Elme Communities (ELME)vsEssex Property Trust Inc (ESS)
ELME
Elme Communities
$1.62
0.00%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $145.73M
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$283.21
-1.70%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $19.58B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essex Property Trust Inc generates 700% more annual revenue ($1.98B vs $247.63M). ESS leads profitability with a 20.9% profit margin vs -74.7%. ESS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 7.39. ESS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 49/100 (D+).
ELME
Hold41
out of 100
Grade: D
ESS
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+88.8%
Fair Value
$19.93
Current Price
$1.62
$18.31 discount
Margin of Safety
+35.1%
Fair Value
$403.12
Current Price
$283.21
$119.91 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 34.0%
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
1.7% revenue growth
0.0% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Elevated debt levels
3.1% revenue growth
ROE of 7.8% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ELME
The strongest argument for ELME 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 : ELME
The primary concerns for ELME are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 44.3x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ELME profiles as a turnaround stock while ESS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ELME carries more volatility with a beta of 0.79 — expect wider price swings.
ESS is growing revenue faster at 3.1% — sustainability is the question.
ESS generates stronger free cash flow (234M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ESS scores higher overall (49/100 vs 41/100), backed by strong 20.9% margins. ELME offers better value entry with a 88.8% margin of safety. 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.
Elme Communities
REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA
Elme Communities owns and operates real estate assets in a unique position in the Washington metropolitan area.
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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