Positive FFO and Same-Store Revenue Momentum
Delivered positive core FFO growth of 2.5% in Q4 and full-year core FFO growth of 1.1%; same-store revenue returned to positive +0.4% in Q4 and same-store NOI for the quarter was +0.1%.
Improving New-Customer Rate Trends and Occupancy
16 of the top 20 markets had positive year-over-year move-in rates in Q4; new-customer rates were up slightly over 6% in the first 45 days of 2026; mid-February occupancy was 92.5% (≈40 bps down year-over-year) while move-in trends continued to improve.
Active and Diversified External Growth Execution
Closed 27 operating stores for $305M in the quarter (69 stores / $826M for the full year); acquired 7 JV stores for $107M gross and sold interests in 9 JV properties, unlocking a $37M promote; added 78 third-party managed stores with net growth of 45 stores in the quarter; full-year added 379 stores (281 net), bringing total managed portfolio to 1,856 stores.
Capital Deployment and Share Repurchase
Repurchased approximately $141M of common shares at an average price of about $129, while also deploying capital into acquisitions and JV transactions to drive accretive external growth.
Bridge Loan Platform Expansion
Originated $80M in bridge loans in the quarter, growing the portfolio to approximately $1.5B at year-end and creating an acquisition pipeline and recurring return stream.
Operating Expense Improvements and Targeted Investments
Same-store operating expenses increased only 1.1% in the quarter; property taxes declined 3.4% (normalization of prior increases) and property operating expenses (including utilities) were down over 5%; company invested in marketing to drive move-ins.
Conservative, Flexible Balance Sheet
Low leverage profile with ~93% of total debt at fixed rates (net of loan receivables), weighted average interest rate of 4.3%; commercial paper program saved over $3M in incremental interest expense during 2025 and only one material debt maturity in 2026.
Prudent 2026 Guidance Reflecting Recovery Path
2026 guidance implies a slow, steady recovery: same-store revenue -0.5% to +1.5%, expense growth 2%–3.5%, same-store NOI -2.25% to +1.25%, and core FFO $8.05–$8.35 per share (roughly flat at midpoint), with most acquisitions expected to be JV-structured.