Sam Landy, president and CEO of UMH Properties, Inc. (NYSE: UMH), sat down for a video interview at Nareit's REITweek: 2026 Investor Conference in New York, June 1-4.
Landy said affordability challenges continue to strengthen demand for manufactured housing, particularly through UMH's rental home strategy. Renting introduces new residents to manufactured home communities, many of whom later become homeowners after experiencing the value, space, and lifestyle the communities provide.
He also believes investors are overlooking UMH's long-term earnings potential. While the company's dividend currently yields about 6%, Landy noted that UMH has approximately $200 million invested in projects that have yet to begin generating income.
"People are able to see where we are today, but I'm not certain that they're focused on all the work we've done to position ourselves to continue to grow earnings per share and the dividend," Landy said.
Landy added that policymakers have become increasingly supportive of manufactured housing through financing initiatives and housing legislation that should improve access to affordable homeownership.
Looking ahead, he emphasized that UMH's REIT structure remains one of its greatest competitive advantages.
"Being a REIT is incredibly important because it gives us access to capital," Landy said. That access allows UMH to acquire and modernize older communities, add new rental homes, and generate returns that many private owners cannot match, he added.