What's Happening?
SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc., a prominent owner and operator of self-storage facilities in the U.S. and Canada, has been included in the MSCI US REIT Index (RMZ). This inclusion, effective after market close on August 26, 2025, marks a significant milestone for the company. The MSCI US REIT Index is a leading benchmark for the U.S. real estate sector, comprising equity REITs and serving as a key measure of real estate performance for institutional investors and asset managers globally. H. Michael Schwartz, Chairman and CEO of SmartStop, expressed honor at the inclusion, highlighting the opportunity to broaden the company's shareholder base and increase visibility within the publicly traded REIT community. SmartStop's portfolio includes 236 operating properties across 23 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, totaling approximately 170,500 units and 19.1 million rentable square feet.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of SmartStop in the MSCI US REIT Index is poised to enhance the company's visibility and engagement with the investment community, particularly those dedicated to REIT investments. This development underscores SmartStop's growth trajectory and its strategic positioning within the real estate sector. For investors, the inclusion in a widely recognized index like MSCI US REIT can signal stability and potential for growth, making SmartStop an attractive option for those looking to invest in self-storage facilities. The broader visibility may also lead to increased investment and support for SmartStop's expansion efforts, benefiting stakeholders and potentially driving further growth in the self-storage market.