Whitestone REIT - Interim / Quarterly Report 2011

10-Q 1 wsr10-q2011x03.htm html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd" Document created using WebFilings 7914 Copyright 2008-2011 WebFilings LLC. All Rights Reserved WSR 10-Q (2011-03)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

	(Mark One)
[x]	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __ to ____

Commission file number 000-50256
WHITESTONE REIT
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Maryland	76-0594970
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2600 South Gessner, Suite 500 Houston, Texas	77063
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

(713) 827-9595

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ý Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

¨ Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨

Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) ý Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨ Yes ý No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Class	Outstanding as of May 16, 2011
Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value	3,471,157 Shares
Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value	7,510,000 Shares

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2010	3
	Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010	4
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011	5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010	6
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	7
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	16
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	27
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	27

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	28
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	28
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	28
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	28
Item 4.	[Removed and Reserved]	28
Item 5.	Other Information	28
Item 6.	Exhibits	28
	Signatures	29
	Exhibit Index	30

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

	March 31, 2011		December 31, 2010
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
Real estate assets, at cost:
Property	$ 205,966		$ 204,954
Accumulated depreciation	(41,168	)	(39,556	)
Total real estate assets	164,798		165,398
Cash and cash equivalents	18,334		17,591
Marketable securities	995		—
Escrows and acquisition deposits	1,456		4,385
Accrued rents and accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	5,195		4,726
Unamortized lease commissions and loan costs	3,476		3,598
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,140		747
Total assets	$ 195,394		$ 196,445
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities:
Notes payable	$ 103,760		$ 100,941
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	5,212		7,292
Tenants' security deposits	1,815		1,796
Dividends and distributions payable	2,133		2,133
Total liabilities	112,920		112,162
Commitments and contingencies:
Equity:
Preferred shares, $0.001 par value per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
and outstanding at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively	—		—
Class A common shares, $0.001 par value per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized;
3,471,157 and 3,471,187 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2011 and
December 31, 2010, respectively	3		3
Class B common shares, $0.001 par value per share; 350,000,000 shares authorized;
2,200,000 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010,
respectively	2		2
Additional paid-in capital	93,386		93,357
Accumulated deficit	(32,035	)	(30,654	)
Total Whitestone REIT shareholders' equity	61,356		62,708
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiary	21,118		21,575
Total equity	82,474		84,283
Total liabilities and equity	$ 195,394		$ 196,445

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended March 31, — 2011		2010
Property revenues
Rental revenues	$ 6,671		$ 6,404
Other revenues	1,415		1,305
Total property revenues	8,086		7,709
Property expenses
Property operation and maintenance	1,954		1,801
Real estate taxes	1,020		1,152
Total property expenses	2,974		2,953
Other expenses (income)
General and administrative	1,464		1,200
Depreciation and amortization	1,989		1,734
Interest expense	1,402		1,407
Interest, dividend and other investment income	(60	)	(7	)
Total other expense	4,795		4,334
Income from continuing operations before loss on disposal of assets
and income taxes	317		422
Provision for income taxes	(53	)	(54	)
Loss on sale or disposal of assets	(18	)	(33	)
Net income	246		335
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	61		118
Net income attributable to Whitestone REIT	$ 185		$ 217
Earnings per share - basic
Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable
to unvested restricted shares	$ 0.03		$ 0.06
Earnings per share - diluted
Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable
to unvested restricted shares	$ 0.03		$ 0.06
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	5,479		3,240
Diluted	5,499		3,303
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.2850		$ 0.3375

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

	Class A — Common Shares		Class B — Common Shares		Additional — Paid-In	Accumulated		Total — Shareholders'		Noncontrolling Interests			Total
	Shares	Amount	Shares	Amount	Capital	Deficit		Equity		Units	Dollars		Equity
Balance, December 31, 2010	3,471	$ 3	2,200	$ 2	$ 93,357	$ (30,654	)	$ 62,708		1,815	$ 21,575		$ 84,283
Share-based compensation	—	—	—	—	29	—		29		—	—		29
Dividends and distributions	—	—	—	—	—	(1,566	)	(1,566	)	—	(518	)	(2,084	)
Net income	—	—	—	—	—	185		185		—	61		246
Balance, March 31, 2011	3,471	$ 3	2,200	$ 2	$ 93,386	$ (32,035	)	$ 61,356		1,815	$ 21,118		$ 82,474

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

Whitestone REIT and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31, — 2011		2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 246		$ 335
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,989		1,734
Gain on sale of marketable securities	(38	)	—
Loss on sale or disposal of assets	18		33
Bad debt expense	69		29
Share-based compensation	78		71
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Escrows and acquisition deposits	3,021		2,047
Accrued rent and accounts receivable	(535	)	15
Unamortized lease commissions and loan costs	(133	)	(71	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	266		114
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(2,220	)	(2,837	)
Tenants' security deposits	19		4
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,780		1,474
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to real estate	(1,042	)	(499	)
Investments in marketable securities	(1,865	)	—
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	908		—
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,999	)	(499	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid	(1,616	)	(1,163	)
Distributions paid to OP unit holders	(515	)	(610	)
Proceeds from notes payable	2,905		—
Repayments of notes payable	(731	)	(715	)
Payments of loan origination costs	(81	)	—
Net cash used in financing activities	(38	)	(2,488	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	743		(1,513	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	17,591		6,275
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 18,334		$ 4,762
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	$ 1,404		$ 1,409
Non cash Investing and financing activities:
Disposal of fully depreciated real estate	$ 1		$ 20
Financed insurance premiums	$ 550		$ 502
Accrued offering costs	$ 138		$ —

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

WHITESTONE REIT AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2011

(Unaudited)

The use of the words “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “Whitestone” refers to Whitestone REIT and our consolidated subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires.

1. INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The consolidated financial statements included in this report are unaudited; however, amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements at that date. The unaudited financial statements as of March 31, 2011 have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information on a basis consistent with the annual audited consolidated financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q.

The consolidated financial statements presented herein reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of Whitestone and our subsidiaries as of March 31, 2011 , and the results of operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 , the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 and cash flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 . All of these adjustments are of a normal recurring nature with the exception of a retroactive restatement of share and unit counts and per share and unit amounts to reflect our 1-for-3 reverse share split in August 2010. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for a full year. The statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 .

Business . Whitestone was formed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”), pursuant to the Texas Real Estate Investment Trust Act on August 20, 1998. In July 2004, Whitestone changed its state of organization from Texas to Maryland pursuant to a merger of Whitestone directly with and into a Maryland real estate investment trust formed for the sole purpose of effectuating the reorganization and the conversion of each outstanding common share of beneficial interest of the Texas entity into 1.42857 Class A common shares of beneficial interest of the Maryland entity (the “Class A common shares”). Whitestone serves as the general partner of Whitestone REIT Operating Partnership, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), which was formed on December 31, 1998 as a Delaware limited partnership. Whitestone currently conducts substantially all of its operations and activities through the Operating Partnership. As the general partner of the Operating Partnership, Whitestone has the exclusive authority to manage and conduct the business of the Operating Partnership, subject to certain customary exceptions. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 , Whitestone owned and operated 38 commercial properties in and around Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Chicago and Phoenix.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Consolidation. We are the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and possess full legal control and authority over the operations of the Operating Partnership. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 , we owned a majority of the partnership interests in the Operating Partnership. Consequently, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Operating Partnership. All significant inter-company balances have been eliminated. Noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated financial statements represents the share of equity and earnings of the Operating Partnership allocable to holders of partnership interests other than us. Net income or loss is allocated to noncontrolling interests based on the weighted-average percentage ownership of the Operating Partnership during the year. Issuance of additional Class A or Class B common shares of beneficial interest in Whitestone (collectively the "common shares") and units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership that are convertible into cash or, at our option, Class A common shares on a one-for-one basis (the “OP Units”) changes the ownership interests of both the noncontrolling interests and Whitestone .

Basis of Accounting. Our financial records are maintained on the accrual basis of accounting whereby revenues are recognized when earned and expenses are recorded when incurred.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates that we use include the estimated fair values of properties acquired, the estimated useful lives for

Table of Contents

WHITESTONE REIT AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2011

(Unaudited)

depreciable and amortizable assets and costs, the estimated allowance for doubtful accounts and estimates supporting our impairment analysis for the carrying values of our real estate assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications. We have reclassified certain prior fiscal year amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in order to be consistent with the current fiscal year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income or equity.

Marketable Securities. We classify our existing marketable equity securities as available-for-sale in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Investments-Debt and Equity Securities guidance. These securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in shareholders' equity as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income. The fair value of the marketable securities is determined using level 1 inputs under FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, " Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ." Level 1 inputs represent quoted prices available in an active market for identical investments as of the reporting date. Gains and losses on securities sold are based on the specific identification method, and are reported as a component of Interest, dividend and other investment income. We recognized a gain on marketable securities sold of approximately $38,000 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively.

Share-Based Compensation. From time to time we award nonvested restricted common share awards or restricted common share unit awards which may be converted into common shares, to executive officers and employees under our 2008 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan (the “2008 Plan”). The vast majority of the awarded shares and units vest when certain performance conditions are met. We recognize compensation expense when achievement of the performance conditions is probable based on management's most recent estimates using the fair value of the shares as of the grant date. We recognized $0.1 million and $0.1 million in share-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively.

Noncontrolling Interests. Noncontrolling interests is the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable to a parent. The ownership interests not held by the parent are considered noncontrolling interests. Accordingly, we have reported noncontrolling interests in equity on the consolidated balance sheets but separate from Whitestone's equity. On the consolidated statements of income, subsidiaries are reported at the consolidated amount, including both the amount attributable to Whitestone and noncontrolling interests. Consolidated statements of changes in equity are included for quarterly financial statements, including beginning balances, activity for the period and ending balances for shareholders' equity, noncontrolling interests and total equity.

See Whitestone's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for further discussion on significant accounting policies.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements . There are no new unimplemented accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

3. ACCRUED RENT AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

Accrued rent and accounts receivable, net consists of amounts accrued, billed and due from tenants, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables as follows (in thousands):

Tenant receivables	March 31, 2011 — $ 1,798		December 31, 2010 — $ 1,742
Accrued rent and other recoveries	4,616		4,288
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(1,220	)	(1,304	)
Other receivables	1		—
Total	$ 5,195		$ 4,726

Table of Contents

WHITESTONE REIT AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2011

(Unaudited)

4. UNAMORTIZED LEASING COMMISSIONS AND LOAN COSTS

Costs which have been deferred consist of the following (in thousands):

Leasing commissions	March 31, 2011 — $ 5,054		December 31, 2010 — $ 4,971
Deferred financing cost	2,387		2,307
Total cost	7,441		7,278
Less: leasing commissions accumulated amortization	(2,844	)	(2,669	)
Less: deferred financing cost accumulated amortization	(1,121	)	(1,011	)
Total cost, net of accumulated amortization	$ 3,476		$ 3,598

5. DEBT

Mortgages and other notes payable consist of the following (in thousands):

Description	March 31, 2011	December 31, 2010
Fixed rate notes
$3.0 million 6.00% Note, due 2021 (1)	$ 3,000	$ —
$10.0 million 6.04% Note, due 2014	9,456	9,498
$1.5 million 6.50% Note, due 2014	1,490	1,496
$11.2 million 6.52% Note, due 2015	10,872	10,908
$21.4 million 6.53% Notes, due 2013	19,991	20,142
$24.5 million 6.56% Note, due 2013	23,924	24,030
$9.9 million 6.63% Notes, due 2014	9,431	9,498
$0.5 million 5.05% Notes, due 2011	436	13
Floating rate note
$26.9 million LIBOR + 2.86% Note, due 2013	25,160	25,356
	$ 103,760	$ 100,941

(1) The 6.00% interest rate is fixed through March 30, 2016. On March 31, 2016 the interest rate will be reset to the rate of interest for a five year balloon note with a thirty year amortization as published by the Federal Home Loan Bank.

As of March 31, 2011 , our debt was collateralized by 24 properties with a carrying value of $112.2 million . Our loans contain restrictions that would require the payment of prepayment penalties for the acceleration of outstanding debt and are secured by deeds of trust on certain of our properties and by assignment of certain rents and leases associated with those properties. As of March 31, 2011 , we are in compliance with all loan covenants.

On March 31, 2011, Whitestone REIT, operating through its subsidiary, Whitestone Featherwood LLC, a Texas limited liability company (the "Borrower"), executed a promissory note (the "Promissory Note") in the amount of $3,000,000 payable to ViewPoint Bank, a federal savings bank (the "Lender"), with an applicable interest rate of 6.0% per annum. The interest rate is fixed through March 30, 2016. On March 31, 2016 the interest rate will be reset to the rate of interest for a five year balloon note with a thirty year amortization as published by the Federal Home Loan Bank. Monthly payments of $17,987 become due

Table of Contents

WHITESTONE REIT AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2011

(Unaudited)

on May 1, 2011 and continue thereafter on the first day of each calendar month until March 1, 2016. On March 31, 2016 the payment amount will be recalculated based upon the interest rate at that time.

The Promissory Note is a non-recourse loan secured by the Borrower's Featherwood property, located in Houston, Texas, and a limited guarantee by the Company.

In conjunction with the Promissory Note, a Deed of Trust was executed by the Borrower which contains customary terms and conditions, including representations, warranties and covenants by the Borrower that include, without limitation, assignment of rents, warranty of title, insurance requirements and maintenance, use and management of the properties.

The Promissory Note contains events of default that include, among other things, non-payment and default under the Deed of Trust. Upon occurrence of an event of default, the Lender is entitled to accelerate all obligations of the Borrower. The Lender will also be entitled to receive the entire unpaid balance and unpaid interest at a default rate.

The proceeds from the Promissory Note will be used for general corporate purposes.

Annual maturities of notes payable as of March 31, 2011 are due during the following years (in thousands):

	Amount Due
Year	(in thousands)
2011	$ 2,321
2012	2,638
2013	66,486
2014	19,191
2015	10,315
2016 and thereafter	2,809
Total	$ 103,760

6. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share for Whitestone's common shareholders is calculated by dividing income from continuing operations excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares and the net income attributable to non-controlling interests by Whitestone's weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares and the net income attributable to non-controlling interests by the weighted-average number of common shares including any dilutive unvested restricted shares.

Certain of Whitestone's performance restricted common shares are considered participating securities which require the use of the two-class method for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share. During the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 , 1,814,569 OP Units were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011 , distributions of $54,000 were made to the holders of certain restricted common shares, $49,000 of which were charged against earnings. For the three months ended March 31, 2010 , distributions of $71,000 were made to holders of certain restricted common shares, $64,000 of which were charged against earnings. See Note 11 for information related to restricted common shares under the 2008 Plan.

Table of Contents

WHITESTONE REIT AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2011

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31, — 2011		2010
(in thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income	$ 246		$ 335
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(61	)	(118	)
Dividends paid on unvested restricted shares	(6	)	(10	)
Undistributed earnings attributable to unvested restricted shares	—		—
Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts
attributable to unvested restricted shares	$ 179		$ 207
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares - basic	5,479		3,240
Effect of dilutive securities:
Unvested restricted shares	20		63
Weighted average number of common shares - dilutive	5,499		3,303
Earnings Per Share:
Basic:
Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts
attributable to unvested restricted shares	$ 0.03		$ 0.06
Diluted:
Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts
attributable to unvested restricted shares	$ 0.03		$ 0.06

7. INCOME TAXES

Federal income taxes are not provided because we intend to and believe we qualify as a REIT under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and because we have distributed and intend to continue to distribute all of our taxable income to our shareholders. Our shareholders include their proportionate taxable income in their individual tax returns. As a REIT, we must distribute at least 90% of our real estate investment trust taxable income to our shareholders and meet certain income sources and investment restriction requirements. In addition, REITs are subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate tax rates.

During 2010, we discovered that we may have inadvertently violated the “5% asset test,” as set forth in Section 856(c)(4)(B)(iii)(I) of the Code, for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 as a result of utilizing a certain cash management arrangement with a commercial bank. If our investment in a commercial paper investment sweep account through such cash management agreement is not treated as cash, and is instead treated as a security of a single issuer for purposes of the “5% asset test,” then we failed the “5% asset test” for the first quarter of our 2009 taxable year. We believe, however, that if we failed the “5% asset test,” our failure would be considered due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and, therefore, we would not be disqualified as a REIT for our 2009 taxable year. We would be, however, subject to certain reporting requirements and a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or 35% of the net income from the commercial paper investment account during the period in which we failed to satisfy the “5% asset test.” The amount of such tax is $50,000, and we paid such tax on April 27, 2010.

If the IRS were to assert that we failed the “5% asset test” for the first quarter of our 2009 taxable year and that such failure was not due to reasonable cause, and the courts were to sustain that position, our status as a REIT would terminate as of December 31, 2008. We would not be eligible to again elect REIT status until our 2014 taxable year. Consequently, we would be subject to federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates without the benefit of the dividends-paid

Table of Contents

WHITESTONE REIT AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2011

(Unaudited)

deduction, and our cash available for distributions to shareholders would be reduced.

Taxable income differs from net income for financial reporting purposes principally due to differences in the timing of recognition of interest, real estate taxes, depreciation and rental revenue.

In May 2006, the State of Texas adopted the Texas Margin Tax effective with franchise tax reports filed on or after January 1, 2008. The Texas Margin Tax is computed by applying the applicable tax rate (1% for us) to the profit margin, which generally will be determined for us as total revenue less a 30% standard deduction. Although House Bill 3 states that the Texas Margin Tax is not an income tax, SFAS No. 109, “ Accounting for Income Taxes ” (“SFAS No. 109”) which is codified in FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”) applies to the Texas Margin Tax. We have recorded a margin tax provision of approximately $53,000 and $54,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively.

8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Executive Relocation. On July 9, 2010, upon the unanimous recommendation of our Compensation Committee, we entered into an arrangement with Mr. Mastandrea with respect to the disposition of his residence in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Mastandrea listed the residence in the second half of 2007 and has had no offers. In the meantime, Mr. Mastandrea has continued to pay for security, taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses related to the residence. In May 2010, we engaged a professional relocation firm to market the home and assist in moving the Mastandrea family to Houston. Since the engagement of the relocation firm, no offers on the home have been received. Under the relocation arrangement, we will pay Mr. Mastandrea the shortfall, if any, in the amount realized from the sale of the Cleveland residence, below $2,450,000, not to exceed $700,000, plus tax on the amount of such payment at the maximum federal income tax rate. The first $450,000 plus any taxes will be paid in cash. Any amount payable in excess of $450,000 will be paid in common shares at the market value of the shares, as determined in the reasonable judgment of the Board, as of the time of the sale of the residence.

The common shares payable to Mr. Mastandrea, if any, will be delivered over four consecutive quarters in equal installments. In addition, the arrangement requires us to continue paying the previously agreed upon cost of housing expenses for the Mastandrea family in Houston, Texas for a period of one year following the date of sale of the residence. We have previously agreed to reimburse Mr. Mastandrea for out of pocket moving costs including packing, temporary storage, transportation and moving supplies.

9. EQUITY

Under our declaration of trust, as amended, we have authority to issue up to 50 million Class A common shares of beneficial interest, $0.001 par value per share, up to 350 million Class B common shares of beneficial interest, $0.001 par value per share, and up to 50 million preferred shares of beneficial interest, $0.001 par value per share.

Operating Partnership Units

Substantially all of our business is conducted through the Operating Partnership. We are the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. As of March 31, 2011 , we owned a 75.4% interest in the Operating Partnership.

Limited partners in the Operating Partnership holding OP Units have the right to convert their OP Units into cash or, at our option, Class A common shares at a ratio of one OP Unit for one Class A common share. Distributions to OP Unit holders are paid at the same rate per unit as dividends per share of Whitestone. Subject to certain restrictions, OP Units are not convertible into Class A common shares until the later of one year after acquisition or an initial public offering of the common shares. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 , there were 7,364,913 and 7,364,943 OP Units outstanding, respectively. We owned 5,550,344 and 5,550,374 OP Units as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 , respectively. The balance of the OP Units is owned by third parties, including certain of our trustees. Our weighted-average share ownership in the Operating Partnership was approximately 75.4% and 64.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 , respectively.

Table of Contents

WHITESTONE REIT AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2011

(Unaudited)

Dividends and distributions

The following table summarizes the cash dividends paid or payable to holders of common shares and distributions paid or payable to holders of noncontrolling OP Units during the four quarters of 2010 and the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

Quarter Paid (in thousands, except per share data)	Class A Common Shareholders — Dividend Per Common Share	Total Amount Paid	Class B Common Shareholders — Dividend Per Common Share	Total Amount Paid	Noncontrolling OP Unit Holders — Distribution Per OP Unit	Total Amount Paid	Total — Total Amount Paid
2011
First Quarter	$ 0.2850	$ 989	$ 0.2850	$ 627	$ 0.2850	$ 515	$ 2,131
Total	$ 0.2850	$ 989	$ 0.2850	$ 627	$ 0.2850	$ 515	$ 2,131
2010
Fourth Quarter	$ 0.2850	$ 989	$ 0.2850	$ 627	$ 0.2850	$ 514	$ 2,130
Third Quarter	0.2850	992	0.0960	211	0.2850	515	1,718
Second Quarter	0.3375	1,176	—	—	0.3375	610	1,786
First Quarter	0.3375	1,163	—	—	0.3375	610	1,773
Total	$ 1.2450	$ 4,320	$ 0.3810	$ 838	$ 1.2450	$ 2,249	$ 7,407

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. These matters are generally covered by insurance. While the resolution of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes the final outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Executive Relocation . On July 9, 2010, upon the unanimous recommendation of our Compensation Committee, we entered into an arrangement with Mr. Mastandrea with respect to the disposition of his residence in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Mastandrea listed the residence in the second half of 2007 and has had no offers. In the meantime, Mr. Mastandrea has continued to pay for security, taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses related to the residence. In May, 2010 we engaged a professional relocation firm to market the home and assist in moving the Mastandrea family to Houston. Since the engagement of the relocation firm, no offers on the home have been received. Under the relocation arrangement, we will pay Mr. Mastandrea the shortfall, if any, in the amount realized from the sale of the Cleveland residence, below $2,450,000, not to exceed $700,000, plus tax on the amount of such payment at the maximum federal income tax rate. The first $450,000 plus any taxes will be paid in cash. Any amount payable in excess of $450,000 will be paid in common shares at the market value of the shares, as determined in the reasonable judgment of the Board, as of the time of the sale of the residence. The common shares payable to Mr. Mastandrea, if any, will be delivered over four consecutive quarters in equal installments. In addition, the arrangement requires us to continue paying the previously agreed upon cost of housing expenses for the Mastandrea family in Houston, Texas for a period of one year following the date of sale of the residence. We have previously agreed to reimburse Mr. Mastandrea for out of pocket moving costs including packing, temporary storage, transportation and moving supplies.

11. INCENTIVE SHARE PLAN

On July 29, 2008, our shareholders approved the 2008 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan (the “Plan”). On December 22, 2010, our board amended the Plan to allow for the issuance of Class B common shares pursuant to the Plan. The Plan, as amended, provides that awards may be made with respect to Class B common shares of Whitestone or OP units, which may be converted into Class A common shares of Whitestone. The maximum aggregate number of Class B common shares that may be issued under the Plan is increased upon each issuance of Class A or Class B common shares by Whitestone (including issuances pursuant to the Plan) so that at any time the maximum number of shares that may be issued under the Plan shall equal 12.5% of the aggregate number of Class A and Class B common shares of Whitestone and OP units issued and

Table of Contents

WHITESTONE REIT AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2011

(Unaudited)

outstanding (other than treasury shares and/or units issued to or held by Whitestone).

The Compensation Committee of Whitestone’s Board of Trustees administers the Plan, except with respect to awards to non-employee trustees, for which the Plan is administered by Whitestone’s Board of Trustees. The Compensation Committee is authorized to grant stock options, including both incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, as well as stock appreciation rights, either with or without a related option. The Compensation Committee is also authorized to grant restricted Class B common shares, restricted Class B common share units, performance awards and other share-based awards.

On January 6, 2009, the Compensation Committee, pursuant to the Plan, granted to certain of our officers restricted Class A common shares and restricted Class A common share units subject to certain restrictions. The restricted Class A common shares and restricted Class A common share units will vest based on certain performance goals (as specified in the award agreement). The grantee is the record owner of the restricted Class A common shares and has all rights of a shareholder with respect to the restricted Class A common shares, including the right to vote the restricted Class A common shares and to receive dividends and distributions with respect to the restricted Class A common shares. The grantee has no rights of a shareholder with respect to the restricted Class A common share units, including no right to vote the restricted Class A common share units and no right to receive current dividends and distributions with respect to the restricted Class A common share units until the restricted Class A common share units are fully vested and convertible to Class A common shares of Whitestone.

A summary of the share-based incentive plan activity as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2011 is as follows:

Non-vested at January 1, 2011	Shares — 522,441		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (1) — $ 12.48
Granted	—		—
Vested	(778	)	15.45
Forfeited	(6,523	)	11.15
Non-vested at March 31, 2011	515,140		$ 12.49
Available for grant at March 31, 2011	480,337

(1) The fair value of the Class A common shares granted were determined based on observable market transactions occurring near the date of the grants.

A summary of our nonvested and vested shares activity for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and years ended December 31, 2010, and 2009 is presented below:

	Shares Granted — Non-Vested Shares Issued	Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	Shares Vested — Vested Shares		Total Vest-Date Fair Value
					(in thousands)
Three months ended March 31, 2011	—	$ —	(788	)	$ 12
Year ended December 31, 2010	31,858	14.09	(55,699	)	695
Year ended December 31, 2009	600,731	12.37	—		—

Total compensation recognized in earnings for share-based payments was $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 , which represents achievement of the first performance-based target and anticipated vesting of certain restricted shares with time-based vesting. With our current asset base, management does not expect to achieve the next performance-based target. Should we increase our asset base, we may achieve the next performance-based target. As a result, as of March 31, 2011 , there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding nonvested

Table of Contents

WHITESTONE REIT AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2011

(Unaudited)

performance-based shares based on management’s current estimates. As of March 31, 2011 , there was approximately $150,000 in unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding nonvested time-based shares which are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years. The fair value of the shares granted during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was determined based on observable market transactions occurring near the date of the grants.

12. GRANTS TO TRUSTEES

On March 25, 2009, each of our independent trustees was granted 1,667 restricted Class A common shares which vest in equal installments in 2010, 2011, and 2012. During the three months ended March 31, 2011 , 2,224 of these restricted shares vested. These restricted shares were granted pursuant to individual grant agreements and were not pursuant to our 2008 Plan.

The 8,333 Class A common shares granted to our five independent trustees had a weighted average grant date fair value of $14.81 per share, resulting in total unrecognized compensation cost of approximately $33,000 as of March 31, 2011 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately one year. The fair value of the shares granted during 2009 was determined based on observable market transactions occurring near the date of the grants.

13. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Historically, our management has not differentiated results of operations by property type or location and therefore does not present segment information.

14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Desert Canyon Acquisition. On April 13, 2011, we acquired a property that meets our Community Centered Property strategy, containing 62,533 leasable square feet, inclusive of 12,960 square feet leased to two tenants under ground leases, in Mcdowell Mountain Ranch, located in northern Scottsdale, Arizona for approximately $3.65 million in cash and net prorations.

Offering of Class B Common Shares. In May 2011, Whitestone filed a prospectus pursuant to which 5,000,000 shares of common stock were offered for sale at a price to the public of $12.00 per share. In addition, the underwriters involved were granted an overallotment option to purchase an additional 750,000 shares of the Company's common stock at the same public offering price. Pursuant to this offering, 5,310,000 shares (including 310,000 of the overallotment option shares) were sold and delivered on May 10, 2011 resulting in net proceeds to the Company, after underwriting discounts and offering expenses, of approximately $59.8 million.

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q (the “Report”), and the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 . For more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information, you should read the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

This Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including discussion and analysis of our financial condition, anticipated capital expenditures required to complete projects, amounts of anticipated cash distributions to our shareholders in the future 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.

Forward-looking statements that were true at the time made may ultimately prove to be incorrect or false. You are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect our management's view only as of the date of this Report. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements made in this Report include:

• the imposition of federal taxes if we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year or forego an opportunity to ensure REIT status;

• uncertainties related to the national economy, the real estate industry in general and in our specific markets;

• legislative or regulatory changes, including changes to laws governing REITs;

• adverse economic or real estate developments in Texas, Arizona or Illinois;

• increases in interest rates and operating costs;

• inability to obtain necessary outside financing;

• decreases in rental rates or increases in vacancy rates;

• litigation risks;

• lease-up risks;

• inability to renew tenant or obtain new tenants upon the expiration of existing leases;

• inability to generate sufficient cash flows due to market conditions, competition, uninsured losses, changes in tax or other applicable laws; and

• the potential need to fund tenant improvements or other capital expenditures out of operating cash flow.

The forward-looking statements should be read in light of these factors and the factors identified in the “Risk Factors” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 , as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and of this Report below.

Overview

We are a fully integrated real estate company that owns and operates Community Centered Properties in culturally diverse markets in major metropolitan areas. We define Community Centered Properties as visibly located properties in established or developing culturally diverse neighborhoods in our target markets. Founded in 1998, we are internally managed with a portfolio of commercial properties in Texas, Arizona and Illinois.

In October 2006, our current management team joined the Company and adopted a strategic plan to acquire, redevelop, own and operate Community Centered Properties. We market, lease, and manage our centers to match tenants with the shared needs of the surrounding neighborhood. Those needs may include specialty retail, grocery, restaurants and medical, educational and financial services. Our goal is for each property to become a Whitestone-branded business center or retail community that serves a neighboring five-mile radius around our property. We employ and develop a diverse group of associates who understand the needs of our multicultural communities and tenants.

Table of Contents

As of March 31, 2011 , we had a total of 788 tenants. We have a diversified tenant base with our largest tenant comprising only 1.9% of our annualized rental revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011 . Lease terms for our properties range from less than one year for smaller tenants to over 15 years for larger tenants. Our leases generally include minimum monthly lease payments and tenant reimbursements for payment of taxes, insurance and maintenance. We completed 80 new and renewal leases during the three months ended March 31, 2011 totaling approximately 218,000 square feet and approximately $6.0 million in total lease value. This compares to 55 new and renewal leases totaling approximately 139,000 square feet and approximately $7.6 million in total lease value during the same period in 2010 .

We employed 52 full-time employees as of March 31, 2011 . As an internally managed REIT, we bear our own expenses of operations, including the salaries, benefits and other compensation of our employees, office expenses, legal, accounting and investor relations expenses and other overhead costs.

How We Derive Our Revenue

Substantially all of our revenue is derived from rents received from leases at our properties. We had rental income and tenant reimbursements of approximately $8.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $7.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 , an increase of $0.4 million , or 5% . Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2011 included approximately $0.2 million in revenue from properties acquired subsequent to March 31, 2010. Higher occupancy levels accounted for the remaining $0.2 million increase in revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011 over the same period in 2010. Our Operating Portfolio Occupancy Rate as of March 31, 2011 was 84% , as compared to 82% as of March 31, 2010 . We define Operating Portfolio Occupancy Rate as physical occupancy on all properties excluding new acquisitions and properties which are undergoing significant redeveloping or re-tenanting.

Known Trends in Our Operations; Outlook for Future Results

Rental Income

We expect our rental income to increase year-over-year due to the addition of properties. We also expect modest continued improvement in the overall economy in Houston to provide slight increases in occupancy at certain of our properties, which should result in some growth in rental income.

Scheduled Lease Expirations

We tend to lease space to smaller businesses that desire shorter term leases. As of March 31, 2011 , approximately 37% of our gross leasable square footage is subject to leases that expire prior to December 31, 2012. Over the last two years we have renewed approximately 75% of our square footage expiring as a result of lease maturities. We routinely seek to renew leases with our existing tenants prior to their expiration and typically begin discussions with tenants as early as 18 months prior to the expiration date of the existing lease. While our early renewal program and other leasing and marketing efforts target these expiring leases, we work toward re-leasing most of that space prior to expiration of the leases. In the markets in which we operate, we obtain and analyze market rental rates through review of third-party publications which provide market and submarket rental rate data and through inquiry of property owners and property management companies as to rental rates being quoted at properties which are located in close proximity to our properties and we believe display similar physical attributes as our nearby properties. We use this data to negotiate leases with new tenants and renew leases with our existing tenants at rates we believe to be competitive in the markets for our individual properties. Due to the short term nature of our leases, and based upon our analysis of market rental rates, we believe that, in the aggregate, our current leases are at market rates. The aggregate average rental rate per square foot on leases which expire prior to December 31, 2012 is slightly lower than the aggregate average rental rates per square foot of our total portfolio. As such, we expect to renew these expiring leases at rates which are at, or near, their current rates. Market conditions, including new supply of properties, and macroeconomic conditions in Houston and nationally affecting tenant income, such as employment levels, business conditions, interest rates, tax rates, fuel and energy costs and other matters, could adversely impact our renewal rate and/or the rental rates we are able to negotiate. We continue to monitor our tenants' operating performances as well as overall economic trends to evaluate any future negative impact on our renewal rates and rental rates, which could adversely affect our cash flow and ability to pay dividends to our shareholders.

Acquisitions

We expect to actively seek acquisitions in the foreseeable future. As of March 31, 2011 , we owned and operated 38 commercial properties consisting of:

Table of Contents

Operating Portfolio

• eighteen retail Community Centered properties containing approximately 1.2 million square feet of leasable space and having a total carrying amount (net of accumulated depreciation) of $70.0 million ;

• seven office Community Centered properties containing approximately 0.6 million square feet of leasable space and having a total carrying amount (net of accumulated depreciation) of $44.6 million ; and

• eleven office/flex Community Centered properties containing approximately 1.2 million square feet of leasable space and having a total carrying amount (net of accumulated depreciation) of $41.3 million .

Redevelopment, New Acquisitions Portfolio

• two retail Community Centered properties containing approximately 0.1 million square feet of leasable space and having a total carrying amount (net of accumulated depreciation) of $8.8 million .

Property Acquisitions

We seek to acquire commercial properties in high-growth markets. Our acquisition targets are properties that fit our Community Centered Properties strategy. We define Community Centered Properties as visibly located properties in established or developing, culturally diverse neighborhoods in our target markets, primarily in and around Phoenix, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio and Houston. We market, lease and manage our centers to match tenants with the shared needs of the surrounding neighborhood. Those needs may include specialty retail, grocery and medical, educational and financial services. Our goal is for each property to become a Whitestone-branded business center or retail community that serves a neighboring five-mile radius around our property.

On April 13, 2011, we acquired a property that meets our Community Centered Property strategy, containing 62,533 leasable square feet, inclusive of 12,960 square feet leased to two tenants under ground leases, in Mcdowell Mountain Ranch, located in northern Scottsdale, Arizona for approximately $3.65 million in cash and net prorations. Situated at a prime intersection at East McDowell Mountain Ranch Road and 105 th Street, Desert Canyon is the nearest retail and office space to McDowell Mountain Elementary and Junior High Schools. Located adjacent to the Sonora Mountain Desert Preserve, a lighted trail and jogging path wind directly into the Desert Canyon site and provide access to the surrounding upscale residential neighborhoods.

In November 2010, we acquired a property that meets our Community Centered Property strategy, containing 111,130 leasable square feet located in central Phoenix, Arizona for approximately $6.4 million in cash and net prorations. The property, Sunnyslope is situated in an ideal location across the street from John C. Lincoln Hospital, the major employer in the area, and within a quarter mile from Sunnyslope High School.

In September 2010, we acquired a property that meets our Community Centered Property strategy, containing 28,547 leasable square feet located in Scottsdale, Arizona for approximately $2.2 million in cash and net prorations. The property, The Citadel is strategically located at a prime intersection at Pinnacle Peak and Pima Roads.

In January 2009, we acquired a property that meets our Community Centered Property strategy, containing 41,455 leasable square feet located in Buffalo Grove, Illinois for approximately $9.4 million, including cash of $5.5 million, issuance of 703,912 OP units valued at approximately $3.6 million and credit for net prorations of $0.3 million. The property, Spoerlein Commons, is a two-story complex of retail, medical and professional office tenants. We acquired the property from Midwest Development Venture IV (“MDV IV”), an Illinois limited partnership controlled by James C. Mastandrea, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Because of Mr. Mastandrea’s relationship with the seller, a special committee consisting solely of the independent trustees negotiated the terms of the transaction, which included the use of an independent appraiser to value the property.

Critical Accounting Policies

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, we have made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results may differ from these estimates. A

Table of Contents

summary of our critical accounting policies is included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 , under Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. There have been no significant changes to these policies during the three months ended March 31, 2011 . For disclosure regarding recent accounting pronouncements and the anticipated impact they will have on our operations, please refer to Note 2 of the unaudited financial statements.

Table of Contents

Comparison of the Three Month Periods Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010

The following table provides a general comparison of our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 :

	Three Months Ended March 31, — 2011	2010
Number of properties owned and operated	38	36
Aggregate gross leasable area (sq. ft.) (1)	3,162,020	3,014,264
Ending occupancy rate - operating portfolio (2)	84 %	82 %
Ending occupancy rate - all properties	82 %	82 %
Total property revenues	$ 8,086	$ 7,709
Total property expenses	2,974	2,953
Total other expenses	4,795	4,334
Provision for income taxes	53	54
Loss on disposal of assets	18	33
Net income	246	335
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	61	118
Net income attributable to Whitestone REIT	$ 185	$ 217
Funds from operations (3)	$ 2,114	$ 1,965
Dividends and distributions paid on common shares and OP Units	2,131	1,773
Per common share and OP Unit	$ 0.2850	$ 0.3375
Dividends paid as a % of funds from operations	101 %	90 %

(1) During the first quarter of 2010, we concluded that approximately 25,000 square feet at our Kempwood Plaza and Centre South locations were no longer leasable, therefore such area is no longer included in the gross leasable area.

(2) Excludes (i) new acquisitions, through the earlier of attainment of 90% occupancy or 18 months of ownership, and (ii) properties which are undergoing significant redevelopment or re-tenanting.

(3) For a reconciliation of funds from operations to net income, see "Funds From Operations" below.

Property revenues. We had rental income and tenant reimbursements of approximately $8.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $7.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 , an increase of $0.4 million , or 5% . Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2011 included approximately $0.2 million in revenue from properties acquired subsequent to March 31, 2010. Higher occupancy levels accounted for the remaining $0.2 million increase in revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011 over the same period in 2010.

Table of Contents

Property expenses. Our property expenses were approximately $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and the three months ended March 31, 2010 . The primary components of total property expenses are detailed in the table below (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31, — 2011	2010	Increase / — (Decrease)		% Increase / — (Decrease)
Real estate taxes	$ 1,020	$ 1,152	$ (132	)	(11	)%
Utilities	559	580	(21	)	(4	)%
Contract services	567	514	53		10	%
Repairs and maintenance	289	230	59		26	%
Bad debt	69	29	40		138	%
Labor and other	470	448	22		5	%
Total property expenses	$ 2,974	$ 2,953	$ 21		1	%

Real estate taxes. Real estate taxes decreased $132,000 , or 11% , during the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010 , primarily as a result of favorable settlements by the various county appraisal districts. In 2010, primarily as a result of our formal protests of assessed values, the various appraisal districts agreed to lower valuations and resulting taxes by significant amounts. We work actively to keep our valuations and resulting taxes as low as possible as most of these taxes are passed through to our tenants through triple net leases.

Contract Services. Contract services increased $53,000 , or 10% , during the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010 . The increase in contract services expense included $23,000 in contract expenses for properties acquired subsequent to March 31, 2010, $23,000 in increased janitorial expenses and $7,000 in increased trash service cost.

Repairs and maintenance. Repairs and maintenance increased $59,000 , or 26% , during the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010 , primarily as the result of $43,000 in increased plumbing, electrical and sign repairs and $16,000 in repair costs for properties acquired subsequent to March 31, 2010.

Bad debt. Bad debt for the three months ended March 31, 2011 increased $40,000 , or 138% , as compared to the same period in 2010 . Bad debt expense for the three months ended March 31, 2010 included settlements with a small number of tenants that carried large past due accounts receivable balances. The settlements resulted in recoveries of accounts receivable balances on which we previously recorded allowances for bad debt, resulting in reduced bad debt expense during the three months ended March 31, 2010. We vigorously pursue past due accounts, but expect collection of rents to continue to be challenging for the foreseeable future.

Labor and other. Increases of $22,000 , or 5% , in labor and other during 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010, were the result of the continued internalization of many maintenance functions and increased focus on tenant service and property conditions by property management personnel. We have been able to accomplish a greater focus on tenant service and property conditions as a result of realignment of duties and reductions in administrative duties required of these individuals. This decrease in administrative duties is a result of improvements in systems, processes and reporting.

Other expenses. Our other expenses were $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 , as compared to $4.3 million for the year ended March 31, 2010 , an increase of $0.5 million . The primary components of other expenses, net are detailed in the table below (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31, — 2011		2010		Increase / — (Decrease)		% Increase / — (Decrease)
General and administrative	$ 1,464		$ 1,200		$ 264		22 %
Depreciation and amortization	1,989		1,734		255		15 %
Interest expense	1,402		1,407		(5	)	— %
Interest, dividend and other investment income	(60	)	(7	)	(53	)	757 %
Total other expenses	$ 4,795		$ 4,334		$ 461		11 %

Table of Contents

General and administrative. General and administrative expenses increased approximately $264,000 , or 22% , for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010 . The increases in general and administrative expenses included legal and other professional fees of $161,000, travel and dues and subscriptions of $49,000, salaries and benefits of $40,000 and $14,000 of other corporate office expenses.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased $255,000 , or 15% , for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010 . Depreciation for improvements to existing properties increased $174,000 for the the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010, and amortization of capitalized leasing commissions increased $34,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010. Depreciation for properties added subsequent to March 31, 2010 was $45,000.

Interest, dividend and other investment income. Interest, dividend and other investment income increased $53,000 , or 757% , for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010 . The three months ended March 31, 2011 included $38,000 in realized gains on sales of marketable securities and $15,000 in dividend income that was not included in the three months ended March 31, 2010 .

Funds From Operations

The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT, defines funds from operations, or FFO, as net income (loss) available to common shareholders computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP, excluding gains or losses from sales of operating real estate assets and extraordinary items, plus depreciation and amortization of operating properties, including our share of unconsolidated real estate joint ventures and partnerships. We calculate FFO in a manner consistent with the NAREIT definition.

Management uses FFO as a supplemental measure to conduct and evaluate our business because there are certain limitations associated with using U.S. GAAP net income alone as the primary measure of our operating performance. Historical cost accounting for real estate assets in accordance with U.S. 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. There can be no assurance that FFO presented by us is comparable to similarly titled measures of other REITs.

FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income or other measurements under U.S. GAAP, as an indicator of our operating performance or to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as a measure of liquidity. FFO does not reflect working capital changes, cash expenditures for capital improvements or principal payments on indebtedness.

Below is the calculation of FFO and the reconciliation to net income, which we believe is the most comparable GAAP financial measure (in thousands):

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

	Three Months Ended March 31, — 2011	2010
Net income attributable to Whitestone REIT	$ 185	$ 217
Depreciation and amortization of real estate assets	1,850	1,597
Loss on sale or disposal of assets	18	33
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	61	118
FFO	$ 2,114	$ 1,965

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary liquidity demands are distributions to holders of our common shares and OP units, capital improvements and repairs and maintenance for our properties, acquisition of additional properties, tenant improvements and debt repayments.

Table of Contents

Primary sources of capital for funding our acquisitions and redevelopment programs are cash flows generated from operating activities, issuances of notes payable, sales of common shares, sales of OP Units, sales of underperforming properties and other financing opportunities including equity issuance and debt financing. We expect that our rental income will increase as we continue to acquire additional properties, subsequently increasing our cash flows generated from operating activities. We intend to continue acquiring such additional properties through equity issuance, including proceeds from our recent secondary public offering of Class B common shares, our initial public offering of Class B shares in August 2010, and through debt financing.

Our capital structure includes non-recourse secured debt that we assumed or originated on certain properties. We may hedge the future cash flows of certain debt transactions principally through interest rate swaps with major financial institutions.

During the three months ended March 31, 2011 , our cash provided from operating activities was $2.8 million and our total distributions were $2.1 million . Therefore, we had cash flow from operations in excess of distributions of approximately $0.7 million.

We anticipate that cash flows from operating activities and our borrowing capacity will provide adequate capital for our working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures and scheduled debt payments during the next 12 months. We also believe that cash flows from operating activities and our borrowing capacity will allow us to make all distributions required for us to continue to qualify to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $18.3 million at March 31, 2011 , as compared to $17.6 million on December 31, 2010 . The increase of $0.7 million was primarily the result of the following:

Sources of Cash

• Cash flow from operations of $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 ;

• Net proceeds of $2.8 million from issuance of notes payable net of origination costs;

• Proceeds from sales of marketable securities of $0.9 million;

Uses of Cash

• Payment of dividends and distributions to common shareholders and OP Unit holders of $2.1 million ;

• Investments in marketable securities of $1.9 million ;

• Additions to real estate of $1.0 million ;

• Payments of loans of $0.8 million.

We place all cash in short-term, highly liquid investments that we believe provide appropriate safety of principal.

Table of Contents

Debt

Mortgages and other notes payable consist of the following (in thousands):

Description	March 31, 2011	December 31, 2010
Fixed rate notes
$3.0 million 6.00% Note, due 2021 (1)	$ 3,000	$ —
$10.0 million 6.04% Note, due 2014	9,456	9,498
$1.5 million 6.50% Note, due 2014	1,490	1,496
$11.2 million 6.52% Note, due 2015	10,872	10,908
$21.4 million 6.53% Notes, due 2013	19,991	20,142
$24.5 million 6.56% Note, due 2013	23,924	24,030
$9.9 million 6.63% Notes, due 2014	9,431	9,498
$0.5 million 5.05% Notes, due 2011	436	13
Floating rate note
$26.9 million LIBOR + 2.86% Note, due 2013	25,160	25,356
	$ 103,760	$ 100,941

On March 31, 2011, Whitestone REIT, operating through its subsidiary, Whitestone Featherwood LLC, a Texas limited liability company (the "Borrower"), executed a promissory note (the "Promissory Note") in the amount of $3,000,000 payable to ViewPoint Bank, a federal savings bank (the "Lender"), with an applicable interest rate of 6.0% per annum. The interest rate is fixed through March 30, 2016. On March 31, 2016, the interest rate will be reset to the rate of interest for a five year balloon note with a thirty year amortization as published by the Federal Home Loan Bank. Monthly payments of $17,987 became due on May 1, 2011 and continue thereafter on the first day of each calendar month until March 1, 2016. On March 31, 2016 the payment amount will be recalculated based upon the interest rate at that time.

The Promissory Note is a non-recourse loan secured by the Borrower's Featherwood property, located in Houston, Texas, and a limited guarantee by the Company. In conjunction with the Promissory Note, a Deed of Trust was executed by the Borrower which contains customary terms and conditions, including representations, warranties and covenants by the Borrower that include, without limitation, assignment of rents, warranty of title, insurance requirements and maintenance, use and management of the properties.

Table of Contents

Annual maturities of notes payable as of March 31, 2011 are due during the following years (in thousands):

	Amount Due
Year	(in thousands)
2011	$ 2,321
2012	2,638
2013	66,486
2014	19,191
2015	10,315
2016 and thereafter	2,809
Total	$ 103,760

Capital Expenditures

We continually evaluate our properties’ performance and value. We may determine it is in our shareholders’ best interest to invest capital in properties we believe have potential for increasing value. We also may have unexpected capital expenditures or improvements for our existing assets. Additionally, we intend to continue investing in similar properties outside of Texas in cities with exceptional demographics to diversify market risk, and we may incur significant capital expenditures or make improvements in connection with any properties we may acquire.

Dividends and Distributions

The following tables summarize the cash dividends paid or payable to holders of common shares and distributions paid or payable to holders of noncontrolling OP Units during the four quarters of 2010 and the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

Quarter Paid (in thousands, except per share data)	Class A Common Shareholders — Dividend Per Common Share	Total Amount Paid	Class B Common Shareholders — Dividend Per Common Share	Total Amount Paid	Noncontrolling OP Unit Holders — Distribution Per OP Unit	Total Amount Paid	Total — Total Amount Paid
2011
First Quarter	$ 0.2850	$ 989	$ 0.2850	$ 627	$ 0.2850	$ 515	$ 2,131
Total	$ 0.2850	$ 989	$ 0.2850	$ 627	$ 0.2850	$ 515	$ 2,131
2010
Fourth Quarter	$ 0.2850	$ 989	$ 0.2850	$ 627	$ 0.2850	$ 514	$ 2,130
Third Quarter	0.2850	992	0.0960	211	0.2850	515	1,718
Second Quarter	0.3375	1,176	—	—	0.3375	610	1,786
First Quarter	0.3375	1,163	—	—	0.3375	610	1,773
Total	$ 1.2450	$ 4,320	$ 0.3810	$ 838	$ 1.2450	$ 2,249	$ 7,407

Taxes

We elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 1999. As a REIT, we generally are not subject to federal income tax on income that we distribute to our shareholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. We believe that we are organized and operate in a manner to qualify and be taxed as a REIT, and we intend to operate so as to remain qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.

Table of Contents

Inflation

We anticipate that the majority of our leases will continue to be triple-net leases or otherwise provide that tenants pay for increases in operating expenses and will contain provisions that we believe will mitigate the effect of inflation. In addition, many of our leases are for terms of less than five years, which allows us to adjust rental rates to reflect inflation and other changing market conditions when the leases expire. Consequently, increases due to inflation, as well as ad valorem tax rate increases, generally do not have a significant adverse effect upon our operating results.

Environmental Matters

Our properties are subject to environmental laws and regulations adopted by various governmental authorities in the jurisdictions in which our operations are conducted. From our inception, we have incurred no significant environmental costs, accrued liabilities or expenditures to mitigate or eliminate future environmental contamination.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no significant off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 .

Table of Contents

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our future income, cash flows and fair value relevant to our financial instruments depend upon prevailing market interest rates. Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. The principal market risk to which we are exposed is the risk related to interest rate fluctuations. Based upon the nature of our operations, we are not subject to foreign exchange rate or commodity price risk. We will be exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of our financial instruments consisting of loans that have floating interest rates. As of March 31, 2011 , we had $25.2 million of loans, or about 24% of our debt, with floating interest rates. All of our financial instruments were entered into for other than trading purposes. As of March 31, 2011 , we did not have a fixed rate hedge in place, leaving $25.2 million subject to interest rate fluctuations. The impact of a 1% increase or decrease in interest rates on our debt would result in a decrease or increase of annual net income of approximately $0.3 million , respectively.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The management of Whitestone REIT, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive and financial officers, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in our filings under Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, including ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to Whitestone REIT's management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive and financial officers have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2011 (the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended March 31, 2011 , there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of Whitestone's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 .

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(a) During the period covered by this Form 10-Q, we did not sell any equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

(b) Not applicable.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. [Removed and Reserved.]

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

The exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibit index are filed, furnished and incorporated by reference (as stated therein) as part of this Report.

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

WHITESTONE REIT — /s/ James C. Mastandrea
James C. Mastandrea
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

Date:
David K. Holeman
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Principal Accounting Officer)

Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No. Description

3.1.1 Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust of Whitestone REIT (previously filed as and incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 31, 2008)

3.1.2 Articles Supplementary (previously filed as and incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i).1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 6, 2006)

3.1.3 Articles of Amendment (previously filed as and incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 24, 2010)

3.1.4 Articles of Amendment (previously filed as and incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 24, 2010)

3.1.5 Articles Supplementary (previously filed as and incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 24, 2010)

3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws (previously filed as and incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 9, 2008)

10.1 Promissory Note between Whitestone Featherwood, LLC and Viewpoint Bank, dated March 31, 2011 (previously filed and incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 5, 2011)

21.1* List of subsidiaries of Whitestone REIT

31.1* Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2* Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1** Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2** Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

AI assistant

Whitestone REIT Interim / Quarterly Report 2011

32572_10-q_2011-05-16_a20d2245-49c3-410d-a4fb-2067a57bbb75.zip

AI assistant

Whitestone REIT — Interim / Quarterly Report 2011

32572_10-q_2011-05-16_a20d2245-49c3-410d-a4fb-2067a57bbb75.zip

More from Whitestone REIT

Whitestone REIT Interim / Quarterly Report 2011