Essex Property Trust Inc (ESS)vsMid-America Apartment Communities Inc (MAA)
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$267.06
-0.55%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $18.53B
MAA
Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc
$125.71
-1.19%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $15.48B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc generates 13% more annual revenue ($2.21B vs $1.97B). ESS leads profitability with a 29.1% profit margin vs 17.6%. MAA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 7.03. ESS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
ESS
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
MAA
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+40.0%
Fair Value
$435.82
Current Price
$267.06
$168.76 discount
Margin of Safety
-4.4%
Fair Value
$130.28
Current Price
$125.71
$4.57 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 35.2%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 47.8%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
0.8% revenue growth
ROE of 6.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : MAA
The strongest argument for MAA centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.6% and operating margin at 26.6%.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : MAA
The primary concerns for MAA are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ESS profiles as a mature stock while MAA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MAA 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.
ESS generates stronger free cash flow (244M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ESS scores higher overall (53/100 vs 50/100), 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.
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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