WallStSmart

American Assets Trust Inc (AAT)vsCTO Realty Growth Inc (CTO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Assets Trust Inc generates 170% more annual revenue ($435.37M vs $161.10M). CTO leads profitability with a 32.6% profit margin vs 4.1%. CTO trades at a lower P/E of 15.0x. CTO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

AAT

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.56

CTO

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.0Value: 7.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.08
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AATUndervalued (+50.5%)

Margin of Safety

+50.5%

Fair Value

$37.41

Current Price

$21.50

$15.91 discount

UndervaluedFair: $37.41Overvalued
CTOUndervalued (+87.2%)

Margin of Safety

+87.2%

Fair Value

$144.13

Current Price

$20.71

$123.42 discount

UndervaluedFair: $144.13Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAT2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
24.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.3%

CTO6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
32.6%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
1200.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 1200.0% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
15.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
25.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.4%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.5%8/10

16.5% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

AAT4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.4%4/10

1.4% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$1.66B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
2.0%3/10

ROE of 2.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
4.1%3/10

4.1% margin — thin

CTO4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$776.32M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
7.9%3/10

ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.043/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-32.78M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AAT

The strongest argument for AAT centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bull Case : CTO

The strongest argument for CTO centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.6% and operating margin at 25.4%. Revenue growth of 16.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AAT

The primary concerns for AAT are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. A P/E of 71.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.53 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : CTO

The primary concerns for CTO are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AAT profiles as a value stock while CTO is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

AAT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.97 — expect wider price swings.

CTO is growing revenue faster at 16.5% — sustainability is the question.

AAT generates stronger free cash flow (24M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CTO scores higher overall (62/100 vs 44/100), backed by strong 32.6% margins and 16.5% revenue growth. AAT offers better value entry with a 50.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

American Assets Trust Inc

REAL ESTATE · REIT - DIVERSIFIED · USA

American Assets Trust, Inc. is a self-managed, vertically integrated, full-service real estate investment trust, or REIT, based in San Diego, California.

CTO Realty Growth Inc

REAL ESTATE · REIT - DIVERSIFIED · USA

CTO Realty Growth, Inc. is a Florida-based publicly traded real estate company owning approximately 2 income properties.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?