Public Storage Stays Neutral - Analyst Blog
May 26 2011 - 10:15AM
Zacks
We maintain our Neutral rating on
Public Storage (PSA), a real estate investment
trust (REIT) operating self-storage facilities, as we anticipate it
to perform in line with the broader market.
Public Storage is the largest owner
and operator of storage facilities in the U.S. and has
significantly increased the scale and scope of its operations
through the acquisition of Shurgard Storage Centers that has a
considerable presence in the European markets. Although Public
Storage currently owns a 49% stake in Shurgard, the size and scope
of its operations have enabled it to achieve economies of scale,
thereby generating high operating margins and managerial
efficiencies.
The ‘Public Storage’ brand is the
most recognized and established name in the self-storage industry
with a presence in all the major markets across 38 states in the
U.S. In addition, the storage facilities of the company have a high
visibility and are usually located in heavily populated areas that
improve the local awareness of the brand. This provides a
significant upside potential for the company.
Public Storage also has one of the
strongest balance sheets in the sector, with minimal debt and
plenty of liquidity to actively pursue acquisition and development
opportunities. Furthermore, a strong financial position of the
company enables it to aggressively pursue high marketing expenses
to facilitate top-of-the-mind presence among the customers.
However, demand for storage
facilities has witnessed a significant fall from its peak level
exhibited prior to recession as customers have reduced their
discretionary spending. This has comparatively affected the
top-line growth of the company. In addition, Public Storage has a
significant exposure to Florida, which has been particularly
hard-hit by the housing meltdown. Consequently, the demand for self
storage facilities is expected to decline in Florida going forward,
with fewer home sales and falling new home construction.
Public Storage presently has a
Zacks #3 Rank that translates into a short-term ‘Hold’ rating. We
also have a ‘Neutral’ recommendation and a Zacks #3 Rank for
Sovran Self Storage Inc. (SSS), one of the
competitors of Public Storage.
PUBLIC STORAGE (PSA): Free Stock Analysis Report
SOVRAN SLF STOR (SSS): Free Stock Analysis Report
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