Mizuho Revises REIT Coverage, Reduces NSA Price Target to $30
Dividend Yield and Price Target: National Storage Affiliates Trust (NYSE:NSA) is listed among 15 dividend stocks expected to yield over 4% in 2025, but Mizuho has lowered its price target for the stock from $34 to $30 while maintaining a Neutral rating.
Business Model and Strategy: The company operates by managing strong regional brands rather than consolidating properties under one brand, and is shifting to a more focused strategy to strengthen core brands, reduce costs, and enhance returns.
Quarterly Performance: NSA reported mixed quarterly earnings with revenues of $188 million, a 2.54% decline year-over-year, and a same-store occupancy rate of 84.5%, down 140 basis points from the previous year.
Recent Developments: The company announced the acquisition of two self-storage properties for approximately $32 billion and declared a consistent quarterly dividend of $0.57 per share on November 13.
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- Stake Increase: Waterfall Asset Management disclosed in an SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, that it initiated a new stake of 297,700 shares in National Storage Affiliates Trust, indicating confidence and investment intent in the company.
- Market Value Growth: This acquisition led to an increase of $8.42 million in quarter-end position value, reflecting the positive impact of stock price movements on assets under management, thereby enhancing the company's appeal among investors.
- Asset Management Proportion: The newly acquired shares represent 4.53% of Waterfall's 13F reportable assets as of December 31, 2025, showcasing its strategic positioning within the self-storage sector.
- Market Competition: National Storage Affiliates faces challenges from slowing demand in the self-storage market; although it enhances local management through a Participating Regional Operator model, future growth will depend on market competition and financing costs.
- New Investment Position: Waterfall Asset Management disclosed in its SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, that it initiated a new stake in National Storage Affiliates Trust (NSA) by purchasing 297,700 shares, reflecting confidence in the company and representing 4.53% of its reportable AUM as of December 31, 2025.
- Value Increase: This acquisition led to an increase of $8.42 million in the quarter-end position value, indicating a positive market perception of NSA, which may attract further investor interest and enhance its market visibility.
- Market Performance Insight: As of February 12, 2026, NSA shares were priced at $33.05, and despite a decline in demand post-pandemic, the company continues to maintain revenue growth through flexible rental contracts and high-occupancy assets, demonstrating resilience in a competitive self-storage market.
- Operational Model Advantage: NSA employs a Participating Regional Operator model where local operators retain equity and manage properties, which can enhance local management efficiency; however, this may pose challenges in cost control during periods of slowed growth, necessitating investor attention on how well it balances local control with capital discipline.

- New Investment Dynamics: Waterfall Asset Management disclosed in its SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, that it initiated a new stake in National Storage Affiliates (NYSE:NSA) by purchasing 297,700 shares, indicating confidence in the company despite challenges from slowing demand in the self-storage market.
- Position Value Growth: This acquisition increased Waterfall's quarter-end position value by $8.42 million, reflecting the combined impact of new shares and price movements, suggesting a strengthening strategic positioning in the self-storage sector.
- Market Competition Analysis: National Storage Affiliates operates in major U.S. markets, and while demand has weakened post-pandemic, its flexible leasing model and high-occupancy assets continue to provide stable cash flows, with future growth reliant on effective market management and acquisition strategies.
- Investor Considerations: Although National Storage Affiliates did not make it onto The Motley Fool's list of top stocks, its performance in the self-storage industry remains a focal point, particularly in a high-interest-rate environment where the feasibility of acquisitions and financing will directly impact its value growth.
- Performance Improvement: National Storage Affiliates Trust reported a core FFO per share of $0.57 for Q4 2025, exceeding expectations and indicating sustained competitive strength and profitability in the market.
- Brand Consolidation: The company successfully reduced its brand count to six and launched a preferred equity investment platform, reflecting strategic decisions aimed at optimizing resource allocation and enhancing market responsiveness.
- Acquisitions and Dispositions: In Q4, the company sold 15 properties for $97 million and acquired 10 properties for $75 million, demonstrating proactive asset management and portfolio optimization efforts.
- Future Outlook: Management expressed optimism for 2026, projecting same-store revenue growth of 90 basis points and a core FFO target of $2.19 per share, showcasing confidence in competitive positioning and potential for sustained growth.
- Financial Performance: National Storage Affiliates reported a Q4 core FFO of $0.57, beating expectations by $0.02, indicating stability in profitability despite market challenges.
- Revenue Situation: The Q4 revenue of $169.36 million, down 0.7% year-over-year, missed expectations by $18.15 million, highlighting pressure on revenue growth amid competitive conditions.
- 2026 Guidance: The company projects core FFO per share for 2026 to range between $2.13 and $2.25, with the actual result for 2025 being $2.23, suggesting a stable outlook for future profitability.
- Operating Expenses: Expected property operating expenses growth is set at 2.0% for 2026, while general and administrative expenses (excluding equity-based compensation) are projected between $44.5 million and $46.5 million, reflecting the company's efforts to manage costs effectively.



