inc. Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionW. P. Carey ranks among the largest net lease REITs with an enterprise value of approximately $18 billion and a diversified portfolio of operationally-critical commercial real estate that includes 1,215 net lease properties covering approximately 142 million square feet as of September 30, 2020. For nearly five decades, the company has invested in high-quality single-tenant industrial, warehouse, office, retail and self-storage properties subject to long-term net leases with built-in rent escalators. Its portfolio is located primarily in the U.S. and Northern and Western Europe and is well-diversified by tenant, property type, geographic location and tenant industry.
How the Company Makes MoneyW. P. Carey generates revenue primarily through rental income from its extensive portfolio of properties leased to tenants under long-term net lease agreements. These leases typically require tenants to cover property expenses such as maintenance, taxes, and insurance, allowing W. P. Carey to maintain a steady stream of income with reduced operational costs. The company also benefits from a diverse tenant base across various industries, which helps mitigate risks associated with tenant defaults. Additionally, W. P. Carey engages in property acquisitions and dispositions, which can contribute to revenue through capital gains. The company has established strategic partnerships with various businesses and has a robust track record of managing properties, further enhancing its earning potential.

W. P. Carey Inc. Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 10, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 24, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call presents a broadly positive operational and financial picture driven by record investment activity ($2.1B), strong internal rent growth (contractual same-store +2.4% and comprehensive +2.8%), solid liquidity ($2.2B) and low-cost financing (2025 weighted average debt 3.2%), leading to healthy AFFO growth in 2025 (+5.7%) and continued AFFO growth guidance for 2026 (~4.2% at midpoint). Management highlights multiple sources of capital, attractive spreads (~150 bps on average) from recycling non-core assets, and strategic initiatives (carry tenant solutions, retail expansion) that support future growth. Offsetting factors include expected cap-rate compression to mid/low 7% in 2026, conservative guidance assumptions including a credit-loss cushion ($10–$15M), some near-term declines in non-operating income, and concentration risks from sizable tenant additions (Lifetime Fitness). Overall the positives (strong execution, balance sheet strength, and accretive pipeline) materially outweigh the headwinds, though management is taking a conservative stance in initial guidance.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong AFFO Growth
AFFO per share for full year 2025 was $4.97, representing 5.7% year-over-year growth; Q4 AFFO per share was $1.27, up 5% YoY.
Record Investment Activity
Closed $2.1 billion of investments in 2025 (at the top end of guidance), including $625 million in Q4 and a $322 million portfolio purchase from Lifetime Fitness; investments carried a weighted average initial cash cap rate of 7.6% for the year.
Attractive Yield and Spread Creation
Investments translated to an average yield just above 9% over long-term leases (avg 17-year term); occupied assets sold averaged 6% cap rates, delivering an average spread of ~150 basis points as capital was recycled.
Portfolio Mix and Allocation
2025 investment allocation: 68% warehouse/industrial and 22% retail; geographically 26% Europe and 74% North America (vast majority U.S.), indicating targeted sector/geography focus.
Sector-Leading Internal Rent Growth
Contractual same-store rent growth averaged 2.4% for Q4 and full year 2025; VPI-linked escalations averaged 2.6% (about half of ABR) and fixed increases averaged 2.1%; comprehensive same-store growth for full year was 2.8%.
High Occupancy and Low Credit Impact
Portfolio occupancy rose to 98% at year-end (up 100 basis points from Q3); rent loss from tenant credit events was minimal in 2025 (reported $0.4 million), well below earlier conservative assumptions.
Strong Liquidity and Capital Position
Liquidity of $2.2 billion at year-end (credit facility, cash, unsettled forward equity); sold 6.3 million shares through ATM for gross proceeds of $423 million (forward equity remains available) and more than $400 million of forward equity available for settlement.
Low Cost of Debt and Manageable Leverage
Weighted average interest rate on debt was 3.2% in 2025; euro term loan refinanced at an all-in rate below 3%; net debt to adjusted EBITDA was 5.6x inclusive of unsettled forward equity (5.9x excl.), within target mid-to-high 5x leverage range; 2026 expected weighted average rate remains in low-to-mid 3% range.
Dividend and Shareholder Returns
Quarterly dividend increased 4.5% to $0.92 per share; shareholders received total return of 25% in 2025; full year payout ratio ~73% and annualized dividend yield over 5% based on current stock price.
2026 Initial Guidance and Optionality
2026 AFFO guidance $5.13–$5.23 per share (midpoint implies ~4.2% YoY growth); investment guidance $1.25–$1.75 billion with the Company noting ample funding optionality (retained cash flow ~ $300M expected, forward equity, ATM, and opportunistic dispositions).
Portfolio Simplification & Non-Core Sales Execution
Executed disciplined dispositions totaling $1.5 billion in 2025, including sale of 63 operating self-storage properties for ~$785M, materially exiting the operating self-storage business and simplifying portfolio mix.
Negative Updates
Cap Rate Compression / Competitive Pressure
Management expects 2026 cash cap rates to be incrementally lower (mid-to-low 7% range) versus 2025's 7.6% average, citing potential rate movements and some increased competition — a potential headwind to going-in yields.
More Conservative Near-Term Guidance
Initial 2026 investment guidance ($1.25B–$1.75B) and AFFO guidance are conservatively set despite strong early-year activity; midpoint AFFO growth (~4.2%) is lower than 2025's 5.7%, indicating some deceleration built into guidance.
Credit Loss Cushion and Uncertainty
Company assumed rent loss from tenant credit events in 2026 of $10M–$15M (60–90 bps) as a conservative estimate despite minimal realized credit loss in 2025; this reflects caution around potential portfolio credit disruption.
Near-term Expense and Income Headwinds
Non-operating income expected to decline to $7M–$11M from ~$17M in 2025; investment management fees forecast to fall to ~$5M (from $9M); operating NOI tied to discontinued operating assets expected to be only about $10M in 2026.
Redevelopment and Near-term Project Costs
Non-reimbursed property expenses for 2026 expected at $56M–$60M, including approximately $6M of demolition costs tied to redevelopment work (mainly in first half), though management expects those costs largely offset by termination payments recognized in lease-related income.
Concentration Risk from Large Tenant Additions
Lifetime Fitness acquisition (10 facilities, $322M) significantly expanded Lifetime's position to become the Company's third-largest tenant by ABR, increasing tenant concentration risk in the portfolio.
Upcoming Refinancings
Two bond maturities in 2026 (€500M in April and $350M in October) require refinancing; while management views maturities as manageable, these represent near-term execution items and market-rate exposure.
Moderation in Quarterly Same-Store Performance
Comprehensive same-store rent growth moderated to 70 basis points in Q4 (from stronger growth earlier in the year), driven by prior-year rent recovery effects and higher vacancy in the back half of 2025.
Company Guidance
W. P. Carey opened 2026 with initial AFFO guidance of $5.13–$5.23 per share (implying ~4.2% y/y growth at the midpoint) alongside acquisition guidance of $1.25–$1.75 billion (expected cash cap rates mid‑to‑low 7% vs. a 7.6% weighted average in 2025) and disposition guidance of $250–$750 million; the plan assumes ~ $300 million of retained cash flow, more than $400 million of unsettled forward equity available (6.3M shares sold via ATM for $423M at a $67.53 weighted avg), and flexibility to fund incremental deals. Key operating assumptions include contractual same‑store rent growth in the mid‑2% range (2025 contractual growth was 2.4%, comprehensive 2.8%), VPI‑linked escalations averaging 2.6% and fixed escalations 2.1% (each ~50% of ABR), portfolio occupancy >98%, and a conservative rent‑loss reserve of $10–$15 million (60–90 bps) for 2026. Expense and other guidance: G&A $103–$106 million, non‑reimbursed property expenses $56–$60 million (including ~$6 million demolition costs), other lease‑related income low‑to‑mid $30s million (≈$20M expected in H1), tax on AFFO $45–$49 million, investment management fees ≈$5 million, and non‑operating income $7–$11 million. Balance sheet and capital metrics assume a 2026 weighted average debt rate in the low‑ to‑mid‑3% range (3.2% in 2025), net debt/adjusted EBITDA targeted in the mid‑to‑high‑5x range (5.6x incl. unsettled forwards), liquidity of ~$2.2 billion, and a quarterly dividend of $0.92 (annualized yield >5%, payout ratio ≈73%), with continued emphasis on accretive spreads (historical ~150 bps to dispositions, yields just above 9% and average lease durations ~17 years) and a sizable near‑term pipeline (≈$312M closed YTD, several $100M at various stages).

W. P. Carey Inc. Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Overall fundamentals are solid, supported by strong profitability for a diversified REIT and robust operating/free cash flow. Offsetting this, revenue has contracted recently (2024–2025) and leverage has edged higher (debt-to-equity rising to ~1.10), reducing flexibility if conditions soften.
Income Statement
72
Positive
Profitability is strong for a diversified REIT, with consistently high gross and operating margins and solid net margins across the period. However, the top line has turned negative recently: revenue declined slightly in 2024 and fell more meaningfully in 2025, following healthier growth in 2021–2023. Net income has also stepped down from the 2023 peak, signaling some earnings normalization alongside the weaker revenue trend.
Balance Sheet
66
Positive
The balance sheet shows moderate-to-elevated leverage typical for the sector, with debt roughly around equity and edging higher in 2025 (debt-to-equity rising to ~1.10 from sub-1.0 levels in prior years). Equity remains sizable relative to assets, which supports stability, but the upward leverage trend adds risk. Returns on equity are steady but not high, generally in the mid-single digits, with a noticeable dip from 2023 levels.
Cash Flow
74
Positive
Cash generation is a clear strength: operating cash flow and free cash flow are robust and generally growing, including a strong rebound in 2024 and continued growth in 2025. Free cash flow is consistently in line with (or close to) reported earnings, supporting earnings quality. The main watch-out is volatility in operating cash flow year-to-year (notably the 2024 spike versus 2023), which can affect perceived consistency.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.72B1.58B1.74B1.47B1.26B
Gross Profit491.49M1.46B1.60B1.40B1.21B
EBITDA1.32B1.31B1.44B1.29B1.16B
Net Income466.36M460.84M708.33M599.14M409.99M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets17.99B17.54B17.98B18.10B15.48B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments155.33M640.62M634.86M168.00M165.43M
Total Debt8.72B8.18B8.28B7.88B6.94B
Total Liabilities9.86B9.10B9.27B9.09B7.90B
Stockholders Equity8.12B8.43B8.70B8.99B7.58B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.28B1.83B1.07B1.00B926.48M
Operating Cash Flow1.28B1.83B1.07B1.00B926.48M
Investing Cash Flow-960.14M-1.13B-905.88M-1.05B-1.57B
Financing Cash Flow-761.71M-688.47M292.56M57.89M557.05M

W. P. Carey Inc. Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price72.38
Price Trends
50DMA
67.98
Positive
100DMA
67.57
Positive
200DMA
65.29
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.34
Positive
RSI
58.97
Neutral
STOCH
33.52
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WPC, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 72.38 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 70.88, above the 50-day MA of 67.98, and above the 200-day MA of 65.29, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.34 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 58.97 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 33.52 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for WPC.

W. P. Carey Inc. Risk Analysis

W. P. Carey Inc. disclosed 42 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. W. P. Carey Inc. 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

W. P. Carey Inc. Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$6.80B25.336.52%3.88%24.60%8.05%
73
Outperform
$2.74B27.798.71%3.99%5.29%-60.36%
72
Outperform
$15.64B33.855.64%5.51%5.59%-34.75%
65
Neutral
$2.17B12.193.79%4.94%3.15%1.96%
65
Neutral
$1.06B24.162.16%0.45%-24.85%
63
Neutral
$3.69B39.023.14%6.72%3.87%-37.59%
59
Neutral
$2.10B-7.94-12.53%10.29%-28.94%-28.24%
* Real Estate Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WPC
W. P. Carey Inc.
72.38
12.24
20.35%
ESRT
Empire State Realty
5.93
-2.52
-29.82%
UE
Urban Edge Properties
21.00
1.45
7.44%
GNL
Global Net Lease
9.72
3.15
47.86%
EPRT
Essential Properties Realty
32.74
1.59
5.10%
BNL
Broadstone Net Lease
18.79
3.39
22.00%

W. P. Carey Inc. Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
W. P. Carey Announces Forward Equity Offering for Growth
Positive
Feb 19, 2026

On February 17, 2026, W. P. Carey Inc. entered into an underwriting agreement tied to an underwritten public offering of 6,000,000 common shares on a forward basis at $71.38 per share, with gross proceeds of $432 million and a 30-day option for underwriters to buy up to 900,000 additional shares. The offering, which closed on February 19, 2026, is structured through forward sale agreements that the company expects to physically settle within about 24 months, giving it flexibility to opt for cash or net share settlement instead.

W. P. Carey plans to use any net proceeds from settlement of the forward sale agreements and related share sales to fund potential future investments, repay certain indebtedness including amounts under its unsecured revolving credit facility, and for general corporate purposes. The capital raise and associated agreements are designed to support the REIT’s growth pipeline and balance sheet management while preserving optionality around the timing and form of equity issuance over the next two years.

The most recent analyst rating on (WPC) stock is a Hold with a $74.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on W. P. Carey Inc. stock, see the WPC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
W. P. Carey Announces €1 Billion Senior Notes Offering
Positive
Feb 13, 2026

On February 12, 2026, W. P. Carey Inc. priced an underwritten public offering of €1.0 billion of senior unsecured notes, split between €500 million of 3.250% notes due 2031 and €500 million of 3.750% notes due 2035, with a weighted-average coupon of 3.500% and term of 7.4 years. The notes, for which listing is being sought on Euronext Dublin, are expected to settle on February 24, 2026, with J.P. Morgan Securities plc, Barclays Bank PLC, BNP Paribas and Wells Fargo Securities International Limited acting as joint bookrunners.

The company plans to use the proceeds to repay its €500 million 2.250% senior notes maturing in April 2026 and to fund general corporate purposes, including potential future investments and repayment of other debt such as borrowings under its unsecured revolving credit facility and a €215 million term loan due 2028. This refinancing extends W. P. Carey’s debt maturity profile and supports its capacity to pursue additional net-lease real estate investments in its core U.S. and European markets while managing near-term funding pressures.

The most recent analyst rating on (WPC) stock is a Buy with a $80.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on W. P. Carey Inc. stock, see the WPC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyDividendsFinancial Disclosures
W. P. Carey Posts Strong Q4 Results, Raises Outlook
Positive
Feb 10, 2026

W. P. Carey reported on February 10, 2026 that fourth-quarter 2025 net income surged to $148.3 million and AFFO rose to $1.27 per share, while full-year 2025 net income reached $466.4 million and AFFO climbed 5.7% to $4.97 per share. The REIT lifted its quarterly dividend in December 2025 to $0.920 per share, capping a year of record $2.1 billion investment volume, $1.5 billion of property dispositions and 2.4% same-store rent growth.

Management highlighted that strong 2025 execution and active capital recycling have set up sustainable growth, supported by multiple equity capital sources and significant committed projects into 2026 and 2027. For 2026, W. P. Carey issued AFFO guidance of $5.13 to $5.23 per share, implying low-to-mid single-digit growth as it targets $1.25 billion to $1.75 billion of investments and maintains a cautious stance on credit risk and transaction volumes.

The most recent analyst rating on (WPC) stock is a Hold with a $72.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on W. P. Carey Inc. stock, see the WPC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
W. P. Carey Reports Record 2025 Investment Activity
Positive
Jan 7, 2026

On January 7, 2026, W. P. Carey reported a record $2.1 billion of investment volume for full-year 2025 at a weighted-average initial cash cap rate of about 7.6% and an estimated average yield of 9.2%, driven largely by single-tenant warehouse and industrial assets (68% of volume) and supplemented by retail properties (22%), with roughly two-thirds of capital deployed in the U.S. and just over a quarter in Europe. In the fourth quarter alone, the REIT invested about $625 million, including a $322 million acquisition of 10 Life Time Fitness facilities that helped make the operator its third-largest tenant by annualized base rent, while simultaneously disposing of $500 million of assets and reaching $1.5 billion of dispositions for 2025—most notably the sale of 63 self-storage operating properties for $785 million, effectively exiting that operating niche and sharpening its net lease focus. The company’s disposition program, centered on non-core assets sold at yields roughly 150 basis points lower than the cap rates on reinvested capital, enabled accretive funding of new deals, supplemented by the sale of 6.3 million shares under its ATM program via forward equity agreements for $423 million in gross proceeds that remain available for settlement. Operationally, W. P. Carey reported lower-than-anticipated rent loss from tenant credit events at about $6 million for 2025 and confirmed that former top tenant Hellweg stayed current on rent and ended the year as its 17th-largest tenant, underscoring portfolio resilience and supporting management’s positioning of the company for continued adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) growth.

The most recent analyst rating on (WPC) stock is a Hold with a $71.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on W. P. Carey Inc. stock, see the WPC Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
W. P. Carey Inc. Board Member Resigns for Health Reasons
Neutral
Dec 12, 2025

Mark A. Alexander, a board member of W. P. Carey Inc., announced his resignation effective December 12, 2025, due to personal health reasons. His departure is not due to any disagreements with the company’s operations, policies, or practices, ensuring stability in the company’s governance and operations.

The most recent analyst rating on (WPC) stock is a Buy with a $74.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on W. P. Carey Inc. stock, see the WPC 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: Feb 21, 2026