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Whitestone REIT Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results

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Whitestone REIT (NYSE: WSR) reported strong Q2 2024 results, with 6.6% Same Store Net Operating Income growth and GAAP leasing spreads of 33% on new leases. Key highlights include:

- Revenues of $37.6 million, up from $36.5 million in Q2 2023
- Net Income of $2.6 million, or $0.05 per diluted share
- Core FFO of $12.6 million, or $0.24 per diluted share
- Occupancy at 93.5%
- Net Effective Annual Base Rental Revenue per leased square foot up 5.4% to $24.00

The company reiterated its 2024 Core FFO per share guidance, projecting 11% year-over-year growth at the midpoint. Whitestone's focus on high-growth Sunbelt markets and strong leasing environment contribute to its positive outlook.

Whitestone REIT (NYSE: WSR) ha riportato risultati solidi per il Q2 2024, con una crescita del 6,6% del Reddito Operativo Netto delle Stesse Negozi e margini di leasing GAAP del 33% su nuovi contratti. I punti salienti includono:

- Ricavi di $37,6 milioni, in aumento rispetto ai $36,5 milioni del Q2 2023
- Utile netto di $2,6 milioni, ovvero $0,05 per azione diluita
- FFO Core di $12,6 milioni, ovvero $0,24 per azione diluita
- Occupazione al 93,5%
- Reddito Annuale Base di Affitto Netto Efficace per piede quadrato in affitto aumentato del 5,4% a $24,00

L'azienda ha ribadito le sue previsioni per il 2024 riguardo l'FFO Core per azione, prevedendo una crescita dell'11% anno dopo anno nel punto medio. L'attenzione di Whitestone sui mercati in rapida crescita del Sunbelt e su un ambiente di leasing forte contribuiscono alla sua prospettiva positiva.

Whitestone REIT (NYSE: WSR) reportó resultados sólidos para el Q2 2024, con un crecimiento del 6,6% en Ingresos Operativos Netos de Tiendas Comparables y diferenciales de arrendamiento GAAP del 33% en nuevos arrendamientos. Los aspectos destacados incluyen:

- Ingresos de $37,6 millones, en comparación con $36,5 millones en el Q2 2023
- Ingreso Neto de $2,6 millones, o $0,05 por acción diluida
- FFO Central de $12,6 millones, o $0,24 por acción diluida
- Ocupación al 93,5%
- Ingreso Anual Base de Renta Efectivo Neto por pie cuadrado arrendado aumentó un 5,4% a $24,00

La compañía reiteró su guía de FFO Central por acción para 2024, proyectando un crecimiento del 11% interanual en el punto medio. El enfoque de Whitestone en los mercados de rápido crecimiento del Sunbelt y un fuerte entorno de arrendamiento contribuyen a su perspectiva positiva.

Whitestone REIT (NYSE: WSR)는 2024년 2분기 강력한 실적을 보고했으며, 동일 매장 순 운영 수익 6.6% 성장신규 임대 기준 GAAP 임대 차익 33%를 기록했습니다. 주요 하이라이트는 다음과 같습니다:

- 수익 $37.6백만, 2023년 2분기 $36.5백만에서 증가
- 순이익 $2.6백만, 주당 $0.05
- 핵심 FFO $12.6백만, 주당 $0.24
- 점유율 93.5%
- 임대 면적당 순 실효 연간 기본 임대 수익이 5.4% 증가하여 $24.00

회사는 2024년 주당 핵심 FFO 가이드를 재확인하며, 중간값 기준으로 연간 11% 성장할 것으로 예상하고 있습니다. Whitestone의 고성장 중남부 시장에 대한 집중과 강력한 임대 환경이 긍정적인 전망에 기여하고 있습니다.

Whitestone REIT (NYSE: WSR) a annoncé de solides résultats pour le deuxième trimestre 2024, affichant une croissance de 6,6% du Revenu Net d'Exploitation des Magasins Comparables et des marges de location GAAP de 33% sur les nouveaux baux. Les points forts incluent :

- Revenus de 37,6 millions de dollars, en hausse par rapport à 36,5 millions de dollars au deuxième trimestre 2023
- Revenu Net de 2,6 millions de dollars, soit 0,05 $ par action diluée
- FFO Core de 12,6 millions de dollars, soit 0,24 $ par action diluée
- Taux d'occupation de 93,5%
- Revenu Annuel de Location de Base Efficace Net par pied carré loué en hausse de 5,4% à 24,00 $

La société a réaffirmé ses prévisions de FFO Core par action pour 2024, projetant une croissance de 11% d'une année sur l'autre au point médian. L'accent mis par Whitestone sur les marchés à forte croissance du Sunbelt et sur un environnement de location solide contribue à sa perspective positive.

Whitestone REIT (NYSE: WSR) hat starke Ergebnisse für das 2. Quartal 2024 vorgestellt, mit einem Wachstum des Net Operating Income von 6,6% bei vergleichbaren Läden und GAAP-Leasing-Spreads von 33% bei neuen Mietverträgen. Zu den wichtigsten Highlights gehören:

- Erlöse von 37,6 Millionen US-Dollar, ein Anstieg von 36,5 Millionen US-Dollar im Q2 2023
- Nettogewinn von 2,6 Millionen US-Dollar oder 0,05 US-Dollar pro verwässerter Aktie
- Kern-FFO von 12,6 Millionen US-Dollar oder 0,24 US-Dollar pro verwässerter Aktie
- Auslastung bei 93,5%
- Nettowirksamer jährlicher Grundmietenertrag pro vermietetem Quadratfuß um 5,4% auf 24,00 US-Dollar gestiegen

Das Unternehmen bekräftigte seine Prognose für den Kern-FFO pro Aktie für 2024 und erwartet ein Wachstum von 11% im Jahresvergleich im Mittelwert. Whitestones Fokus auf hochgradig wachsende Märkte im Sunbelt und ein starkes Leasing-Umfeld tragen zur positiven Aussicht des Unternehmens bei.

Positive
  • Same Store Net Operating Income grew 6.6% to $24.1 million
  • GAAP leasing spreads of 33.3% on new leases and 13.9% on renewal leases
  • Core FFO increased to $12.6 million from $10.6 million in Q2 2023
  • Net Effective Annual Base Rental Revenue per leased square foot up 5.4% to $24.00
  • Occupancy improved to 93.5% from 93.3% in Q2 2023
  • Reiterated 2024 Core FFO per share guidance with 11% year-over-year growth at midpoint
Negative
  • Net Income decreased to $2.6 million from $11.3 million in Q2 2023
  • Total debt of $666.7 million as of June 30, 2024

Insights

Whitestone REIT's Q2 2024 results demonstrate strong performance and positive momentum in key areas. The company reported 6.6% Same Store Net Operating Income growth, significantly outpacing the 0.4% growth in Q2 2023. This substantial increase indicates improved operational efficiency and higher property profitability.

Leasing activity remains robust, with GAAP leasing spreads of 33% on new leases and 14% on renewals. These spreads, coupled with nine consecutive quarters of 17%+ leasing spreads, suggest strong demand for Whitestone's properties and the company's ability to command higher rents.

The 5% year-over-year increase in annualized base rent per square foot to $24.00 reflects the company's success in driving rental rate growth. This, combined with a healthy occupancy rate of 93.5%, indicates a well-positioned portfolio in attractive markets.

Financially, Whitestone's performance is solid. Core FFO per share increased to $0.24 from $0.21 year-over-year, representing a 14.3% growth. The company's reiteration of its 2024 Core FFO guidance, projecting 11% year-over-year growth at the midpoint, signals confidence in its operational strategy and market positioning.

However, it's worth noting the decrease in net income attributable to common shareholders from $11.3 million in Q2 2023 to $2.6 million in Q2 2024. This significant drop warrants further investigation into any one-time factors or accounting changes that might have influenced this metric.

Overall, Whitestone's Q2 results and guidance update paint a picture of a REIT with strong operational performance, benefiting from its focus on high-growth, high-income Sunbelt markets. The company's ability to drive rental growth and maintain high occupancy in the current economic environment is particularly noteworthy.

Whitestone REIT's Q2 2024 results offer valuable insights into the current state of the retail real estate market, particularly in the Sunbelt region. The company's strong performance suggests a resilient demand for well-located, open-air shopping centers in high-growth markets.

The 6.6% Same Store NOI growth is particularly impressive, significantly outpacing broader market trends. This growth indicates that Whitestone's strategy of focusing on neighborhood centers with a mix of restaurants and fitness offerings is resonating with both tenants and consumers.

The robust leasing spreads - 33.3% on new leases and 13.9% on renewals - are well above industry averages. These figures suggest that Whitestone's properties are in high demand, allowing the company to significantly increase rents upon lease turnover. The consistency of these strong spreads over nine consecutive quarters points to a sustainable trend rather than a short-term anomaly.

Occupancy levels remain healthy at 93.5%, with larger spaces (>10,000 sq ft) showing particularly strong occupancy at 97%. This high occupancy, combined with strong leasing spreads, indicates a tight market for quality retail space in Whitestone's target markets.

The increase in Net Effective Annual Base Rental Revenue per leased square foot to $24.00, up 5.4% year-over-year, further underscores the strength of Whitestone's markets and the quality of its portfolio. This growth rate outpaces inflation, suggesting real gains in property values and rental rates.

Looking ahead, Whitestone's updated guidance, including higher same-store NOI growth projections of 3.0% - 4.5%, indicates continued optimism about market conditions. This positive outlook, coupled with the company's focus on fast-growing, high-income Sunbelt markets, suggests that Whitestone is well-positioned to capitalize on favorable demographic and economic trends in these regions.

HOUSTON, July 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Whitestone REIT (NYSE: WSR) (“Whitestone” or the “Company”) today announced its operating and financial results for the second quarter of 2024. Whitestone creates neighborhood center communities in its high-quality open-air shopping centers that it acquires, owns, manages, develops, and redevelops primarily in some of the largest, fastest-growing, high-household-income markets in the Sunbelt.

“Whitestone delivered a very strong quarter driven by restaurants and fitness offerings that saw 6.6% Same Store Net Operating Income, GAAP leasing spreads of 33% on new leases and 14% on renewal leases, portfolio annualized base rent per square foot increasing 5% from a year ago and occupancy of 93.5%. With the majority of our debt maturities locked until 2027, we have clear visibility to achieve our leverage objectives. The leasing environment in our markets remains robust, extending our streak of nine consecutive quarters with leasing spreads of 17% or greater. Our curated portfolio in some of the fastest growing markets in the U.S. provides clear visibility on continued earnings growth to enhance shareholder value. We are reiterating our 2024 Core FFO per share guidance, which provides for 11% year-over-year growth at the midpoint.”

–    Dave Holeman, Chief Executive Officer

Second Quarter 2024 Operating and Financial Results
All per share amounts are on a diluted per common share and operating partnership (OP) unit basis unless stated otherwise.
Reconciliations of Net Income Attributable to Whitestone REIT to FFO, Core FFO, NOI and EBITDAre are included herein.

  • Revenues of $37.6 million versus $36.5 million for the second quarter of 2023.
  • Net Income attributable to common shareholders of $2.6 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, versus $11.3 million, or $0.22 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2023.
  • Core Funds from Operations (“FFO”) of $12.6 million versus $10.6 million for the second quarter of 2023.
  • FFO per diluted share of $0.22 versus $0.21 for the second quarter of 2023.
  • Core FFO per diluted share was $0.24 versus $0.21 for the second quarter of 2023.
  • EBITDAre of $20.2 million versus $19.2 million for the second quarter of 2023.
  • Same-Store Net Operating Income (“NOI”) grew 6.6% to $24.1 million versus $22.6 million for the second quarter of 2023. 
  • Net Effective Annual Base Rental Revenue per leased square foot was up 5.4% to $24.00, compared to the prior year quarter.

Operating Results
For the three-month periods ending June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s operating highlights were as follows:

 Second Quarter 2024Second Quarter 2023
Occupancy:  
Wholly Owned Properties – All93.5%93.3%
>10,000 Sq Ft Occupancy97.0%96.9%
≤ 10,000 Sq Ft Occupancy91.4%91.2%
Same Store Property Net Operating Income Change (1)6.6%0.4%
Rental Rate Growth - Total (GAAP Basis):17.5%18.7%
New Leases33.3%32.2%
Renewal Leases13.9%16.2%
Leasing Transactions:  
Number of New Leases3027
New Leases - Lease Term Revenue (millions)$16.1$12.0
Number of Renewal Leases4758
Renewal Leases - Lease Term Revenue (millions)$20.7$14.5


Balance Sheet and Debt Metrics

  • As of June 30, 2024, Whitestone had total debt of $666.7 million, along with capacity and availability of $115.0 million each under its $250 million revolving credit facility.
  • As of June 30, 2024, the Company has undepreciated real estate assets of $1.3 billion.

Dividend

On June 10, 2024, the Company declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.12375 per common share and OP unit for the third quarter of 2024, to be paid in three equal installments of $0.04125 in July, August, and September of 2024. 

2024 Full Year Guidance

The Company has updated its 2024 full-year guidance for net income attributable to Whitestone REIT, same store net operating income growth, general and administrative expense, the gain on sale of property to include the impact of the gain recognized on the sale of Mercado at Scottsdale Ranch, interest expense expectations partially related to timing differences of property sales and acquisitions, and the impact of proxy contest costs.  The guidance update is as follows:

  Q2 2024 Revised Guidance2024 Original Guidance
  (unaudited, amounts in thousands except per share and percentages)
Net income attributable to Whitestone REIT (1)(2) $21,368 - $24,368$16,600 - $19,600
Core FFO (3) $50,985 - $53,985$50,985 - $53,985
    
Net income attributable to Whitestone REIT per share $0.41 - $0.47$0.32 - $0.38
Core FFO per diluted share and OP Unit (3) $0.98 - $1.04$0.98 - $1.04
    
Key Drivers:   
Same store net operating income growth (4) 3.0% - 4.5%2.5% - 4.0%
Bad debt as a percentage of revenue 0.60% - 1.10%0.60% - 1.10%
General and administrative expense (1) $22,057 - $23,557$19,700 - $21,200
Interest expense $33,400 - $34,900$32,600 - $34,100
Ending occupancy 93.8% - 94.8%93.8% - 94.8%
Gain on sale of property (2) $6,525$0
Net Debt to EBITDAre Ratio (5) 7.0X - 6.6X7.0X - 6.6X


(1) 2024 revised guidance includes estimated proxy contest costs of $1,757.
(2)2024 revised guidance includes a gain on sale of property that occurred during the first quarter.
(3)For the reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measure to the comparable GAAP financial measure, see the “Core FFO per diluted share and OP unit” reconciliation table. Core Funds from Operations (“Core FFO”) is a non-GAAP measure.
(4)Excludes straight-line rent, amortization of above/below market rates and lease termination fees.
(5)Fourth quarter annualized EBITDAre. For EBITDAre and Debt/EBITDAre, non-GAAP financial measures, please see the respective reconciliation tables.
  

Portfolio Statistics

As of June 30, 2024, Whitestone wholly owned 57 Community-Centered Properties™ with 5.1 million square feet of gross leasable area (“GLA”). Six of the 57 Community-Centered Properties™ are land parcels held for future development. The portfolio is comprised of 31 properties in Texas and 26 in Arizona. Whitestone’s Community-Centered Properties™ are located in the MSA's of Austin (6), Dallas-Fort Worth (9), Houston (13), Phoenix (26), and San Antonio (3). The Company’s properties in these markets are generally in high-traffic locations, surrounded by high-household-income communities. The Company also owned an 81.4% equity interest in eight properties containing 0.9 million square feet of GLA through its investment in Pillarstone OP. On January 25, 2024, the Company exercised its notice of redemption for substantially all of its investment in Pillarstone OP. As of June 30, 2024, our ownership in Pillarstone OP no longer represents a majority interest.

At the end of the second quarter, the Company’s diversified tenant base was comprised of 1,465 tenants, with the largest tenant accounting for only 2.1% of annualized base rental revenues. No single tenant exceeded 2.1% of total revenue. Lease terms range from less than one year for smaller tenants to more than 15 years for larger tenants. Whitestone’s leases generally include minimum monthly lease payments and tenant reimbursements for payment of taxes, insurance and maintenance, and typically exclude restrictive lease clauses.

Conference Call Information

In conjunction with the issuance of its financial results, the Company invites you to listen to its earnings release conference call to be broadcast live on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 8:30 A.M Eastern Time / 7:30 A.M. Central Time. The call will be led by Dave Holeman, Chief Executive Officer. Conference call access information is as follows:

To listen to a webcast of the conference call, click on the Investor Relations tab of the Company’s website, www.whitestonereit.com, and then click on the webcast link. A replay of the call will be available on Whitestone’s website via the webcast link until the Company’s next earnings release. Additional information about Whitestone can be found on the Company’s website.

Dial-in number for domestic participants:  1-877-407-0784
Dial-in number for international participants: 1-201-689-8560
  

The conference call will be recorded, and a telephone replay will be available through Thursday, August 15, 2024. Replay access information is as follows:

Replay number for domestic participants:1-844-512-2921
Replay number for international participants:1-412-317-6671
Passcode (for all participants):13742563
  

Supplemental Financial Information

The second quarter earnings release and supplemental data package will be located in the “News and Events” and “Financial Reporting” tabs of the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.whitestonereit.com. The earnings release and supplemental data package will also be available by mail upon request. To receive a copy, please call Investor Relations at (713) 435-2219.

About Whitestone REIT

Whitestone REIT (NYSE: WSR) is a community-centered real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, owns, operates, and develops open-air, retail centers located in some of the fastest growing markets in the country: Phoenix, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.

Our centers are convenience focused: merchandised with a mix of service-oriented tenants providing food (restaurants and grocers), self-care (health and fitness), services (financial and logistics), education and entertainment to the surrounding communities. The Company believes its strong community connections and deep tenant relationships are key to the success of its current centers and its acquisition strategy. For additional information, please visit www.whitestonereit.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations, statements related to our expectations regarding the performance of our business, and other matters. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but are the intent, belief or current expectations of our management based on its knowledge and understanding of our business and industry. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “predicts,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” or the negative of such terms and variations of these words and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. 

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements made in this Report include: the imposition of federal income taxes if we fail to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) in any taxable year or forego an opportunity to ensure REIT status; uncertainties related to the national economy and the real estate industry, both in general and in our specific markets; legislative or regulatory changes, including changes to laws governing REITs; adverse economic or real estate developments or conditions in Texas or Arizona, Houston and Phoenix in particular, including the potential impact of public health emergencies, such as COVID-19, on our tenants’ ability to pay their rent, which could result in bad debt allowances or straight-line rent reserve adjustments; increases in interest rates, including as a result of inflation, which may increase our operating costs or general and administrative expenses; our current geographic concentration in the Houston and Phoenix metropolitan area makes us susceptible to local economic downturns; natural disasters, such as floods and hurricanes, which may increase as a result of climate change may adversely affect our returns and adversely impact our existing and prospective tenants; increasing focus by stakeholders on environmental, social, and governance matters; financial institution disruptions; availability and terms of capital and financing, both to fund our operations and to refinance our indebtedness as it matures; decreases in rental rates or increases in vacancy rates; harm to our reputation, ability to do business and results of operations as a result of improper conduct by our employees, agents or business partners; litigation risks; lease-up risks, including leasing risks arising from exclusivity and consent provisions in leases with significant tenants; our inability to renew tenant leases or obtain new tenant leases upon the expiration of existing leases; risks related to generative artificial intelligence tools and language models, along with the potential interpretations and conclusions they might make regarding our business and prospects, particularly concerning the spread of misinformation; our inability to generate sufficient cash flows due to market conditions, competition, uninsured losses, changes in tax or other applicable laws; geopolitical conflicts, such as the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict in the Gaza Strip and unrest in the Middle East; the need to fund tenant improvements or other capital expenditures out of operating cash flow; and the risk that we are unable to raise capital for working capital, acquisitions or other uses on attractive terms or at all the ultimate amount we will collect in connection with the redemption of our equity investment in Pillarstone Capital REIT Operating Partnership LP (“Pillarstone” or “Pillarstone OP.”); and other factors detailed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This release contains supplemental financial measures that are not calculated pursuant to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) including EBITDAre, FFO, Core FFO, NOI and net debt. Following are explanations and reconciliations of these metrics to their most comparable GAAP metric.

EBITDAre: The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) defines EBITDAre as net income computed in accordance with GAAP, plus interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization and impairment write-downs of depreciable property and of investments in unconsolidated affiliates caused by a decrease in value of depreciable property in the affiliate, plus or minus losses and gains on the disposition of depreciable property, including losses/gains on change in control and adjustments to reflect the entity’s share of EBITDAre of the unconsolidated affiliates and consolidated affiliates with non-controlling interests. We calculate EBITDAre in a manner consistent with the NAREIT definition. Management believes that EBITDAre represents a supplemental non-GAAP performance measure that provides investors with a relevant basis for comparing REITs. There can be no assurance the EBITDAre as presented by the Company is comparable to similarly titled measures of other REITs. EBITDAre should not be considered as an alternative to net income or other measurements under GAAP as indicators of operating performance or to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as measures of liquidity. EBITDAre does not reflect working capital changes, cash expenditures for capital improvements or principal payments on indebtedness.

FFO: Funds From Operations: NAREIT defines FFO as net income (loss) (calculated in accordance with GAAP), excluding depreciation and amortization related to real estate, gains or losses from the sale of certain real estate assets, gains and losses from change in control, and impairment write-downs of certain real estate assets and investments in entities when the impairment is directly attributable to decreases in the value of depreciable real estate held by the entity. We calculate FFO in a manner consistent with the NAREIT definition and also include adjustments for our unconsolidated real estate partnership.

Core Funds from Operations (“Core FFO”) is a non-GAAP measure. From time to time, we report or provide guidance with respect to “Core FFO” which removes the impact of certain non-recurring and non-operating transactions or other items we do not consider to be representative of our core operating results including, without limitation, default interest on debt of real estate partnership, extinguishment of debt cost, gains or losses associated with litigation involving the Company that is not in the normal course of business, and proxy contest costs.

Management uses FFO and Core FFO as a supplemental measure to conduct and evaluate our business because there are certain limitations associated with using GAAP net income alone as the primary measure of our operating performance. Historical cost accounting for real estate assets in accordance with GAAP implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time.  Because real estate values instead have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, management believes that the presentation of operating results for real estate companies that use historical cost accounting is insufficient by itself.  In addition, securities analysts, investors and other interested parties use FFO as the primary metric for comparing the relative performance of equity REITs. FFO and Core FFO should not be considered as alternatives to net income or other measurements under GAAP, as an indicator of our operating performance or to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as a measure of liquidity.  FFO and Core FFO do not reflect working capital changes, cash expenditures for capital improvements or principal payments on indebtedness. Although our calculation of FFO is consistent with that of NAREIT, there can be no assurance that FFO and Core FFO presented by us is comparable to similarly titled measures of other REITs.

NOI: Net Operating Income: Management believes that NOI is a useful measure of our property operating performance. We define NOI as operating revenues (rental and other revenues) less property and related expenses (property operation and maintenance and real estate taxes). Other REITs may use different methodologies for calculating NOI and, accordingly, our NOI may not be comparable to other REITs. Because NOI excludes general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, deficit in earnings of real estate partnership, interest expense, interest, dividend and other investment income, provision for income taxes, gain on sale of properties, loss on disposal of assets, and includes NOI of real estate partnership (pro rata) and net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, it provides a performance measure that, when compared year-over-year, reflects the revenues and expenses directly associated with owning and operating commercial real estate properties and the impact to operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and operating costs, providing perspective not immediately apparent from net income. We use NOI to evaluate our operating performance since NOI allows us to evaluate the impact that factors such as occupancy levels, lease structure, lease rates and tenant base have on our results, margins and returns. In addition, management believes that NOI provides useful information to the investment community about our property and operating performance when compared to other REITs since NOI is generally recognized as a standard measure of property performance in the real estate industry. However, NOI should not be viewed as a measure of our overall financial performance since it does not reflect the level of capital expenditure and leasing costs necessary to maintain the operating performance of our properties, including general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, equity or deficit in earnings of real estate partnership, interest expense, interest, dividend and other investment income, provision for income taxes, gain on sale of properties, and gain or loss on sale or disposition of assets.

Same Store NOI: Management believes that Same Store NOI is a useful measure of the Company’s property operating performance because it includes only the properties that have been owned for the entire period being compared, and that it is frequently used by the investment community. Same Store NOI assists in eliminating differences in NOI due to the acquisition or disposition of properties during the period being presented, providing a more consistent measure of the Company’s performance. The Company defines Same Store NOI as operating revenues (rental and other revenues, excluding straight-line rent adjustments, amortization of above/below market rents, and lease termination fees) less property and related expenses (property operation and maintenance and real estate taxes), Non-Same Store NOI, and NOI of our investment in Pillarstone OP (pro rata). We define “Non-Same Stores” as properties that have been acquired since the beginning of the period being compared and properties that have been sold, but not classified as discontinued operations. Other REITs may use different methodologies for calculating Same Store NOI, and accordingly, the Company's Same Store NOI may not be comparable to that of other REITs.

Net debt: We present net debt, which we define as total debt net of insurance financing less cash plus our proportional share of net debt of real estate partnership, and net debt to pro forma EBITDAre, which we define as net debt divided by EBITDAre because we believe they are helpful as supplemental measures in assessing our ability to service our financing obligations and in evaluating balance sheet leverage against that of other REITs. However, net debt and net debt to pro forma EBITDAre should not be viewed as a stand-alone measure of our overall liquidity and leverage. In addition, our REITs may use different methodologies for calculating net debt and net debt to pro forma EBITDAre, and accordingly our net debt and net debt to pro forma EBITDAre may not be comparable to that of other REITs.

Investor and Media Relations:
David Mordy
Director, Investor Relations
Whitestone REIT
(713) 435-2219
ir@whitestonereit.com 


Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)


  June 30, 2024  December 31, 2023 
         
ASSETS 
Real estate assets, at cost        
Property $1,258,799  $1,221,466 
Accumulated depreciation  (240,535)  (229,767)
Total real estate assets  1,018,264   991,699 
Investment in real estate partnership     31,671 
Cash and cash equivalents  3,231   4,572 
Restricted cash     68 
Escrows and deposits  17,679   24,148 
Accrued rents and accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts (1)  30,919   30,592 
Receivable from partnership redemption  31,643    
Receivable due from related party  1,532   1,513 
Unamortized lease commissions, legal fees and loan costs  14,566   13,783 
Prepaid expenses and other assets(2)  12,065   4,765 
Finance lease right-of-use assets  10,471   10,428 
Total assets $1,140,370  $1,113,239 
         
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 
Liabilities:        
Notes payable $665,667  $640,172 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(3)  33,223   36,513 
Payable due to related party  1,577   1,577 
Tenants' security deposits  9,038   8,614 
Dividends and distributions payable  6,228   6,025 
Finance lease liabilities  797   721 
Total liabilities  716,530   693,622 
Commitments and contingencies:      
Equity:        
Preferred shares, $0.001 par value per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023      
Common shares, $0.001 par value per share; 400,000,000 shares authorized; 50,064,267 and 49,610,831 issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively  50   50 
Additional paid-in capital  627,459   628,079 
Accumulated deficit  (217,401)  (216,963)
Accumulated other comprehensive income  8,152   2,576 
Total Whitestone REIT shareholders' equity  418,260   413,742 
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary  5,580   5,875 
Total equity  423,840   419,617 
Total liabilities and equity $1,140,370  $1,113,239 
         


Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)


  June 30, 2024  December 31, 2023 
(1) Accrued rents and accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts        
Tenant receivables $17,758  $16,287 
Accrued rents and other recoveries  26,343   26,751 
Allowance for doubtful accounts  (14,044)  (13,570)
Other receivables  862   1,124 
Total accrued rents and accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts $30,919  $30,592 
         
(2) Operating lease right of use assets (net) $75  $109 
(3) Operating lease liabilities $75  $112 
         


Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)


  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2024  2023  2024  2023 
Revenues                
Rental(1) $37,480  $36,241  $74,221  $71,738 
Management, transaction, and other fees  167   219   590   573 
Total revenues  37,647   36,460   74,811   72,311 
                 
Operating expenses                
Depreciation and amortization  8,521   8,360   17,321   16,206 
Operating and maintenance  7,015   6,899   13,364   12,985 
Real estate taxes  3,912   4,767   8,150   9,475 
General and administrative  6,552   5,175   12,732   10,259 
Total operating expenses  26,000   25,201   51,567   48,925 
                 
Other expenses (income)                
Interest expense  8,788   8,260   17,307   16,163 
(Gain) loss on sale of properties  75   (9,621)  (6,450)  (9,621)
Loss on disposal of assets, net  72   14   72   20 
Interest, dividend and other investment income  (4)  (18)  (12)  (38)
Total other expenses (income)  8,931   (1,365)  10,917   6,524 
                 
Income before equity investment in real estate partnership and income tax  2,716   12,624   12,327   16,862 
                 
Deficit in earnings of real estate partnership     (1,034)  (28)  (1,252)
Provision for income tax  (90)  (125)  (209)  (244)
Net Income  2,626   11,465   12,090   15,366 
                 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  34   159   158   213 
                 
Net income attributable to Whitestone REIT $2,592  $11,306  $11,932  $15,153 
                 


Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)


  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2024  2023  2024  2023 
Basic Earnings Per Share:                
Net income attributable to common shareholders, excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares $0.05  $0.23  $0.24  $0.31 
Diluted Earnings Per Share:                
Net income attributable to common shareholders, excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares $0.05  $0.22  $0.23  $0.30 
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                
Basic  49,960   49,426   49,951   49,425 
Diluted  51,120   50,259   51,116   50,262 
                 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income                
                 
Net income $2,626  $11,465  $12,090  $15,366 
                 
Other comprehensive income                
                 
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedging activities  643   7,095   5,650   2,508 
                 
Comprehensive income  3,269   18,560   17,740   17,874 
                 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  34   159   158   213 
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests  8   99   74   35 
                 
Comprehensive income attributable to Whitestone REIT $3,227  $18,302  $17,508  $17,626 
                 


Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)


  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2024  2023  2024  2023 
(1) Rental                
Rental revenues $27,372  $26,519  $54,236  $52,259 
Recoveries  10,194   9,955   20,671   20,036 
Bad debt  (86)  (233)  (686)  (557)
Total rental $37,480  $36,241  $74,221  $71,738 
                 


Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)


  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2024 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income $12,090  $15,366 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization  17,321   16,206 
Amortization of deferred loan costs  534   550 
Gain on sale of properties  (6,450)  (9,621)
Loss on disposal of assets  72   20 
Bad debt  686   557 
Share-based compensation  1,624   1,480 
Deficit in earnings of real estate partnership  28   1,252 
Amortization of right-of-use assets - finance leases  43   51 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Escrows and deposits  6,469   3,982 
Accrued rents and accounts receivable  (1,013  (2,014
Receivable due from related party  (19  (59
Unamortized lease commissions, legal fees and loan costs  (1,768  (1,894
Prepaid expenses and other assets  999   1,430 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  (7,258  (5,586
Payable due to related party     16 
Tenants' security deposits  424   (25
Net cash provided by operating activities  23,782   21,711 
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Acquisitions of real estate  (50,136)  (25,455)
Additions to real estate  (8,548  (8,771
Proceeds from sales of properties  25,661   13,447 
Reverse 1031 exchange     (13,447
Net cash used in investing activities  (33,023  (34,226
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Distributions paid to common shareholders  (12,131  (11,826
Distributions paid to OP unit holders  (160  (166
Net (payments) proceeds from credit facility  (11,000  48,000 
Repayments of notes payable  (21,777  (26,504
Proceeds from notes payable  56,340    
Payment of loan origination costs  (789   
Repurchase of common shares  (2,641)  (289)
Payment of finance lease liability  (10  (6
Net cash provided by financing activities  7,832   9,209 
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  (1,409)  (3,306
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period  4,640   6,355 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period (1) $3,231  $3,049 
         


(1) For a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, see supplemental disclosures below.
  


Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Supplemental Disclosures
(in thousands)


  Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2024  2023 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:        
Cash paid for interest $17,013  $15,219 
Cash paid for taxes $432  $435 
Non cash investing and financing activities:        
Disposal of fully depreciated real estate $45  $864 
Financed insurance premiums $2,638  $3,002 
Value of shares issued under dividend reinvestment plan $42  $36 
Value of common shares exchanged for OP units $354  $11 
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge $5,650  $2,508 
Accrued capital expenditures $1,629  $ 
Receivable from partnership redemption $31,643  $ 
Recognition of finance lease liability $86  $ 
         


  June 30, 
  2024  2023 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash        
Cash and cash equivalents $3,231  $2,927 
Restricted cash     122 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $3,231  $3,049 
         


Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
(in thousands, except per share and per unit data)


  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2024  2023  2024  2023 
FFO (NAREIT) AND CORE FFO                
Net income attributable to Whitestone REIT $2,592  $11,306  $11,932  $15,153 
Adjustments to reconcile to FFO:(1)                
Depreciation and amortization of real estate assets  8,497   8,318   17,265   16,123 
Depreciation and amortization of real estate assets of real estate partnership (pro rata) (2)     403   111   806 
Loss on disposal of assets  72   14   72   20 
(Gain) loss on sale of properties  75   (9,621)  (6,450)  (9,621)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  34   159   158   213 
FFO (NAREIT) $11,270  $10,579  $23,088  $22,694 
Adjustments to reconcile to Core FFO:                
Proxy contest costs  1,319      1,757    
Core FFO $12,589  $10,579  $24,845  $22,694 
                 
FFO PER SHARE AND OP UNIT CALCULATION                
Numerator:                
FFO $11,270  $10,579  $23,088  $22,694 
Core FFO $12,589  $10,579  $24,845  $22,694 
Denominator:                
Weighted average number of total common shares - basic  49,960   49,426   49,951   49,425 
Weighted average number of total noncontrolling OP units - basic  649   694   656   694 
Weighted average number of total common shares and noncontrolling OP units - basic  50,609   50,120   50,607   50,119 
                 
Effect of dilutive securities:                
Unvested restricted shares  1,160   833   1,165   837 
Weighted average number of total common shares and noncontrolling OP units - diluted  51,769   50,953   51,772   50,956 
                 
FFO per common share and OP unit - basic $0.22  $0.21  $0.46  $0.45 
FFO per common share and OP unit - diluted $0.22  $0.21  $0.45  $0.45 
                 
Core FFO per common share and OP unit - basic $0.25  $0.21  $0.49  $0.45 
Core FFO per common share and OP unit - diluted $0.24  $0.21  $0.48  $0.45 
                 


(1)Includes pro-rata share attributable to real estate partnership for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and through January 25, 2024, the redemption date.
(2)We rely on reporting provided to us by our third party partners for financial information regarding the Company's investment in Pillarstone OP. Because Pillarstone OP financial statements as of June 30, 2024 and 2023 have not been made available to us, we have estimated depreciation and amortization of real estate assets based on the information available to us at the time of this Report.
  


Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
(continued)
(in thousands)


  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2024  2023  2024  2023 
PROPERTY NET OPERATING INCOME                
Net income attributable to Whitestone REIT $2,592  $11,306  $11,932  $15,153 
General and administrative expenses  6,552   5,175   12,732   10,259 
Depreciation and amortization  8,521   8,360   17,321   16,206 
Deficit in earnings of real estate partnership (1)     1,034   28   1,252 
Interest expense  8,788   8,260   17,307   16,163 
Interest, dividend and other investment income  (4)  (18)  (12)  (38)
Provision for income taxes  90   125   209   244 
(Gain) loss on sale of properties  75   (9,621)  (6,450)  (9,621)
Management fee, net of related expenses           16 
Loss on disposal of assets, net  72   14   72   20 
NOI of real estate partnership (pro rata)(1)     668   183   1,216 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  34   159   158   213 
NOI $26,720  $25,462  $53,480  $51,083 
Non-Same Store NOI (2)  (1,581)  (830)  (2,744)  (1,819)
NOI of real estate partnership (pro rata) (1)     (668)  (183)  (1,216)
NOI less Non-Same Store NOI and NOI of real estate partnership (pro rata)  25,139   23,964   50,553   48,048 
Same Store straight-line rent adjustments  (821)  (1,038)  (1,903)  (1,558)
Same Store amortization of above/below market rents  (190)  (203)  (399)  (413)
Same Store lease termination fees  (1)  (87)  (269)  (301)
Same Store NOI (3) $24,127  $22,636  $47,982  $45,776 
                 


(1)We rely on reporting provided to us by our third party partners for financial information regarding the Company's investment in Pillarstone OP. Because Pillarstone OP financial statements for the three and six months ended  June 30, 2024 and 2023 have not been made available to us, we have estimated deficit in earnings and pro rata share of NOI of real estate partnership based on the information available to us at the time of this Report. As of June 30, 2024, our ownership in Pillarstone OP no longer represents a majority interest. On January 25, 2024, we exercised our notice of redemption for substantially all of our investment in Pillarstone OP.
(2)We define “Non-Same Store” as properties that have been acquired since the beginning of the period being compared and properties that have been sold, but not classified as discontinued operations. For purpose of comparing the three months ended June 30, 2024 to the three months ended June 30, 2023, Non-Same Store includes properties owned before April 1, 2023, and not sold before June 30, 2024, but not included in discontinued operations. For purposes of comparing the six months ended June 30, 2024 to the six months ended June 30, 2023, Non-Same Store includes properties acquired between January 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024 and properties sold between January 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024, but not included in discontinued operations.
(3)We define “Same Store” as properties that have been owned during the entire period being compared. For purpose of comparing the three months ended June 30, 2024 to the three months ended June 30, 2023, Same Store includes properties owned before April 1, 2023 and not sold before June 30, 2024. For purposes of comparing the six months ended June 30, 2024 to the six months ended June 30, 2023, Same Store includes properties owned before January 1, 2023 and not sold before June 30, 2024. Straight line rent adjustments, above/below market rents, and lease termination fees are excluded.
  


Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
(continued)
(in thousands)


  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2024  2023  2024  2023 
EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAX, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION FOR REAL ESTATE (EBITDAre)         
                 
Net income attributable to Whitestone REIT $2,592  $11,306  $11,932  $15,153 
Depreciation and amortization  8,521   8,360   17,321   16,206 
Interest expense  8,788   8,260   17,307   16,163 
Provision for income taxes  90   125   209   244 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  34   159   158   213 
Deficit in earnings of real estate partnership (1)     1,034   28   1,252 
EBITDAre adjustments for real estate partnership (1)     (435)  136   (54)
(Gain) loss on sale of properties  75   (9,621)  (6,450)  (9,621)
Loss on disposal of assets  72   14   72   20 
EBITDAre $20,172  $19,202  $40,713  $39,576 
                 


(1)We rely on reporting provided to us by our third party partners for financial information regarding the Company's investment in Pillarstone OP. Because Pillarstone OP financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 have not been made available to us, we have estimated deficit in earnings and EBITDAre adjustments for real estate partnership based on the information available to us at the time of this Report. As of June 30, 2024, our ownership in Pillarstone OP no longer represents a majority interest. On January 25, 2024, we exercised our notice of redemption for substantially all of our investment in Pillarstone OP.
  


Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
Initial & Revised Full Year Guidance for 2024
(in thousands, except per share and per unit data)


  Revised Range Full Year 2024 (1) Projected Range Full Year 2024 
  Low High Low  High 
FFO and Core FFO per diluted share and OP unit             
              
Net income attributable to Whitestone REIT $21,368  $24,368  $16,600 $19,600 
Adjustments to reconcile to FFO             
Depreciation and amortization of real estate assets  34,252   34,252   34,252  34,252 
Depreciation and amortization of real estate assets of real estate partnership (pro rata)  133   133   133  133 
Gain on sale of properties  (6,525)  (6,525)     
FFO $49,228  $52,228  $50,985 $53,985 
Adjustments to reconcile to Core FFO             
Proxy contest costs  1,757   1,757      
Core FFO $50,985  $53,985  $50,985 $53,985 
Denominator:             
Diluted shares  51,262   51,262   51,262  51,262 
OP Units  695   695   695  695 
Diluted share and OP Units  51,957   51,957   51,957  51,957 
              
Net income attributable to Whitestone REIT per diluted share $0.41  $0.47  $0.32 $0.38 
              
FFO per diluted share and OP Unit $0.95  $1.01  $0.98 $1.04 
              
Core FFO per diluted share and OP Unit $0.98  $1.04  $0.98 $1.04 
                


(1)Includes a $6,525 gain on the sale of property and $1,757 in proxy contest costs.
  


Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
Initial Full Year Guidance for 2024
(in thousands)


  Projected Range Fourth Quarter 2024 
  Low  High 
EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAX, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION FOR REAL ESTATE (EBITDAre) 
         
Net income attributable to Whitestone REIT $6,161  $5,311 
Depreciation and amortization  8,746   8,746 
Interest expense  8,013   8,013 
Provision for income taxes  134   134 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  89   89 
EBITDAre $23,143  $22,293 
Annualized EBITDAre $92,572  $89,172 
         
Outstanding debt, net of insurance financing  616,290   624,290 
Less: Cash  (3,000)  (3,000)
Add: Proportional share on net debt of unconsolidated real estate partnership      
Total net debt $613,290  $621,290 
         
Ratio of Net Debt to EBITDAre  6.6   7.0 

FAQ

What was Whitestone REIT's (WSR) Same Store Net Operating Income growth in Q2 2024?

Whitestone REIT reported a 6.6% growth in Same Store Net Operating Income for Q2 2024, reaching $24.1 million compared to $22.6 million in Q2 2023.

How much did Whitestone REIT's (WSR) Core FFO per diluted share increase in Q2 2024?

Whitestone REIT's Core FFO per diluted share increased to $0.24 in Q2 2024, up from $0.21 in Q2 2023.

What was Whitestone REIT's (WSR) occupancy rate as of Q2 2024?

Whitestone REIT's occupancy rate for wholly owned properties was 93.5% as of Q2 2024, a slight improvement from 93.3% in Q2 2023.

What is Whitestone REIT's (WSR) guidance for Core FFO per share growth in 2024?

Whitestone REIT reiterated its 2024 Core FFO per share guidance, which projects 11% year-over-year growth at the midpoint.

Whitestone REIT

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REIT - Retail
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