Equity Residential (EQR)vsEssex Property Trust Inc (ESS)
EQR
Equity Residential
$69.83
+0.43%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $25.59B
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$298.33
+0.29%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $19.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Equity Residential generates 58% more annual revenue ($3.11B vs $1.97B). EQR leads profitability with a 30.6% profit margin vs 29.1%. ESS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 7.39. ESS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
EQR
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
ESS
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-9.1%
Fair Value
$59.28
Current Price
$69.83
$10.55 premium
Margin of Safety
+35.0%
Fair Value
$402.15
Current Price
$298.33
$103.82 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 27.4%
Strong operational efficiency at 35.2%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
2.5% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 64.6%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 47.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : EQR
The strongest argument for EQR centers on Profit Margin, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.6% and operating margin at 27.4%.
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 : EQR
The primary concerns for EQR are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
EQR profiles as a value stock while ESS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
EQR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.76 — expect wider price swings.
ESS is growing revenue faster at 6.4% — sustainability is the question.
EQR generates stronger free cash flow (335M), 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.
Equity Residential
REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA
Equity Residential is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that invests in apartments.
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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