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Whitestone REIT(WSR) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Financial Condition and Cash Flow - As of December 31, 2024, the company had approximately 136.3millionofmortgagedebtsecuredbyfourproperties,whichmayaffectcashdistributionstoshareholdersifcashflowisinsufficient[102].Thecompanymayneedtodefernecessarypropertyimprovementsduetoinsufficientworkingcapital,potentiallyimpactingpropertyqualityandoperationalresults[103].ThecompanyscashavailablefordistributionisprimarilyderivedfromitsshareofcashdistributionsmadebyitsOperatingPartnership[107].Thereisnoassurancethatthecompanywillbeabletomaintainorincreasecashdistributionstoshareholders,asthesedependonvariousfinancialfactors[149].Thecompanyhasnoassurancethatitwillbeabletocontinuepayingdistributionsorthatrentsfrompropertieswillincrease,whichcouldaffectcashavailablefordistributionstoshareholders[150].Anydeficienciesinthecompanysinternalcontrolscouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonitsfinancialconditionandabilitytomakedistributions[151].REITComplianceandTaxationTomaintainREITqualification,thecompanymustdistributeatleast90136.3 million of mortgage debt secured by four properties, which may affect cash distributions to shareholders if cash flow is insufficient [102]. - The company may need to defer necessary property improvements due to insufficient working capital, potentially impacting property quality and operational results [103]. - The company’s cash available for distribution is primarily derived from its share of cash distributions made by its Operating Partnership [107]. - There is no assurance that the company will be able to maintain or increase cash distributions to shareholders, as these depend on various financial factors [149]. - The company has no assurance that it will be able to continue paying distributions or that rents from properties will increase, which could affect cash available for distributions to shareholders [150]. - Any deficiencies in the company's internal controls could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and ability to make distributions [151]. REIT Compliance and Taxation - To maintain REIT qualification, the company must distribute at least 90% of its annual taxable income, with a potential 4% excise tax on insufficient distributions [106]. - The company must ensure that at least 75% of its assets consist of cash, government securities, and qualified real estate assets to maintain REIT status [115]. - Dividends payable by the company do not qualify for reduced tax rates available for some dividends, generally taxed at a maximum rate of 37% [116]. - Changes in U.S. federal income tax laws could adversely impact the company's business and financial results [119]. Market and Economic Risks - The market value of the company's common shares may fluctuate significantly due to various factors, including interest rates and dividend distribution rates [120]. - Market disruptions and adverse economic conditions could significantly impact the company's financial condition and results of operations, affecting tenant leasing practices and rental income [131]. - The principal market risk faced by the company is related to interest rate fluctuations, influenced by various economic and political factors [337]. - The company aims to limit the impact of interest rate fluctuations on earnings and cash flows through the use of fixed rate debt instruments [337]. Debt and Interest Rate Exposure - As of December 31, 2024, approximately 88% of the company's outstanding debt, totaling 557.5 million, was subject to fixed interest rates, with an average effective interest rate of 4.89% per annum [339]. - A 1% increase or decrease in interest rates would cause a 13.6milliondeclineorincreaseinthefairvalueofthecompanysfixedratedebt[339].Approximately1213.6 million decline or increase in the fair value of the company's fixed rate debt [339]. - Approximately 12% of the company's outstanding debt, amounting to 75.0 million, was subject to floating interest rates, with an impact of $0.8 million on annual net income for a 1% change in interest rates [340]. Corporate Governance and Strategy - The company's Board may change its business strategy or investment policies without shareholder approval, potentially affecting financial condition and cash flows [122]. - The Maryland General Corporation Law includes provisions that may deter acquisitions, such as the business combination statute and control share acquisition statute, which impose restrictions on shareholders owning 10% or more of voting shares [123]. - The board of trustees has adopted a resolution exempting any business combination from the business combination statute, which could otherwise delay or prevent acquisition offers [125]. - The company is authorized to issue up to 400 million common shares and 50 million preferred shares, which may deter or prevent sales of common shares that could benefit shareholders [129]. - Future offerings of debt or preferred equity securities may adversely affect the market price of common shares and dilute existing shareholders' holdings [130]. Operational and Environmental Risks - The company may face challenges in acquiring properties on favorable terms due to various risks, including changes in economic conditions and competition from other investors [142]. - Climate change and natural disasters could adversely affect the company's properties and business operations, leading to increased costs and potential property damage [139]. - Shareholder activism or unsolicited offers could disrupt the company's business and financial results, potentially harming relationships with stakeholders [148].