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SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SMA)
NYSE:SMA
US Market

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SMA) AI Stock Analysis

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SMA

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.

(NYSE:SMA)

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Rating:50Neutral
Price Target:
$31.00
▼(-4.53% Downside)
SmartStop's overall score of 50 reflects a balanced but cautious outlook. Financial performance, the most significant factor, is mixed with strong cash flow offset by profitability issues. Technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, and valuation concerns due to negative earnings further weigh on the score. Positive earnings call highlights provide some optimism but are not enough to lift the overall assessment.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Consistent revenue growth and strong free cash flow indicate a robust business model and effective operational management, supporting long-term financial health.
Strategic Acquisitions
The acquisition of Argus enhances market presence and operational scale, positioning SmartStop for growth in the self-storage industry.
Inclusion in MSCI U.S. REIT Index
Inclusion in the MSCI U.S. REIT Index enhances visibility and credibility among investors, potentially attracting more investment and supporting growth.
Negative Factors
Profitability Challenges
Negative profitability metrics indicate challenges in cost management and return generation, which could hinder long-term financial performance.
Market Challenges in Toronto
Increased supply in the Toronto market may pressure occupancy rates and pricing, potentially impacting revenue growth and profitability in the region.
Tenant Default Impact
Tenant defaults can disrupt cash flow and occupancy rates, posing risks to revenue stability and operational efficiency.

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SMA) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSmartStop is a technology-driven, self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of approximately 570 self-storage professionals. It is one of the largest self-storage companies in North America, with a growing portfolio in Canada and high-growth markets in the U.S.
How the Company Makes MoneySmartStop generates revenue primarily through the rental of storage units to customers, which constitutes its main revenue stream. The company offers various types of storage options, including climate-controlled units, traditional storage units, and vehicle storage, catering to both individual and commercial clients. Additionally, SmartStop may earn income from ancillary services such as the sale of moving supplies and insurance options for stored items. The company's revenue model is supported by a strategic focus on acquiring and developing high-demand storage properties in key markets, enhancing its portfolio and operational efficiency. Partnerships with local businesses and online platforms for marketing can also contribute to increased customer acquisition and higher occupancy rates, further bolstering its earnings.

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 05, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Mar 31, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mix of achievements and challenges. The highlights include sector-leading revenue growth and strategic acquisitions, while lowlights focus on unexpected costs and market challenges. Overall, the positive developments and strategic steps taken by SmartStop position the company well for future growth.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Sector-leading Same-store Revenue Growth
The company posted a strong third quarter with sector-leading same-store revenue growth of 2.5% and average occupancy of 92.6%, both largely in line with expectations.
Successful Entry into Canadian Maple Bond Market
SmartStop returned to the Canadian Maple bond market, raising CAD 200 million at a 3.89% coupon with a 5-year maturity.
Acquisition of Argus Professional Storage Management
SmartStop completed the acquisition of Argus, doubling the store count to over 460 self-storage properties in North America and increasing overall owned and managed net rental square feet to over 35 million.
Inclusion in MSCI U.S. REIT Index
SmartStop was included as a member of the MSCI U.S. REIT Index, known as the RMZ.
Record Lead Conversion and Tenant Protection Hit Rate
The company posted the highest ever lead conversion statistics and highest hit rate on tenant protection in its history.
Negative Updates
FFO as Adjusted Per Share Below Expectations
Reported FFO as adjusted per share of $0.47, which was about $0.02 below expectations due to an unexpected vacate of an industrial tenant and recognition of onetime equity-based compensation expense.
Challenges in the Toronto Market
The Toronto market is experiencing a significant amount of new supply, impacting about half of SmartStop's properties, though the company expects this to drop in the coming years.
Industrial Tenant Default
An industrial tenant at one of the non-same-store properties defaulted on their lease, vacating space that accounted for approximately $730,000 of annual NOI.
Company Guidance
During the SmartStop Self Storage's third quarter earnings call, the company highlighted several key performance metrics and strategic initiatives. The company reported sector-leading same-store revenue growth of 2.5% and an average occupancy rate of 92.6%, both aligning with expectations. However, the Adjusted Funds from Operations (FFO) per share came in at $0.47, slightly below projections due to an unexpected tenant vacate and a one-time compensation expense. SmartStop maintained its full-year FFO guidance midpoint and announced raising CAD 200 million in the Canadian Maple bond market with a 3.89% coupon. The company acquired approximately $86 million in storage properties and increased its loans to managed REITs by $20 million in the quarter, deploying a total of $106 million of capital. Additionally, the acquisition of Argus Management doubled SmartStop's store count, enhancing its data sets and market clustering, and paving the way for expansion into the Canadian third-party management market. The call also noted SmartStop's inclusion in the MSCI U.S. REIT Index and discussed the broader strategic vision for growth amid a recovering self-storage market.

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. Financial Statement Overview

Summary
SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. demonstrates solid revenue growth and improved leverage management. However, profitability remains a challenge, with negative net income impacting overall financial health. The strong cash flow position provides a buffer, but operational efficiency needs improvement to enhance margins and shareholder returns.
Income Statement
SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. has shown consistent revenue growth, with a 4.06% increase in the TTM period. However, profitability remains a concern, as indicated by the negative net profit margin of -5.11% in the TTM. The gross profit margin is healthy at 64.18%, but the declining EBIT and EBITDA margins suggest pressure on operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
The company's debt-to-equity ratio has improved to 0.78 in the TTM period, indicating better leverage management compared to previous years. However, the return on equity remains negative at -1.74%, reflecting challenges in generating returns for shareholders. The equity ratio stands at 50.28%, showing a balanced capital structure.
Cash Flow
The cash flow position is strong, with a significant 59.86% growth in free cash flow in the TTM period. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is robust at 1.17, indicating efficient cash generation relative to net income. The free cash flow to net income ratio is stable at 1.0, suggesting consistent cash flow management.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue263.34M237.01M232.99M206.32M168.76M124.02M
Gross Profit148.08M157.69M158.50M148.91M114.91M77.11M
EBITDA125.08M124.03M131.09M127.25M65.38M21.09M
Net Income-4.79M-5.62M9.75M18.82M-16.90M-44.30M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.39B2.04B1.90B1.95B1.62B1.28B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments54.21M23.11M45.08M39.49M37.25M72.71M
Total Debt1.04B1.32B1.09B1.07B873.87M724.38M
Total Liabilities1.10B1.37B1.13B1.11B943.22M785.29M
Stockholders Equity1.20B584.10M671.97M740.29M610.42M436.93M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow81.38M64.03M73.19M87.91M58.76M26.77M
Operating Cash Flow81.38M64.03M73.19M87.91M58.76M26.77M
Investing Cash Flow-452.07M-180.94M262.00K-205.15M-120.21M-28.96M
Financing Cash Flow380.81M94.82M-66.10M120.07M25.67M13.74M

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
$3.99B22.848.44%7.05%2.93%-0.87%
73
Outperform
$2.12B20.147.41%5.72%47.75%
72
Outperform
$3.79B9.6638.06%12.79%8.88%131.78%
69
Neutral
$4.07B35.5217.74%5.02%-1.48%-50.05%
65
Neutral
$2.17B12.193.79%4.94%3.15%1.96%
61
Neutral
$1.80B1.5438.93%952.55%
50
Neutral
$1.91B-111.89-0.58%3.42%12.57%4.92%
* Real Estate Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SMA
SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.
32.47
0.36
1.12%
CXW
CoreCivic
20.18
-2.16
-9.67%
RYN
Rayonier
23.19
-0.13
-0.56%
EPR
EPR Properties
53.10
10.30
24.07%
OUT
Outfront Media
24.34
7.82
47.34%
UNIT
Uniti Group
7.83
-1.26
-13.86%

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
SmartStop Self Storage Reports Stable Occupancy, Softer New Rates
Neutral
Jan 8, 2026

On January 8, 2026, SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. reported operating metrics for its same-store self-storage facilities that had been included in its consolidated results since January 1, 2024, excluding four properties. For these same-store locations, physical occupancy was essentially flat year over year at 92.1% as of December 31, 2025, compared with 92.3% a year earlier, while monthly web and move-in rates declined from $0.97 to $0.91 and from $0.94 to $0.88, respectively, over the same period; however, monthly in-place rental rates held steady at $1.63, suggesting that while pricing for new and online customers eased, revenue from existing tenants remained stable going into year-end 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (SMA) stock is a Hold with a $33.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. stock, see the SMA Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
SmartStop Self Storage REIT Declares January 2026 Dividend
Positive
Dec 23, 2025

On December 22, 2025, SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc., a REIT specializing in self-storage properties, announced that its Board of Directors had declared a monthly dividend for January 2026 corresponding to a targeted annualized dividend rate of $1.60 per share. The company set January 30, 2026 as the record date for the January 2026 common stock dividend of $0.13589041 per share, which is scheduled to be paid on February 13, 2026 to stockholders of record, signaling the continuation of regular cash returns to shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (SMA) stock is a Buy with a $39.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. stock, see the SMA Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
SmartStop Self Storage Reports Stable In-Place Rates
Neutral
Dec 8, 2025

On December 8, 2025, SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. reported metrics for its same store facilities, showing a slight increase in physical occupancy from 92.2% in 2024 to 92.4% in 2025. However, the company experienced a decrease in monthly web and move-in rates over the same period, while monthly in-place rates remained stable.

The most recent analyst rating on (SMA) stock is a Hold with a $35.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. stock, see the SMA Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
SmartStop Announces December 2025 Dividend Plan
Positive
Nov 21, 2025

On November 20, 2025, SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. announced a dividend for December 2025, targeting an annualized dividend of $1.60 per share. This decision reflects the company’s commitment to providing returns to its stockholders, with the dividend payable on January 15, 2026, to those recorded by December 31, 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (SMA) stock is a Buy with a $40.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. stock, see the SMA Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
SmartStop Reports Slight Occupancy Increase in 2025
Neutral
Nov 17, 2025

On November 17, 2025, SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. reported its same store metrics, showing a slight increase in physical occupancy from 92.3% in 2024 to 92.5% in 2025. However, the company experienced a decrease in monthly web and move-in rates over the same period, indicating potential pricing pressures in the market.

The most recent analyst rating on (SMA) stock is a Hold with a $34.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. stock, see the SMA Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
SmartStop Announces November 2025 Dividend Plan
Positive
Nov 4, 2025

On October 29, 2025, SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. announced a dividend for November 2025, targeting an annualized dividend of $1.60 per share. This decision reflects the company’s commitment to providing returns to its shareholders, with the dividend payable on December 15, 2025, to stockholders of record as of November 28, 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (SMA) stock is a Buy with a $41.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. stock, see the SMA Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 25, 2025