Essex Property Trust Inc (ESS)vsMid-America Apartment Communities Inc (MAA)
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$242.55
+0.98%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $16.61B
MAA
Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc
$122.38
+0.48%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $14.62B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc generates 14% more annual revenue ($2.21B vs $1.94B). ESS leads profitability with a 34.6% profit margin vs 20.2%. ESS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 6.86. ESS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
ESS
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
MAA
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-279.1%
Fair Value
$68.95
Current Price
$242.54
$173.59 premium
Margin of Safety
-429.3%
Fair Value
$25.70
Current Price
$122.38
$96.68 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.9%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 100.0% year-over-year
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.4%
Areas to Watch
3.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 68.7%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ESS
The strongest argument for ESS centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.6% and operating margin at 32.9%.
Bull Case : MAA
The strongest argument for MAA centers on Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.2% and operating margin at 28.4%. Revenue growth of 100.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : MAA
The primary concerns for MAA are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ESS profiles as a value stock while MAA is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MAA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — expect wider price swings.
MAA is growing revenue faster at 100.0% — sustainability is the question.
ESS generates stronger free cash flow (195M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ESS scores higher overall (53/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 34.6% 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.
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.
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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