The setup is ‘compelling’ for these two real estate stocks, Wolfe says – and they pay big dividend yields
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 04 2025
0mins
Source: CNBC
Real Estate Sector Performance: The real estate sector has struggled recently, with only a 0.9% increase in May compared to the S&P 500's 6% rise, largely affected by volatility in Treasury yields and concerns over tariffs and deficits.
Promising Office REITs: Wolfe Research highlights potential in office real estate investment trusts (REITs), particularly COPT Defense Properties and Highwoods Properties, which are showing signs of recovery and have favorable dividend yields, despite some execution risks noted by analysts.
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Analyst Views on HIW
Wall Street analysts forecast HIW stock price to rise
6 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 28.620
Low
24.00
Averages
30.60
High
38.00
Current: 28.620
Low
24.00
Averages
30.60
High
38.00
About HIW
Highwoods Properties, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT). The Company is a fully integrated office REIT that owns, develops, acquires, leases and manages properties primarily in the best business districts (BBDs) of Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Nashville, Orlando, Raleigh, Richmond and Tampa. The Company provides leasing, management, development, construction and other customer-related services for its properties and for third parties. The Company conducts its activities through Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership (the Operating Partnership).
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Highwoods Sells Bridgestone Tower in Nashville for $255 Million
- Significant Transaction Value: Highwoods Properties sold the Bridgestone Tower in Nashville for $255 million, a fully leased 513,000 square foot office building expected to generate approximately $17 million in annual cash and GAAP net operating income in 2026, thereby enhancing the company's financial stability.
- Projected Non-FFO Gain: The company anticipates recording a non-FFO gain of about $75 million in Q2 2026, which will significantly improve financial performance and provide funding for future investments and developments.
- Market Positioning Advantage: As a fully integrated real estate investment trust focused on properties in prime business districts, this transaction further solidifies Highwoods' leadership in Nashville and other key markets, showcasing its strong competitive edge in the commercial real estate sector.
- Future Development Potential: By selling this asset, Highwoods can optimize its portfolio and free up capital for new projects and market expansion, aligning with its strategic goals of continuous innovation and growth in the commercial real estate space.
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Highwoods Properties Q1 Earnings Beat Expectations
- Strong Financial Performance: Highwoods Properties reported Q1 FFO of $0.84, beating expectations by $0.01, indicating the company's robust profitability in the current economic climate.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The company achieved Q1 revenue of $214.03 million, a 6.8% year-over-year increase, surpassing analyst expectations by $4.87 million, demonstrating strong business momentum and effective market navigation.
- Stable Outlook: Highwoods maintains its 2026 FFO outlook at $3.40 to $3.68 per share, slightly above the consensus of $3.55, reflecting confidence in future profitability.
- Attractive Dividend Yield: With a dividend yield exceeding 9% and significant upside potential, Highwoods Properties has garnered investor interest, which may further drive stock price appreciation.
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Investors Flock to High-Yield Dividend Stocks Amid Market Uncertainty
- Investment Strategy in Turbulent Markets: During periods of market turbulence and uncertainty, many investors are turning to high-dividend stocks, which typically possess high free cash flows and reward shareholders with substantial dividends, thereby enhancing investor confidence and market stability.
- Real Estate Sector Performance: Analyst ratings for three high-yielding real estate stocks, Park Hotels & Resorts Inc (NYSE:PK), Highwoods Properties Inc (NYSE:HIW), and Easterly Government Properties Inc (NYSE:DEA), indicate strong performance in the current market environment, attracting increased investor interest.
- Analyst Accuracy: The ratings for these stocks come from the most accurate analysts, suggesting that in uncertain market conditions, investors are more inclined to rely on professional analysts' advice to mitigate investment risks and enhance return potential.
- Dividend Appeal: High-dividend stocks not only provide stable cash flows but also offer a safety margin during market fluctuations, making these stocks increasingly important in investment portfolios.
See More
Highwoods Properties Stock Shows Oversold Signal
- Oversold Indicator: Highwoods Properties (HIW) shares hit an RSI of 29.9 on Wednesday, indicating an oversold condition that suggests recent heavy selling may be exhausting, prompting investors to seek buying opportunities.
- Price Fluctuation: The stock traded as low as $23.46 per share, nearing its 52-week low of $23.255, reflecting strong selling pressure in the market that could impact investor confidence.
- Market Comparison: Compared to the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) with an RSI of 51.7, HIW's oversold status may attract investors looking for rebound opportunities, highlighting a divergence in market sentiment.
- Historical Performance: With a 52-week high of $32.76 and a current trading price of $23.35, HIW shows a significant price correction, potentially offering value investment opportunities for discerning investors.
See More
Highwoods Properties Signs Equity Distribution Agreements
- Equity Distribution Agreements: Highwoods Properties announced the signing of multiple equity distribution agreements aimed at enhancing its capital structure and optimizing financing channels to support future project funding.
- Market Reaction: Although specific details of the agreements have not been disclosed, this move may boost investor confidence in the company's financial health, potentially impacting its stock performance.
- Strategic Implications: By implementing these equity distribution agreements, Highwoods may gain greater flexibility in the market to respond to future investment opportunities and market changes, thereby enhancing its competitiveness.
- Future Outlook: The company anticipates that these agreements will provide additional capital inflow to support its expansion plans in the real estate market, particularly for development projects in high-demand areas.
See More
Highwoods (HIW) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
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Highwoods Sells Bridgestone Tower in Nashville for $255 Million
- Significant Transaction Value: Highwoods Properties sold the Bridgestone Tower in Nashville for $255 million, a fully leased 513,000 square foot office building expected to generate approximately $17 million in annual cash and GAAP net operating income in 2026, thereby enhancing the company's financial stability.
- Projected Non-FFO Gain: The company anticipates recording a non-FFO gain of about $75 million in Q2 2026, which will significantly improve financial performance and provide funding for future investments and developments.
- Market Positioning Advantage: As a fully integrated real estate investment trust focused on properties in prime business districts, this transaction further solidifies Highwoods' leadership in Nashville and other key markets, showcasing its strong competitive edge in the commercial real estate sector.
- Future Development Potential: By selling this asset, Highwoods can optimize its portfolio and free up capital for new projects and market expansion, aligning with its strategic goals of continuous innovation and growth in the commercial real estate space.
See More
Highwoods Properties Q1 Earnings Beat Expectations
- Strong Financial Performance: Highwoods Properties reported Q1 FFO of $0.84, beating expectations by $0.01, indicating the company's robust profitability in the current economic climate.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The company achieved Q1 revenue of $214.03 million, a 6.8% year-over-year increase, surpassing analyst expectations by $4.87 million, demonstrating strong business momentum and effective market navigation.
- Stable Outlook: Highwoods maintains its 2026 FFO outlook at $3.40 to $3.68 per share, slightly above the consensus of $3.55, reflecting confidence in future profitability.
- Attractive Dividend Yield: With a dividend yield exceeding 9% and significant upside potential, Highwoods Properties has garnered investor interest, which may further drive stock price appreciation.
See More
Investors Flock to High-Yield Dividend Stocks Amid Market Uncertainty
- Investment Strategy in Turbulent Markets: During periods of market turbulence and uncertainty, many investors are turning to high-dividend stocks, which typically possess high free cash flows and reward shareholders with substantial dividends, thereby enhancing investor confidence and market stability.
- Real Estate Sector Performance: Analyst ratings for three high-yielding real estate stocks, Park Hotels & Resorts Inc (NYSE:PK), Highwoods Properties Inc (NYSE:HIW), and Easterly Government Properties Inc (NYSE:DEA), indicate strong performance in the current market environment, attracting increased investor interest.
- Analyst Accuracy: The ratings for these stocks come from the most accurate analysts, suggesting that in uncertain market conditions, investors are more inclined to rely on professional analysts' advice to mitigate investment risks and enhance return potential.
- Dividend Appeal: High-dividend stocks not only provide stable cash flows but also offer a safety margin during market fluctuations, making these stocks increasingly important in investment portfolios.
See More
Highwoods Properties Stock Shows Oversold Signal
- Oversold Indicator: Highwoods Properties (HIW) shares hit an RSI of 29.9 on Wednesday, indicating an oversold condition that suggests recent heavy selling may be exhausting, prompting investors to seek buying opportunities.
- Price Fluctuation: The stock traded as low as $23.46 per share, nearing its 52-week low of $23.255, reflecting strong selling pressure in the market that could impact investor confidence.
- Market Comparison: Compared to the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) with an RSI of 51.7, HIW's oversold status may attract investors looking for rebound opportunities, highlighting a divergence in market sentiment.
- Historical Performance: With a 52-week high of $32.76 and a current trading price of $23.35, HIW shows a significant price correction, potentially offering value investment opportunities for discerning investors.
See More
Highwoods Properties Signs Equity Distribution Agreements
- Equity Distribution Agreements: Highwoods Properties announced the signing of multiple equity distribution agreements aimed at enhancing its capital structure and optimizing financing channels to support future project funding.
- Market Reaction: Although specific details of the agreements have not been disclosed, this move may boost investor confidence in the company's financial health, potentially impacting its stock performance.
- Strategic Implications: By implementing these equity distribution agreements, Highwoods may gain greater flexibility in the market to respond to future investment opportunities and market changes, thereby enhancing its competitiveness.
- Future Outlook: The company anticipates that these agreements will provide additional capital inflow to support its expansion plans in the real estate market, particularly for development projects in high-demand areas.
See More
Highwoods (HIW) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
See More
