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On Monday, Jefferies initiated coverage on Highwoods Properties Inc. (NYSE: NYSE:HIW), assigning a Buy rating and setting a price target of $32.00, representing a 14% upside from the current price of $28.19. The research firm’s analysis points to a period of recovery for the company, following a phase marked by significant tenant departures from its portfolio. Highwoods Properties is anticipated to overcome these challenges as occupancy rates are expected to bottom out in the first half of 2025. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains strong financial health with a current ratio of 2.39, indicating solid liquidity to weather near-term challenges.
The firm’s analysts believe that with the major move-outs now behind and only one lease greater than 100,000 square feet expiring through 2027, Highwoods Properties is positioned to benefit from positive migration and employment growth in its Sunbelt markets. These factors are projected to drive a rise in net operating income (NOI) and earnings growth, particularly from the second half of 2025 onwards. InvestingPro analysis reveals the company has maintained dividend payments for 32 consecutive years, currently offering an attractive 7.09% yield.
Highwoods Properties has faced a tough period with large move-outs impacting its occupancy levels. However, Jefferies analysts forecast a turnaround as the company moves past these challenges. The expected growth will be bolstered by the company’s development pipeline, which should start contributing to its financial performance later in the year. The company maintains a healthy gross profit margin of 67.21% and has demonstrated profitability over the last twelve months, with an EBITDA of $474.48 million.
The optimism for Highwoods Properties’ future is rooted in the strong in-migration and job growth trends in the Sunbelt regions where the company operates. Jefferies’ initiation at a Buy rating reflects confidence in the company’s ability to capitalize on these trends and improve its occupancy rates. InvestingPro subscribers can access additional insights through the comprehensive Pro Research Report, which includes detailed analysis of the company’s market position and growth prospects.
Jefferies’ coverage initiation and the $32.00 price target for Highwoods Properties come as a positive note for the company. The research firm anticipates a significant improvement in the company’s financial metrics, driven by strategic advantages in its market and a solid development pipeline.
In other recent news, Highwoods Properties Inc. reported a challenging fourth quarter for 2024, with earnings per share (EPS) of negative $0.03, significantly missing the forecasted $0.15. However, the company’s revenue slightly exceeded expectations, reaching $205.53 million. Despite the earnings miss, Highwoods managed to sell $166 million in non-core properties, contributing to a full-year funds from operations (FFO) of $3.61 per share, which was slightly above their initial outlook. The company has a 2025 FFO outlook ranging from $3.26 to $3.44 per share, indicating a cautious but optimistic view of future performance. Highwoods expects occupancy to decrease by approximately 200 basis points in Q1 2025, with a year-end occupancy projection between 86% and 87%. The company is also targeting additional non-core property dispositions worth up to $150 million in 2025. Analysts from Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) have noted the company’s potential for growth, emphasizing the strategic property dispositions and development projects aimed at driving future growth. Highwoods remains focused on high-quality business boundary district locations as part of its strategic initiatives.
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