In this article, we will take a look at the 12 best warehouse and self-storage stocks to buy now.
A Quick Look at the Warehousing and Storage Market
The warehouse and self-storage sector plays a vital role in the global economy. This sector is expected to see significant growth and transformation in the coming years. According to a report by The Business Research Company, the warehousing and storage market was estimated to have reached a value of $798.45 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% during 2025-2029 to reach a value of $1.159 trillion by the end of the forecast period. In 2024, Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the global warehousing and storage industry while North America came in as the second largest region.
This growth is driven by a number of factors including urbanization, growing population, and the rise of e-commerce. There is a rising demand for secure storage solutions as both individuals and businesses downsize their spaces and require additional space for inventory. Warehouses and self-storage facilities are becoming the most feasible solutions for those looking to declutter their homes or store goods for their online businesses.
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However, according to the 2024 Self-Storage Market Report by Storeganise, public awareness of self-storage services still remains low. Only 43% of the population knows about these services and only 8.7% of the population is actively considering using self-storage solutions. Those who do use self-storage solutions are highly satisfied with the services. Nevertheless, 39% of customers think that the costs are high. These trends highlight an opportunity for self-storage providers to improve their outreach and marketing efforts while also addressing concerns about pricing to attract a wider audience.
Another key trend in the world of warehousing and self-storage is the integration of advanced technologies. As the demand for storage services rises with the growing logistics needs of retailers and manufacturers, companies offering warehousing and self-storage solutions are adopting new and innovative technologies to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. Technological innovations like smart security solutions and automation are helping facilities modernize and improve their services.
With rising urbanization, technological advancements, and a booming e-commerce sector, the warehouse and self-storage market is expected to continue growing in the foreseeable future.
A wide-angle shot of a large warehouse, filled with numerous self-storage units.
Methodology
To compile our list of the 12 best warehouse and self-storage stocks to buy now, we looked for the largest warehouse and self-storage companies. We reviewed our own rankings, financial media reports, and various online resources including ETFs to compile a list of the best warehouse and self-storage stocks. Next, we focused on the top 12 stocks most favored by institutional investors. Data for the hedge fund sentiment surrounding each stock was taken from Insider Monkey’s Q3 2024 database of 900 elite hedge funds. The 12 best warehouse and self-storage stocks to buy now are ranked in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in them as of Q3 2024.
Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).
12 Best Warehouse and Self-Storage Stocks to Buy Now
12. National Storage Affiliates Trust (NYSE:NSA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 20
National Storage Affiliates Trust (NYSE:NSA) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns, operates, and acquires self-storage facilities in the United States. The company’s properties are primarily located within the top 100 metropolitan statistical areas in the country. National Storage Affiliates Trust (NYSE:NSA) owns and operates over 1,000 self-storage properties located in 42 states and Puerto Rico with about 70 million rentable square feet.
The company has completed the internalization of its participating regional operator (PRO) structure, effective July 1, 2024. This allows National Storage Affiliates Trust (NYSE:NSA) to acquire the PROs’ management agreements and no longer pay any supervisory and administrative fees. This strategic move is expected to lead to annual savings of about $7.5 to $9 million.
The company is strategically focused on internal efficiencies and strategic acquisitions. During the third quarter of 2024, National Storage Affiliates Trust (NYSE:NSA) acquired 18 properties for nearly $150 million. These properties are located in markets where the company already has a strong presence. These investments are expected to improve the overall portfolio quality and enhance the company’s operational efficiencies.
11. Janus International Group Inc. (NYSE:JBI)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22
Janus International Group Inc. (NYSE:JBI) is a manufacturer and supplier of building solutions for commercial, industrial, and self-storage facilities. The company offers a diverse range of products and services, including doors, hallway systems, relocatable storage units, and access control technologies. Janus International Group Inc. (NYSE:JBI) offers Nokē Smart Entry, an electronic smart locking system that is fitted on doors to improve the security of individual self-storage units. By combining cutting-edge technology with its high-quality offerings, JBI has positioned itself well in the self-storage sector.
The company is focused on long-term profitability and continues to invest in the business with a clear commitment to innovation. In April 2024, Janus International Group Inc. (NYSE:JBI) launched its Nokē Ion product, an inside-the-door, magnetic, hardwired smart locking system.
However, the company faced pressure in Q3 2024 due to macroeconomic factors, interest rate uncertainty, and project delays. Janus International Group Inc. (NYSE:JBI) is taking proactive measures to align with current market conditions and has announced a structural cost reduction plan. This plan is designed to streamline and rightsize the business and is expected to generate $8 million to $12 million of annual pre-tax cost savings.
10. U-Haul Holding Company (NYSE:UHAL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22
U-Haul Holding Company (NYSE:UHAL), previously known as AMERCO, is an American company that rents moving trucks, trailers, and self-storage units. With over 1 million rentable storage units and more than 89 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities, UHAL is one of the largest self-storage operators in North America.
The company is strategically positioning itself for future growth by growing its storage facilities. In the fiscal second quarter of 2025, which ended on September 30, 2024, U-Haul Holding Company (NYSE:UHAL) added 11 new storage locations and added 900,000 net rentable square feet to its portfolio. One of these was an acquisition of an existing storage location while the others were internally developed. Additionally, by the end of the quarter, U-Haul Holding Company (NYSE:UHAL) had about 16.8 million net rentable square feet in development or pending.
In Q2 2025, the company’s self-storage business reported a revenue increase of 7.5% year-over-year. The average revenue per occupied also increased by 1.6%. In the first half of fiscal 2025, U-Haul Holding Company (NYSE:UHAL) invested $734 million in real estate acquisitions and development costs associated with self-storage and U-Box warehouses.
9. CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26
CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in self-storage properties in the United States. With over 1,200 storage properties, it is one of the largest owners and operators of self-storage properties in the US. The company provides affordable and accessible storage space for commercial and residential customers.
The company remains disciplined in its capital allocation while actively seeking opportunities that align with its investment strategy. CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE) continues to experience positive trends and remains a third-party manager of choice. During the first nine months of 2024, the company added 131 stores to its third-party management platform. 2024 marks the 8th straight year of adding 130 or more stores annually to the company’s portfolio.
Additionally, CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE) has agreements in place for the construction and development of self-storage properties in high-barrier-to-entry locations. By the end of the third quarter of 2024, the company had two joint venture development properties under construction in New York. The company expects to invest a total of $36.9 million related to these projects, which are expected to open during the third quarter of 2025.
8. Public Storage (NYSE:PSA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28
Public Storage (NYSE:PSA) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that is focused on acquiring, developing, owning, and operating self-storage facilities. The company has more than 3,300 storage facilities in the US. PSA offers self-storage facilities, business storage, vehicle and RV storage, boat storage, and climate-controlled storage services.
The company is focused on growth initiatives. In the third quarter of 2024, Public Storage (NYSE:PSA) acquired 3 self-storage facilities with 200,000 net rentable square feet for $24.3 million. Additionally, the company opened a newly developed facility and successfully completed a number of expansion projects, which together added 500,000 net rentable square feet at a cost of $142.6 million. By the end of the third quarter of 2024, Public Storage (NYSE:PSA) had various facilities under development and in expansion, which together are expected to add 4 million net rentable square feet at a cost of $712.4 million.
Another key area of focus for the company is utilities. Public Storage (NYSE:PSA) has reduced its utilities usage by 30% by switching to LED lighting across its portfolio and installing solar power systems at more than 800 properties. The company has increased its solar energy goal to 1,300 properties by the end of 2025.
7. Americold Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE:COLD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28
Americold Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE:COLD) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns, operates, acquires, and develops temperature-controlled warehouses and provides logistics services. Playing a vital part in the supply chain for the food industry, the company has a portfolio of 239 warehouses with around 1.5 billion refrigerated cubic feet of storage, in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America. COLD ranks among the best warehouse stocks to buy.
The company is focused on future growth as it continues to prioritize expansion and automation projects. Americold Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE:COLD) announced a new $148 million automated expansion project in Dallas-Fort Worth. This expansion will add 50,000 pallet positions and 19 million cubic feet to the company’s portfolio.
On top of this, Americold Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE:COLD) is working on a number of other development initiatives such as a 37,000 pallet position expansion in Allentown, Pennsylvania, that will add 15 million cubic feet and a 40,000 pallet position facility in Dubai. Both projects are on track to open in Q2 of 2025.
6. Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28
Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates self-storage properties. As the largest operator of self-storage properties in the United States, the company’s portfolio includes more than 3,800 self-storage stores totaling over 296 million square feet of rentable storage space. Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR) offers a wide range of conveniently located and secure storage units across the US, including boat storage, RV storage, and business storage.
In July 2023, Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR) merged with Life Storage to create the largest storage operator in the United States. With this merger, the company is on track to unlock at least $100 million in annual synergies and deliver strong financial performance in the future. In August 2024, Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR) started rebranding Life Storage stores as Extra Space Storage facilities. The company expects to see the complete benefits of a single brand soon.
The company is also focused on expanding its store network. In Q3 2024, Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR) added 63 third-party managed stores, resulting in a net addition of 38 stores. On the acquisition side, the company had invested $334 million in wholly-owned and joint venture acquisitions year-to-date by the end of Q3 2024.
5. GXO Logistics Inc. (NYSE:GXO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 33
GXO Logistics Inc. (NYSE:GXO) is an American global contract logistics company that helps blue-chip companies solve complex logistics challenges with technologically advanced supply chain and e-commerce solutions. The company provides a variety of services including warehousing, transportation, order fulfillment, e-commerce, and reverse logistics. With approximately 970 warehouse locations and around 200 million square feet of warehouse space in 27 countries, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the rapid growth of e-commerce and digitization. GXO ranks among the best warehouse stocks to invest in.
In Q3 2024, the company reported a 28% year-over-year increase in revenue, which reached a record $3.2 billion. During the quarter, GXO Logistics Inc. (NYSE:GXO) signed new business wins worth $226 million. As of the end of the third quarter of 2024, this brought the company’s year-to-date wins to approximately $750 million. Additionally, the company has a strong sales pipeline that has grown 30% year-over-year to reach $2.4 billion. GXO Logistics Inc. (NYSE:GXO) is set to deliver a record year for new business wins in 2024.
The company is strategically focused on the growing demand for e-commerce capacity and automation. E-commerce has been a key growth driver for GXO Logistics Inc. (NYSE:GXO). More than half of the company’s new wins in Q3 2024 came from e-fulfillment services. GXO also opened the largest e-commerce warehouse in France, in partnership with a long-term customer, which is highly automated.
4. Lineage Inc. (NASDAQ:LINE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 35
Lineage Inc. (NASDAQ:LINE) is the world’s largest global temperature-controlled warehouse real estate investment trust (REIT). The company has a network of more than 480 strategically located facilities covering over 84 million square feet across countries in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Combining end-to-end supply chain solutions and technology, Lineage Inc. (NASDAQ:LINE) serves some of the world’s largest food and beverage producers, retailers, and distributors. LINE is one of the best warehouse stocks to buy according to hedge funds.
The company is committed to growing its business as it strategically deploys capital. In September 2024, Lineage Inc. (NASDAQ:LINE) opened an advanced and innovative cold store in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. This facility features fully automated systems powered by the company’s patented LinOS technology and algorithms. Additionally, on November 1, 2024, Lineage Inc. (NASDAQ:LINE) acquired ColdPoint Logistics for $223 million. This expands the company’s presence in the strategic Kansas City market.
ClearBridge Investments, an investment management company, in its “ClearBridge Mid Cap Growth Strategy” third quarter 2024 investor letter pointed out that Lineage Inc. (NASDAQ:LINE) is strategically expanding its footprint along major transportation centers instead of just at the start or end point of delivery routes. This strategy has helped the company become a preferred partner for businesses producing and distributing frozen foods. Additionally, the investment management firm believes that Lineage Inc. (NASDAQ:LINE) has shown a proven track record of effectively using capital to expand its geographic reach and solidify its position in the market.
3. First Industrial Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE:FR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37
First Industrial Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE:FR) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns, operates, develops, and acquires industrial real estate and logistics properties. With a focus on supply-constrained, coastally oriented markets across the United States, the company has a strong portfolio of light industrial properties and bulk warehouse properties. Providing high-quality facilities to multinational corporations and local organizations to meet their supply chain needs, FR ranks among the best warehouse stocks to invest in.
As of September 30, 2024, the company owned or had under development around 69 million square feet of industrial space. First Industrial Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE:FR) is strategically focused on expanding and optimizing its portfolio through investments and dispositions. In Q3 2024, the company commenced the development of First Rockdale VII in Nashville. This is a new project that will cover 542,000 square feet with an estimated investment of $54 million. Additionally, First Industrial Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE:FR) acquired a four-building fully leased portfolio in Houston covering 445,000 square feet for a total of $29 million. On the other hand, during the quarter, the company sold a seven-building portfolio in New Jersey covering 445,000 square feet for $82 million.
It appears there is a strong demand for the company’s properties. First Industrial Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE:FR) reported that in-service occupancy was 95% at the end of Q3 2024. Additionally, the company has achieved strong cash rental rate increases, with a reported increase of approximately 51% on leases signed for 2024 to-date by the end of the third quarter. With regards to development leasing, First Industrial Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE:FR) leased 100% of the 461,000 square-foot First Pioneer Logistics Center in the Inland Empire shortly after starting the project in Q3 2024.
2. Prologis Inc. (NYSE:PLD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 49
Prologis Inc. (NYSE:PLD) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in logistics facilities with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. Through its portfolio of warehouses and properties, the company serves a diverse base of more than 6,500 customers primarily across two major categories, business-to-business and retail/online fulfillment. PLD is one of the best warehouse stocks to invest in.
The company is strategically focused on actively growing and optimizing its business. In Q3 2024, Prologis Inc. (NYSE:PLD) deployed more than $500 million in development projects. In the Q3 2024 earnings call, management shared that year-to-date the company has acquired over 14 million square feet of strategic assets at an estimated 20% discount to replacement cost.
As a global leader in logistics real estate solutions, the company claims that around 2.8% of the world’s GDP flows through its distribution centers annually. As of September 30, 2024, Prologis Inc. (NYSE:PLD) owned or had investments in properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.2 billion square feet. Compared to other REITs in the sector, the company has a stronger position in the market with a presence in 20 countries across four continents. With its unparalleled scale and capabilities, Prologis Inc. (NYSE:PLD) stands out as the partner of choice for prominent global clients as it meets their needs in supply chain, digital, and energy infrastructure.
1. WillScot Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:WSC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 52
WillScot Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:WSC) is a company that designs, delivers, and services temporary space and storage solutions in North America. The corporation offers a variety of products, including modular office complexes, mobile offices, portable storage containers, protective buildings and climate-controlled units, and clearspan structures. With more than 130 million square feet of turnkey space, the company serves customers in a number of industries, including education, construction, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and entertainment.
Silver Beech Capital, a value-oriented investment management firm, has a positive outlook on WillScot Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:WSC). In its third-quarter 2024 investor letter, the investment management firm pointed out that it has a positive outlook on WSC and believes that the market underestimates the company’s steady leasing revenues and potential for rental growth. Silver Beech Capital noted that WillScot Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:WSC) has historically focused on pricing over utilization while also justifying price hikes by offering the most extensive range of value-added products and services.
With regards to WillScot Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:WSC), Silver Beech Capital’s estimate of the intrinsic value of the stock stands at $55 per share, which reflects an increase of more than 45% compared to the stock price at the end of the third quarter of 2024. This estimate by the firm is based on projected growth in earnings driven by positive trends in the sector, strong continued capital allocation, and deleveraging. Silver Beech Capital highlighted that specialty rental services are growing as customers demand more complex and tailored solutions. The firm also noted that the biggest rental providers are winning the largest customers by providing superior service and investing in technology.
Overall, WSC ranks first among the 12 best warehouse and self-storage stocks to buy now. While we acknowledge the potential of warehouse and self-storage companies, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than WSC but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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