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IRM vs KIM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Iron Mountain (IRM) vs. Kimco Realty (KIM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- IRM and KIM are both real estate investment trusts (REITs), but they occupy very different niches: records management and data centers versus grocery-anchored retail.
- Iron Mountain is growing much faster, with recent quarters showing double-digit revenue growth driven by data centers, digital solutions, and asset lifecycle management.
- Kimco Realty offers steadier, income-oriented growth, anchored by record occupancy and strong rent spreads in necessity-based retail.
- Kimco carries a meaningfully higher dividend yield (around 5%) than Iron Mountain (around 3%), reflecting different growth-versus-income profiles.
- Iron Mountain has shown stronger momentum and higher valuation multiples, while Kimco trades at a more moderate valuation with lower volatility.
- The two stocks represent a trade-off between high-growth AI infrastructure exposure and stable, defensive retail cash flow.
Introduction
This stock comparison examines two publicly traded REITs that, despite sharing a sector classification, pursue fundamentally different business strategies. IRM (Iron Mountain) has transformed from a physical records storage company into a fast-growing data center and digital solutions provider closely tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure demand. KIM (Kimco Realty) is a leading owner of grocery-anchored, open-air shopping centers that generate stable, necessity-driven rental income. Investors weighing growth potential against income stability, or comparing relative performance and market positioning within the REIT space, may find this side-by-side analysis useful for evaluating which profile better aligns with their objectives.
IRM Overview and Recent Performance
Iron Mountain is a global information management company structured as a REIT, serving more than 240,000 customers across dozens of countries. Its traditional business—secure physical records storage—generates predictable recurring revenue, but recent market activity has centered on its higher-growth segments. In recent quarters, the company reported record revenue and adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), with total revenue rising roughly 20% year over year in its most recent quarterly reports. Data center revenue has grown at a roughly 40% or higher annual pace, while asset lifecycle management (ALM) has expanded even faster, supported by strong demand from hyperscale cloud and AI customers.
This momentum has driven relative outperformance, with IRM posting a substantial year-to-date gain that far exceeds the broader market. Management has repeatedly raised full-year revenue and adjusted funds from operations (AFFO, a key REIT cash-flow metric) guidance in recent weeks. Sentiment has been supported by robust data center leasing, including new capacity in high-demand markets. At the same time, investors continue to weigh a sizable debt load and heavy capital spending associated with data center construction against the company's accelerating growth trajectory.
KIM Overview and Recent Performance
Kimco Realty is one of the largest publicly traded owners of open-air, grocery-anchored shopping centers in the United States, concentrated in first-ring suburbs of major metropolitan markets. Its tenant base is oriented toward everyday, necessity-based retail that drives frequent shopper visits. In recent quarters, Kimco has delivered steady operating results, reaching an all-time high portfolio occupancy near 96% and a record small-shop occupancy level. The company has generated double-digit blended cash rent spreads on new leases, reflecting tight supply and resilient tenant demand.
Recent market activity has been more muted for KIM relative to IRM, with shares trading in a narrower range over recent weeks. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 12% and modestly lifted its full-year funds from operations (FFO, the standard REIT earnings measure) outlook, signaling confidence in its cash-flow durability. However, net income per share has remained roughly flat, and rising interest expense alongside a growing debt balance presents a moderate headwind. E-commerce competition and consumer spending sensitivity remain the primary structural risks investors monitor, while a strong balance sheet and disciplined capital recycling support the defensive case.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most important contrast between these two REITs is growth profile. Iron Mountain is in a capital-intensive expansion phase, leveraging AI and cloud demand to compound revenue at a double-digit rate. Kimco Realty, by contrast, grows through steady rent escalation, occupancy gains, and asset recycling, producing more modest but highly predictable cash-flow growth.
Risk factors also differ meaningfully. IRM carries substantial net debt to fund data center build-outs, exposing it to interest-rate sensitivity and execution risk if AI-driven demand moderates. KIM faces a more cyclical, consumer-linked risk profile tied to tenant credit, e-commerce encroachment, and shopping-center obsolescence, though its grocery anchor mix tempers this exposure.
On valuation and yield, the two diverge sharply. Kimco's higher dividend yield and moderate multiples appeal to income-focused investors, while Iron Mountain's premium valuation reflects expectations of sustained high growth. Sector exposure is also distinct: Iron Mountain is increasingly viewed as an AI-infrastructure and digital-transformation play, whereas Kimco remains a pure-play retail real estate operator. These trade-offs make the comparison less about which company is "better" and more about which growth-versus-income profile suits a given strategy.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI framework would likely tilt toward IRM on trend consistency and relative momentum. The stock's sustained uptrend, repeated guidance raises, and exposure to high-demand AI and data center infrastructure represent stronger, more persistent catalysts than Kimco's steadier but slower operating trajectory. However, KIM presents a more stable, lower-volatility profile with a higher income yield, which may align better with defensive positioning. The AI's preference is probabilistic rather than absolute: it would favor Iron Mountain for growth and momentum-oriented strategies, while Kimco's consistency and yield could hold appeal under more risk-averse conditions.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is IRM is a Buy and KIM is a Buy.
IRM in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026
IRM moved above its 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 34 of 44 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on IRM as a result. In 62 of 89 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for IRM just turned positive on October 26, 2026. Looking at past instances where IRM's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 31 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The 10-day moving average for IRM crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 02, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Following a +2.64% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where IRM advanced for three days, in 258 of 373 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where IRM declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 56%.
IRM broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 29, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for IRM entered a downward trend on October 27, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 2 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 26 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 78, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 49 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. IRM’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 60 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: IRM's P/B Ratio (-26.769) is very low in comparison to the industry average of (1.723). IRM has a moderately high P/E Ratio (81.688) as compared to the industry average of (28.036). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.100) is also within normal values, averaging (2.612). Dividend Yield (0.030) settles around the average of (0.044) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.448) is also within normal values, averaging (5.594).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 97 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
KIM in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026
KIM moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 25 of 40 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on KIM as a result. In 56 of 94 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for KIM just turned positive on October 02, 2026. Looking at past instances where KIM's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 26 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
The 10-day moving average for KIM crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 6 of 11 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
Following a +2.66% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where KIM advanced for three days, in 168 of 303 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 13 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for KIM moved below the 200-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
KIM broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for KIM entered a downward trend on October 19, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 28 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 44 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. KIM’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 59, placing this stock slightly worse than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 63 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.638) is normal, around the industry mean (2.756). P/E Ratio (29.151) is within average values for comparable stocks, (35.263). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.368) is also within normal values, averaging (12.808). Dividend Yield (0.045) settles around the average of (213.766) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (6.954) is also within normal values, averaging (6.739).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 82 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
IRM | KIM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 20 | 45 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 60 Fair valued | 63 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 26 | 60 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 2 | 82 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 49 | 44 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 97 | 28 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 44 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
IRM's Valuation (60) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is in the same range as KIM (63). This means that IRM’s stock grew similarly to KIM’s over the last 12 months.
IRM's Profit vs Risk Rating (26) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is somewhat better than the same rating for KIM (60). This means that IRM’s stock grew somewhat faster than KIM’s over the last 12 months.
IRM's SMR Rating (2) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is significantly better than the same rating for KIM (82). This means that IRM’s stock grew significantly faster than KIM’s over the last 12 months.
KIM's Price Growth Rating (44) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is in the same range as IRM (49). This means that KIM’s stock grew similarly to IRM’s over the last 12 months.
KIM's P/E Growth Rating (28) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is significantly better than the same rating for IRM (97). This means that KIM’s stock grew significantly faster than IRM’s over the last 12 months.
| IRM | KIM | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 53% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 55% | 2 days ago 46% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 60% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 58% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 55% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 56% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 55% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | N/A |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 55% | 2 days ago 43% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 60% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
IRM’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while KIM’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- IRM’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- KIM’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
IRM’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while KIM’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- IRM’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- KIM’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
IRM (@Specialty Telecommunications) experienced а +1.86% price change this week, while KIM (@Real Estate Investment Trusts) price change was +6.00% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Specialty Telecommunications industry was -1.48%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -1.37%, and the average quarterly price growth was -10.84%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Real Estate Investment Trusts industry was -0.43%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.53%, and the average quarterly price growth was -2.78%.
Reported Earning Dates
IRM is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
KIM is expected to report earnings on Feb 11, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Specialty Telecommunications (-1.48% weekly)Companies belonging to the specialty telecommunications sector provide voice and data transmission via a single method, such as fixed lines, digital subscriber lines (DSL), wireless technology, the internet or competitive local exchange carriers. Telefonica, Liberty Broadband Corp., and Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. are some of the big specialty telecom companies in the U.S.
@Real Estate Investment Trusts (-0.43% weekly)A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a company any that owns, and in most cases, operates, income-producing real estate – ranging from office and apartment buildings to warehouses, hospitals, shopping centers, hotels and timberlands. Some REITs are involved in financing real estate. Equity REITs invest in and own properties, while mortgage REITs own and invest in property mortgages. REITs are required by law to pay out at least 90% of their annual taxable income (excluding capital gains) to shareholders in the form of dividends. Some REITs could be more cyclical than others; for example, when an economy is undergoing a recession, hotel REITs could be more vulnerable, compared to say healthcare REIT given that healthcare needs are less likely to depend on economic cycles. American Tower Corporation, Prologis, Inc. and Crown Castle International Corp are some of the biggest REIT companies in the U.S.
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IRM and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, IRM has been closely correlated with DLR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 70% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if IRM jumps, then DLR could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To IRM | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRM | 100% | +1.31% | ||
| DLR - IRM | 70% Closely correlated | +2.44% | ||
| EQIX - IRM | 65% Loosely correlated | +2.08% | ||
| CSR - IRM | 63% Loosely correlated | -3.23% | ||
| KIM - IRM | 57% Loosely correlated | -0.32% | ||
| DBRG - IRM | 57% Loosely correlated | N/A | ||
More | ||||
KIM and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, KIM has been closely correlated with BRX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 86% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if KIM jumps, then BRX could also see price increases.