Whitestone REIT (NYSE:WSR) Sees Large Volume Increase – Here’s What Happened

Whitestone REIT (NYSE:WSR) saw unusually-high trading volume on Monday . Approximately 2,177,973 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 469% from the previous session’s volume of 382,859 shares.The stock last traded at $18.9250 and had previously closed at $18.95.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH lowered shares of Whitestone REIT from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Thursday, April 9th. Alliance Global Partners cut Whitestone REIT from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Thursday, April 9th. Cantor Fitzgerald lowered Whitestone REIT from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Friday, April 10th. Citizens Jmp downgraded Whitestone REIT from a “market outperform” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Friday, April 10th. Finally, Citigroup lowered Whitestone REIT from a “market outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating in a research report on Friday, April 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $17.80.

Whitestone REIT Price Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $972.12 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.70 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a current ratio of 1.34, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39. The company’s 50 day moving average is $18.98 and its 200 day moving average is $16.26.

Whitestone REIT Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 29th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, June 17th will be given a dividend of $0.1425 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 17th. This represents a $0.57 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.0%. Whitestone REIT’s payout ratio is 59.37%.

Whitestone REIT Company Profile

Whitestone REIT is a real estate investment trust headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, that specializes in the acquisition, development and management of retail and mixed-use properties. The company’s portfolio is concentrated in high-growth Texas markets, including the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, Houston, Austin and San Antonio, where it primarily owns open-air neighborhood and community shopping centers. Whitestone REIT focuses on convenience- and necessity-based retail, partnering with grocers, fitness operators, service providers and other essential tenants to drive consistent foot traffic and stable occupancy.

In addition to property ownership, Whitestone REIT provides asset and property management services, leasing expertise and development capabilities.