MAA(US:MAA) Yahoo Finance·2026-02-21 13:58Core Insights - Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA) is recognized as one of the 14 best real estate stocks to buy according to hedge funds [1] - Citi has reduced its price target for MAA from $155 to $148 while maintaining a Neutral rating, reflecting concerns in the multifamily sector [2] - Cantor Fitzgerald slightly raised its price target for MAA from $137 to $141, also maintaining a Neutral rating, emphasizing the importance of new lease rate growth as the leasing season approaches [2] Financial Performance - During the Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Brad Hill reported that core FFO met expectations despite high supply levels, with occupancy increasing by 10 basis points and same-store blended lease performance improving by 40 basis points year-over-year [3] - The company anticipates blended lease rates to improve by 110 to 160 basis points and effective rent growth to increase by approximately 85 basis points compared to 2025 [3] Investment and Development - The company is focusing on technology and property enhancements, including digital initiatives and community-wide WiFi, with capital spending on redevelopment expected to rise by over 10% in 2026 [4] - MAA has an active development pipeline valued at $932 million, including a recently acquired project in Scottsdale, Arizona, and plans for a 287-unit apartment community in Arlington, Virginia, with expected stabilized NOI yields of 6% to 6.5% [5] Company Overview - Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. is a multifamily REIT that owns, operates, acquires, and selectively develops apartment communities, primarily in the Southeast, Southwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States [6]