WallStSmart

Crown Castle (CCI)vsMid-America Apartment Communities Inc (MAA)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Crown Castle generates 91% more annual revenue ($4.21B vs $2.21B). CCI leads profitability with a 25.1% profit margin vs 20.2%. CCI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.42. MAA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).

CCI

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

MAA

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.78
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
MAAFair Value (-4.6%)

Margin of Safety

-4.6%

Fair Value

$130.06

Current Price

$129.71

$0.35 premium

UndervaluedFair: $130.06Overvalued

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

MAA3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
20.2%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.4%

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%

MAA4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
39.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.0%4/10

1.0% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
7.7%3/10

ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : MAA

The strongest argument for MAA centers on Profit Margin, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.2% and operating margin at 28.4%.

Bear Case : CCI

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

Bear Case : MAA

The primary concerns for MAA are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

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

MAA is growing revenue faster at 1.0% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

MAA scores higher overall (52/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 20.2% 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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Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc

REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA

Mid-America Apartment Communities (MAA) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust based in Memphis, Tennessee that invests in apartments in the Southeastern United States and the Southwestern United States.

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