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MAA vs PSA
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Mid-America Apartment Communities (MAA) vs. Public Storage (PSA) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- MAA (Mid-America Apartment Communities) and PSA (Public Storage) are both S&P 500 real estate investment trusts (REITs), but they operate in distinct niches — apartments versus self-storage — with sharply different recent momentum.
- MAA has lagged the broader market in 2026, weighed down by elevated new supply in Sun Belt apartment markets and a modest same-store net operating income (NOI) decline.
- PSA has advanced roughly 23% year to date, supported by an announced merger with National Storage Affiliates and an A-rated balance sheet.
- MAA offers a higher dividend yield and a lower valuation multiple, while PSA delivers higher profitability and a larger market capitalization.
- Both face interest-rate and supply dynamics, but MAA carries greater exposure to apartment oversupply, whereas PSA contends with self-storage pricing competition.
- For additional context, explore MAA Major News and MAA Today's Price Move, as well as PSA Major News and PSA Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are currently positioning across thousands of tickers, visit the curated Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Investors weighing income-producing real estate often compare MAA and PSA because both are large, liquid REITs with durable cash flows and dividend track records. Yet their underlying businesses are quite different. MAA owns and operates apartment communities concentrated in the U.S. Southeast, Southwest, and Mid-Atlantic, while PSA is the largest self-storage owner in the United States. This stock comparison is relevant for dividend-oriented investors, REIT allocators, and traders evaluating relative performance and market positioning. Understanding how these two names diverge on growth, balance-sheet strength, and recent momentum can help clarify which fits a given portfolio objective in the current environment.
MAA Overview and Recent Performance
MAA is a residential REIT that develops, acquires, and manages apartment communities, with a footprint tilted toward high-growth Sun Belt markets. In recent market activity, the stock has underperformed, declining by a double-digit percentage year to date and trading below both its short- and long-term moving averages. The primary headwind has been elevated new apartment supply across several of its core regions, which has pressured pricing power and kept average effective rent roughly flat.
Recent quarterly results showed funds from operations (FFO, a standard REIT earnings measure that adds back depreciation) of $2.13 per share, modestly ahead of consensus, while revenue came in slightly below estimates. Same-store NOI declined about 1.3% year over year, and average physical occupancy eased to roughly 95.5%. Management has signaled stabilization rather than a full rebound, with new-lease pricing still negative but improving sequentially. The company's balance sheet remains steady, with net debt to adjusted EBITDAre (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and restructuring or rent costs) near 4.5x, and it continues to return capital through dividends and share repurchases.
PSA Overview and Recent Performance
PSA is the largest owner and operator of self-storage facilities in the United States, with thousands of properties across 40 states and additional exposure to European self-storage through its stake in Shurgard. It also operates ancillary businesses, including tenant insurance and third-party property management. In recent weeks, PSA's shares have shown stronger relative performance, advancing meaningfully year to date and holding near the upper portion of their 52-week range.
A key catalyst has been the announced merger with National Storage Affiliates, which management expects to add meaningfully to core FFO per share once stabilized, with closing anticipated in the third quarter of 2026. The company's balance sheet is among the strongest in the sector, carrying A2/A credit ratings and debt to EBITDA near 2.9x. Profitability metrics are also robust, with return on equity above 20%. Offsetting factors include a cautious near-term outlook, competitive pricing in certain self-storage markets, and a valuation that trades at a premium to many peers.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron maintains a library of hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively monitor and trade thousands of different tickers. Not all of these bots are equally suited to prevailing market conditions, which is why Tickeron curates a dedicated Trending AI Robots section highlighting only the strategies currently demonstrating the strongest fit. The bots span a wide range of trading styles, timeframes, strategies, performance statistics, and ticker universes — from short-term momentum systems to longer-horizon trend followers. This variety allows users to observe how automated approaches differ in their handling of REITs like MAA and PSA. If you are interested in how machine-driven strategies are positioning in real time, consider exploring the Trending AI Robots page for a closer look.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The most important contrast between MAA and PSA is business-model exposure. MAA's apartments face cyclical new-construction cycles that have recently tilted toward oversupply in the Sun Belt, directly compressing rent growth. PSA's self-storage model benefits from lower tenant turnover and limited maintenance capital intensity, though it is not immune to competitive rate pressure and new development.
On growth drivers, PSA holds a more visible catalyst in its pending merger, while MAA's outlook hinges on supply absorption and improving lease pricing. On balance-sheet strength, PSA is clearly advantaged, with higher credit ratings and lower leverage, whereas MAA maintains a solid but more moderately leveraged profile. Valuation tilts the other way: MAA trades at a lower price-to-FFO multiple and offers a higher dividend yield, while PSA's premium reflects its dominant market position and stronger profitability.
Market sentiment has diverged accordingly. PSA has benefited from positive momentum and M&A activity, while MAA has been pressured by softer fundamentals. Risk profiles differ in kind: MAA carries greater sensitivity to apartment supply and regional employment trends, whereas PSA faces risks around storage demand and post-merger integration.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor PSA in the current environment. The stock's stronger and more consistent upward trend, its A-rated balance sheet, higher return on equity, and a concrete merger catalyst all contribute to more favorable relative positioning. MAA's higher dividend yield and lower valuation multiple are notable, but its negative year-to-date momentum and supply-driven NOI pressure suggest less trend consistency at present. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive and reflects current momentum, stability, and catalyst profiles rather than a recommendation on either security.
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 MAA is a Hold and PSA is a Hold.
MAA in downward trend: price expected to drop as it breaks its higher Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026
MAA broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 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 A.I.dvisor looked at 39 similar instances where the stock broke above the upper band. In 22 of the 39 cases the stock fell afterwards. This puts the odds of success at 56%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 33 of 62 cases where MAA's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 53%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MAA 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 52%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where MAA's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 15 of 31 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 48%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 10, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on MAA as a result. In 39 of 84 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 46%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for MAA just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where MAA's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 22 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 47%.
MAA moved above its 50-day moving average on November 09, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for MAA crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 10, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 20 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 40%.
Following a +3.25% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MAA advanced for three days, in 126 of 273 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 46%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 85 of 208 cases where MAA Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 41%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 16 (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 Seasonality Score of 55 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. MAA’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 79 (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.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 80 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued 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 (2.530) is normal, around the industry mean (2.264). P/E Ratio (34.673) is within average values for comparable stocks, (17.966). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.420) is also within normal values, averaging (6.621). Dividend Yield (0.051) settles around the average of (0.240) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (6.418) is also within normal values, averaging (5.580).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. MAA’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 95, placing this stock worse than average.
PSA in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026
The 10-day moving average for PSA crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 19 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 58%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on PSA as a result. In 52 of 102 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for PSA just turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where PSA's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 24 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
PSA 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.
Following a +2.86% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PSA advanced for three days, in 181 of 321 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 85 of 237 cases where PSA Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 36%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 8 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 18 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 PSA 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 57%.
PSA broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 21 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. PSA’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 27 (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 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 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 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 88, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 91 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued 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: PSA's P/B Ratio (13.027) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (2.701). P/E Ratio (32.078) is within average values for comparable stocks, (18.006). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.813) is also within normal values, averaging (11.190). Dividend Yield (0.036) settles around the average of (0.049) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (10.616) is also within normal values, averaging (8.208).
MAA | PSA | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 11 | 35 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 80 Overvalued | 91 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 59 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 79 | 27 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 57 | 21 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 16 | 28 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 55 | 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.
MAA's Valuation (80) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is in the same range as PSA (91). This means that MAA’s stock grew similarly to PSA’s over the last 12 months.
PSA's Profit vs Risk Rating (59) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is somewhat better than the same rating for MAA (100). This means that PSA’s stock grew somewhat faster than MAA’s over the last 12 months.
PSA's SMR Rating (27) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is somewhat better than the same rating for MAA (79). This means that PSA’s stock grew somewhat faster than MAA’s over the last 12 months.
PSA's Price Growth Rating (21) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is somewhat better than the same rating for MAA (57). This means that PSA’s stock grew somewhat faster than MAA’s over the last 12 months.
MAA's P/E Growth Rating (16) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is in the same range as PSA (28). This means that MAA’s stock grew similarly to PSA’s over the last 12 months.
| MAA | PSA | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 48% | 2 days ago 65% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 59% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 3 days ago 51% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 47% | 7 days ago 55% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 57% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 50% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 21 days ago 46% | 8 days ago 56% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 52% | 6 days ago 57% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | 2 days ago 56% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 41% | 2 days ago 36% |
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).
MAA’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while PSA’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- MAA’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- PSA’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 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.
MAA’s TA Score shows that 7 TA indicator(s) are bullish while PSA’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- MAA’s TA Score: 7 bullish, 3 bearish.
- PSA’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
MAA (@Media Conglomerates) experienced а +1.30% price change this week, while PSA (@Miscellaneous Manufacturing) price change was +0.76% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Media Conglomerates industry was -2.69%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.23%, and the average quarterly price growth was -2.90%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry was -1.29%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +5.66%, and the average quarterly price growth was +7.88%.
Reported Earning Dates
MAA is expected to report earnings on Feb 10, 2027.
PSA is expected to report earnings on Feb 23, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Media Conglomerates (-2.69% weekly)Companies that operate in these three (or more) areas: broadcasting, cable TV, publishing and movies/entertainment. The companies usually have a large share in these markets. Walt Disney Co . is an example.
@Miscellaneous Manufacturing (-1.29% weekly)Miscellaneous manufacturing refers to a diverse range of products that cannot readily be categorized into other specific sectors of manufacturing. Major U.S. players in this industry include AMETEK, Inc.( analytical instruments, precision components and specialty materials), Dover Corporation (solutions for efficiency and safety of extracting oil and gas, e.g. rod lifts, progressing cavity pumps, gas lifts etc.; solutions for the transportation/transformation of solid waste; products for safe handling of critical fluids for various industries; systems for commercial-refrigeration, heating and cooling, and food and beverage packaging), and Carlisle Companies Incorporated (niche markets including commercial roofing, energy, lawn and garden, mining and construction equipment, aerospace and electronics, dining and food delivery, and healthcare), among others.
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MAA and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MAA has been closely correlated with CPT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 92% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if MAA jumps, then CPT could also see price increases.
PSA and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, PSA has been closely correlated with EXR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 88% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if PSA jumps, then EXR could also see price increases.