WallStSmart

Crown Castle (CCI)vsEquity Residential (EQR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Crown Castle generates 36% more annual revenue ($4.21B vs $3.09B). EQR leads profitability with a 36.2% profit margin vs 25.1%. CCI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.42. EQR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).

CCI

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.67

EQR

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.16
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CCIOvervalued (-13.3%)

Margin of Safety

-13.3%

Fair Value

$75.96

Current Price

$88.78

$12.82 premium

UndervaluedFair: $75.96Overvalued
EQRUndervalued (+4.2%)

Margin of Safety

+4.2%

Fair Value

$67.46

Current Price

$65.38

$2.08 discount

UndervaluedFair: $67.46Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CCI3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Operating MarginProfitability
47.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 47.7%

Debt/EquityHealth
-18.0810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Profit MarginProfitability
25.1%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EQR3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
36.2%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.5%

Areas to Watch

CCI4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
36.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-206.7%2/10

ROE of -206.7% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-4.8%2/10

Revenue declined 4.8%

EQR4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.0%4/10

2.0% revenue growth

PEG RatioValuation
16.102/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-8.8%2/10

Earnings declined 8.8%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.162/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CCI

The strongest argument for CCI centers on Operating Margin, Debt/Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.1% and operating margin at 47.7%. PEG of 1.42 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : EQR

The strongest argument for EQR centers on Profit Margin, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.2% and operating margin at 28.5%.

Bear Case : CCI

The primary concerns for CCI are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : EQR

The primary concerns for EQR are Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CCI profiles as a declining stock while EQR is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CCI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.96 — expect wider price swings.

EQR is growing revenue faster at 2.0% — sustainability is the question.

CCI generates stronger free cash flow (452M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CCI scores higher overall (51/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 25.1% margins. Both earn "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.

Crown Castle

REAL ESTATE · REIT - SPECIALTY · USA

Crown Castle is a real estate investment trust and provider of shared communications infrastructure in the United States. Its network includes over 40,000 cell towers and nearly 80,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells and fiber solutions. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company has 100 offices nationwide.

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Equity Residential

REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA

Equity Residential is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that invests in apartments.

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