Camden Property Trust (CPT)vsEssex Property Trust Inc (ESS)
CPT
Camden Property Trust
$112.60
+0.53%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $11.39B
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$285.43
+0.29%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $19.56B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essex Property Trust Inc generates 24% more annual revenue ($1.97B vs $1.58B). ESS leads profitability with a 29.1% profit margin vs 24.5%. ESS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 7.39. ESS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
CPT
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
ESS
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+13.8%
Fair Value
$128.50
Current Price
$112.60
$15.90 discount
Margin of Safety
+35.2%
Fair Value
$403.62
Current Price
$285.43
$118.19 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 35.2%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Operating margin of 3.7%
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 47.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CPT
The strongest argument for CPT centers on Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.5% and operating margin at 3.7%.
Bull Case : ESS
The strongest argument for ESS centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.1% and operating margin at 35.2%.
Bear Case : CPT
The primary concerns for CPT are P/E Ratio, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CPT profiles as a declining stock while ESS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CPT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.81 — expect wider price swings.
ESS is growing revenue faster at 6.4% — sustainability is the question.
ESS generates stronger free cash flow (244M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ESS scores higher overall (53/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 29.1% margins. 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.
Camden Property Trust
REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA
Camden Property Trust, an S&P 400 company, is a real estate company primarily engaged in the ownership, management, development, remodeling, acquisition, and construction of multi-family apartment communities.
Visit Website →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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