WSR Stock Recent News

Whitestone REIT has highly advantaged properties in 5 submarkets, leading to higher rents and potential property value of $20 per share. The tight occupancy and increasing demand in these markets have resulted in rental rates increasing by 20% and expected to continue growing. The ongoing proxy battle between activist investor Erez Asset Management and Whitestone may determine the future path of the company, either through a sale or continued operation.

Whitestone REIT is experiencing growth in its FFO and occupancy, with a projected double-digit growth rate in FFO for 2024. The trust solidly covers its dividend with FFO and recently raised its dividend by 3%, making it an attractive investment for passive income investors. Whitestone REIT's concentrated real estate footprint in economically vibrant markets provides potential for above-average FFO growth.

Whitestone's (WSR) acquisition of Scottsdale Commons in Scottsdale, AZ, for $22.2 million comes as part of its efforts to expand in the fast-growing, high-household-income markets.

HOUSTON, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Whitestone REIT (NYSE:WSR) (“Whitestone” or the “Company”) today announced that it will release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 after the market close on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

Whitestone REIT offers exposure to high-growth markets and has a strong track record of growing its operating fundamentals. The company has seen strong tenant demand and record occupancy in its portfolio, driven by small shop occupancy growth. While the company has higher leverage compared to peers, management is focused on deleveraging and improving FFO/share through continued SSNOI growth.

Whitestone REIT just hiked its monthly cash dividend by 3.2% after two years of keeping it constant. The REIT is set to benefit from its property portfolio's concentration on fast-growing sunbelt markets, particularly Arizona and Texas. WSR's dividend is expected to see a continued recovery on the back of double-digit leasing spreads and rising occupancy rates in its largest markets.

Whitestone (WSR) came out with quarterly funds from operations (FFO) of $0.21 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.24 per share. This compares to FFO of $0.23 per share a year ago.

While it's always nice to have passive income no matter the frequency, there's just something satisfying about monthly dividend stocks. In large part, we've become trained to think in monthly cycles.

Since my first article back in July this year, Whitestone REIT has outperformed the broader REIT market by 20% on a total return basis. The company's leasing spreads and like-for-like NOI have consistently grown, indicating strong demand for its properties. The Company has also improved its leverage profile further mitigating the potential refinancing risks in 2026.

VICI Properties CEO is considering implementing monthly dividends. Realty Income, Agree Realty, STAG Industrial, and LTC Properties are highlighted as monthly dividend-paying REITs. Whitestone REIT's dividend history is less strong compared to other monthly payers, but its current dividend is considered secure.