American Tower Corp (AMT)vsEssex Property Trust Inc (ESS)
AMT
American Tower Corp
$182.71
+2.54%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $85.12B
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$263.21
-0.65%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $18.32B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Tower Corp generates 459% more annual revenue ($10.82B vs $1.94B). ESS leads profitability with a 34.6% profit margin vs 26.8%. AMT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.97. AMT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
AMT
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
ESS
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+17.6%
Fair Value
$219.10
Current Price
$182.71
$36.39 discount
Margin of Safety
+39.3%
Fair Value
$430.90
Current Price
$263.21
$167.69 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 45.3%
Earnings expanding 76.9% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.9%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 24.2x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
3.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 68.7%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AMT
The strongest argument for AMT centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.8% and operating margin at 45.3%.
Bull Case : ESS
The strongest argument for ESS centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.6% and operating margin at 32.9%.
Bear Case : AMT
The primary concerns for AMT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AMT profiles as a mature stock while ESS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AMT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.
AMT is growing revenue faster at 6.8% — sustainability is the question.
AMT generates stronger free cash flow (951M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AMT scores higher overall (72/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 26.8% margins. ESS offers better value entry with a 39.3% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" 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 Tower Corp
REAL ESTATE · REIT - SPECIALTY · USA
American Tower Corporation (also referred to as American Tower or ATC) is an American real estate investment trust and an owner and operator of wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure in several countries worldwide and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
Essex Property Trust Inc
REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA
Essex Property Trust is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that invests in apartments, primarily on the West Coast of the United States.
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