Mar 31, 2024

Whitestone Q1 2024 Earnings Report

Reported strong first quarter results driven by solid leasing spreads and portfolio growth.

Key Takeaways

Whitestone REIT reported a strong first quarter in 2024, marked by GAAP leasing spreads of 26% on new leases and 15% on renewal leases. The portfolio's annualized base rent per square foot increased by 7% year-over-year to $23.83, with an occupancy rate of 93.6%. The company reiterated its full-year Core FFO per share guidance, projecting an 11% year-over-year growth at the midpoint.

GAAP leasing spreads were 26% for new leases and 15% for renewal leases.

Portfolio annualized base rent per square foot increased 7% year-over-year to $23.83.

Occupancy rate stood at 93.6%.

Reiterated full-year Core FFO per share guidance, projecting 11% year-over-year growth at the midpoint.

Total Revenue
$37.8M
Previous year: $35.9M
+5.3%
EPS
$0.23
Previous year: $0.24
-4.2%
Same Store NOI Growth
23,900,000%
Previous year: 2.8%
+853571328.6%
Rental Rate Growth - Total
0.26%
Gross Profit
$20.6M
Previous year: $25.4M
-18.9%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.44M
Previous year: $989K
+45.6%
Free Cash Flow
$4.65M
Total Assets
$1.3B
Previous year: $1.35B
-3.6%

Whitestone

Whitestone

Forward Guidance

The Company has updated its 2024 full-year guidance for net income attributable to Whitestone REIT, general and administrative expense and gain on sale of property to include the impact of the gain recognized on the sale of Mercado at Scottsdale Ranch and the impact expected proxy contest costs.

Positive Outlook

  • Net income attributable to Whitestone REIT is projected between $16,600,000 and $19,600,000.
  • Core FFO is expected to be between $50,985,000 and $53,985,000.
  • Same store net operating income growth is projected between 2.5% and 4.0%.
  • Ending occupancy is expected to be between 93.8% and 94.8%.
  • Net Debt to EBITDAre Ratio between 7.0X and 6.6X.

Challenges Ahead

  • Includes estimated proxy contest costs of $1,565,000.
  • Includes a gain on sale of property that occurred during the first quarter.
  • Bad debt as a percentage of revenue is expected to be between 0.60% and 1.10%.
  • General and administrative expense is projected between $19,700,000 and $21,200,000.
  • Interest expense is projected between $32,600,000 and $34,100,000.