1. Whitestone REIT announces a $50M share repurchase program. 2. Quarterly dividend of $0.1425 per share reflects a 5.6% increase. 3. CEO emphasizes focus on 5-7% Core FFO per share growth. 4. Strong community ties support their retail centers' success. 5. Forward-looking statements highlight potential risks to future performance.
FAQ
Why Bullish?
The share repurchase program and dividend increase are signs of financial health. Historically, similar initiatives have positively influenced stock performance in REITs.
How important is it?
The announcements directly relate to shareholder returns and management confidence, factors that typically excite investors.
Why Short Term?
Market reaction to dividend and repurchase news typically occurs quickly. Immediate investor confidence is likely to drive stock movement.
Whitestone REIT Increases Dividend by 5.6% and Launches $50 Million Share Repurchase Program
HOUSTON, Dec. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Whitestone REIT (NYSE: WSR) announced significant financial updates today, including a quarterly cash dividend increase and the authorization of a major share repurchase program. These actions highlight the Company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value as it continues to strengthen its business model.
Dividend Declaration and Details
Whitestone's Board of Trustees has declared a cash dividend of $0.1425 per share for the first quarter of 2026. This marks a notable 5.6% increase from the previous quarterly dividend. The new dividend illustrates Whitestone's ongoing commitment to delivering returns to its investors amid an evolving market landscape.
The key details for the upcoming dividend distribution are as follows:
- Record Date: March 16, 2026
- Payment Date: March 30, 2026
- Distribution per Share/Unit: $0.1425
Share Repurchase Program: A Strategic Move
In addition to increasing the dividend, Whitestone's Board has authorized a $50 million share repurchase program. This initiative allows the Company to buy back its common stock in various ways—including open-market purchases and accelerated repurchase programs. The timing and amount of shares repurchased will depend on factors such as market conditions and availability.
CEO Dave Holeman remarked, “We remain squarely focused on delivering our 5-7% long-term Core FFO per share growth target and matching that steady growth with dividend growth. Over the past four years, we have elevated our earnings growth trajectory, improved our leverage metrics, enhanced the value of our portfolio through effective asset recycling, and reduced variables on the runway ahead.”
About Whitestone REIT (NYSE: WSR)
Whitestone REIT is a community-oriented real estate investment trust specializing in open-air retail centers in rapidly growing markets such as Phoenix, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. The Company's properties focus on convenience, hosting a diverse array of tenants that include restaurants, grocery stores, gyms, and other service-oriented businesses.
Whitestone's strong local community connections and tenant relationships have been integral to its success and provide a solid foundation for future growth and expansion.
Forward-Looking Statements
Investors should be aware that this report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. These include discussions about financial performance, acquisitions, cash distributions, and other projections. Actual results may differ significantly due to various factors, such as changes in market conditions, economic uncertainties, and potential regulatory changes.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This announcement references several non-GAAP financial metrics such as Funds From Operations (FFO) and Core Funds From Operations. These measures are used to evaluate the Company’s performance more comprehensively than traditional GAAP metrics and provide valuable insights into its underlying operating results.