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Whitestone REIT (WSR)
NYSE:WSR
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Whitestone REIT (WSR) AI Stock Analysis

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WSR

Whitestone REIT

(NYSE:WSR)

Rating:73Outperform
Price Target:
$14.00
▲(10.32% Upside)
Whitestone REIT's overall stock score is driven by strong financial performance and positive earnings call sentiment. The company's robust profitability and strategic acquisitions support future growth, while high leverage and neutral technical indicators present some risks. The valuation is reasonable, with an attractive dividend yield for investors.
Positive Factors
Dividend
Whitestone declared a dividend of $0.135 per share for the first quarter of 2025, representing a 9% increase from the previous dividend.
Financial Performance
Whitestone REIT's core funds from operations beat consensus, demonstrating strong financial performance.
Leasing Performance
The company achieved leasing spreads of 21.9% during the quarter, comprising 36.1% on new leases and 19.0% on renewal leases.
Negative Factors
Debt Levels
The company does have a slightly higher than average level of debt and preferred totaling ~48% to total capitalization.
Guidance
Guidance was soft relative to consensus, though the result is still expected to produce 4% growth at the midpoint.

Whitestone REIT (WSR) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Whitestone REIT Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWhitestone REIT (WSR) is a real estate investment trust that focuses on the ownership, operation, and management of commercial properties, primarily in the retail sector. The company specializes in community-centered retail properties located in high-growth markets across the United States. Whitestone REIT's portfolio includes shopping centers and mixed-use properties that cater to local communities, providing essential goods and services. The company aims to create value through strategic property acquisitions, active property management, and tenant relationships.
How the Company Makes MoneyWhitestone REIT generates revenue primarily through leasing space to tenants in its retail properties. The company earns rental income from long-term leases with a diverse mix of tenants, which includes national and regional retailers, service providers, and local businesses. Additionally, WSR benefits from ancillary income sources such as management fees and reimbursements from tenants for property expenses. The company's revenue model is supported by its focus on community-oriented properties, which tends to attract stable tenant demand and lower vacancy rates. Strategic partnerships with local businesses and a commitment to enhancing tenant relationships further contribute to consistent revenue streams.

Whitestone REIT Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 30, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 2.84%|
Next Earnings Date:Nov 04, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflected a positive sentiment overall, with strong growth in core FFO, strategic acquisitions, and redevelopment initiatives. Despite some challenges with timing and increased interest expenses, the company's financial performance and strategic positioning in high-growth markets contributed to a positive outlook.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Increase in Core FFO Per Share
Core FFO per share increased by 5.4% year-over-year, indicating growth in financial performance.
Occupancy Growth
Occupancy grew 100 basis points sequentially from Q1 to 93.9%.
Strategic Acquisitions
Whitestone REIT acquired San Clemente in Austin and South Hulen in Fort Worth, both expected to drive future growth.
Strong Leasing Environment
Leasing spreads were 41.4% for new leases and 15.2% for renewals, with a combined leasing spread of 17.9% for the quarter.
Redevelopment Initiatives
Redevelopment at Lion Square in Houston is on track, expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter.
Same-Store NOI Growth
Same-store NOI growth was 2.5% for the quarter and 3.9% for the 6 months, with a target range of 3% to 4.5% for the year.
Debt-to-EBITDAre Improvement
Debt-to-EBITDAre improved to 7.2x from 7.8x for the same period a year ago.
Negative Updates
Interest Expense Increase
Interest expense forecast moved up slightly due to the timing of acquisitions ahead of some dispositions.
Challenges with Timing of Acquisitions and Dispositions
Some acquisitions have come ahead of dispositions, affecting the interest expense and balance.
Company Guidance
In the second quarter of 2025, Whitestone REIT reported a year-over-year increase in core FFO per share by 5.4% and a 100 basis point rise in occupancy from the previous quarter, reaching 93.9%. The average base rent per leased square foot grew by 5.3% to $25.28. The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance, projecting core FFO per share growth of 5% to 7%, underpinned by same-store NOI growth of 3% to 5%. Strategic acquisitions included San Clemente in Austin and South Hulen in Fort Worth, with anticipated same-store NOI growth for the quarter at 2.5% and 3.9% for the first half of the year. Whitestone's leasing spreads remained robust, with new leases achieving a 41.4% increase and renewals at 15.2%, contributing to a combined leasing spread of 17.9%. The company also highlighted ongoing redevelopment projects like Lion Square in Houston, expected to complete by the end of Q3, and emphasized its capital recycling program, which anticipates $40 million each in acquisitions and dispositions through year-end.

Whitestone REIT Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Whitestone REIT exhibits strong financial health with robust profitability and cash flow generation. The company shows strong revenue growth and solid profit margins, but high leverage presents a potential risk. The ability to generate consistent cash flow and maintain a solid equity base provides a firm foundation for future growth.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Whitestone REIT shows strong revenue growth with a consistent increase over the years, achieving a TTM gross profit margin of 69.93% and a net profit margin of 21.63%, indicating solid profitability. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are also favorable at 33.72% and 57.92% respectively. However, there has been a slight decline in net income compared to the previous annual report.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The company's balance sheet reflects a stable equity base, with an equity ratio of 41.22% in TTM. The debt-to-equity ratio is relatively high at 1.57, suggesting significant leverage. ROE stands at 7.89%, which is moderate but shows room for improvement. Overall, the balance sheet presents a stable but leveraged financial position.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
Whitestone REIT demonstrates strong cash flow management with a consistent positive free cash flow and a TTM operating cash flow to net income ratio of 1.52, indicating efficient cash generation relative to net income. The free cash flow to net income ratio is also healthy at 1.52. The company has managed to maintain free cash flow despite fluctuations in investing and financing cash flows.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue155.91M155.51M147.92M140.58M125.36M123.56M
Gross Profit109.04M109.53M97.96M97.28M86.04M80.35M
EBITDA90.30M85.18M87.18M79.30M64.14M59.23M
Net Income33.72M36.89M19.18M35.27M12.05M6.03M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.16B1.13B1.11B1.10B1.10B1.05B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments5.32M5.22M7.18M6.17M15.72M25.78M
Total Debt670.35M632.36M640.89M626.16M642.84M644.18M
Total Liabilities722.53M690.80M693.62M678.31M703.05M706.68M
Stockholders Equity427.51M438.15M413.74M418.45M392.78M332.08M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow51.36M58.23M47.60M44.43M48.87M42.78M
Operating Cash Flow51.36M58.23M47.60M44.43M48.87M42.78M
Investing Cash Flow-33.28M-16.01M-36.31M-6.71M-91.23M-6.44M
Financing Cash Flow-15.98M-31.49M-13.00M-47.28M32.31M-26.02M

Whitestone REIT Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price12.69
Price Trends
50DMA
12.37
Positive
100DMA
12.53
Positive
200DMA
13.11
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.01
Negative
RSI
61.23
Neutral
STOCH
85.85
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WSR, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 12.69 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 12.25, above the 50-day MA of 12.37, and below the 200-day MA of 13.11, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.01 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 61.23 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 85.85 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for WSR.

Whitestone REIT Risk Analysis

Whitestone REIT disclosed 50 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Whitestone REIT 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

Whitestone REIT Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
$1.61B24.836.87%6.47%6.62%-3.87%
73
Outperform
$1.26B19.027.97%4.23%4.04%107.96%
72
Outperform
$1.80B-0.43%4.43%21.31%-199.59%
72
Outperform
$949.34M14.6821.97%9.17%2.20%128.61%
70
Outperform
$628.81M1.7725.89%3.71%-57.45%-20.83%
65
Neutral
$813.61M25.3412.90%7.15%5.17%-25.96%
62
Neutral
$6.93B13.52-0.57%7.16%3.62%-22.63%
* Real Estate Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WSR
Whitestone REIT
12.69
-0.19
-1.48%
SITC
SITE Centers
11.84
1.28
12.12%
GTY
Getty Realty
28.75
-0.91
-3.07%
BFS
Saul Centers
33.12
-5.02
-13.16%
NTST
NETSTREIT
18.88
2.90
18.15%
CBL
CBL & Associates Properties
30.20
5.58
22.66%

Whitestone REIT Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Whitestone REIT Elects New Board of Trustees
Neutral
May 16, 2025

On May 15, 2025, Whitestone REIT held its annual meeting of shareholders where several key proposals were voted on. The election of trustees resulted in Julia B. Buthman, Amy S. Feng, Kristian M. Gathright, David K. Holeman, Jeffrey A. Jones, and Donald A. Miller being elected to the Board of Trustees until 2026. Additionally, the amendment to the 2018 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan was ratified, executive compensation was approved, and the appointment of Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas, P.C. as the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, was confirmed.

The most recent analyst rating on (WSR) stock is a Buy with a $16.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Whitestone REIT stock, see the WSR 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: Aug 20, 2025