WallStSmart

Centerspace (CSR)vsEssex Property Trust Inc (ESS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Essex Property Trust Inc generates 629% more annual revenue ($1.98B vs $271.64M). ESS leads profitability with a 20.9% profit margin vs 3.1%. ESS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 7.39. ESS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 49/100 (D+).

CSR

Hold

38

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.5Value: 3.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.20

ESS

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 5.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CSR.

ESSUndervalued (+35.3%)

Margin of Safety

+35.3%

Fair Value

$403.84

Current Price

$284.14

$119.70 discount

UndervaluedFair: $403.84Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSR1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

ESS2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
34.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.0%

Profit MarginProfitability
20.9%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

CSR4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$985.05M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
1.2%3/10

ROE of 1.2% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
3.1%3/10

3.1% margin — thin

ESS4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.1%4/10

3.1% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.263/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
7.392/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
44.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CSR

The strongest argument for CSR centers on Price/Book.

Bull Case : ESS

The strongest argument for ESS centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.9% and operating margin at 34.0%.

Bear Case : CSR

The primary concerns for CSR are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. A P/E of 118.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : ESS

The primary concerns for ESS are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 44.3x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.

ESS is growing revenue faster at 3.1% — sustainability is the question.

ESS generates stronger free cash flow (267M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor REIT - RESIDENTIAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ESS scores higher overall (49/100 vs 38/100), backed by strong 20.9% margins. Both earn "Hold" 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.

Centerspace

REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA

IRET is a real estate company focused on the ownership, management, acquisition, remodeling and development of apartment communities.

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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