Essex Property Trust Inc (ESS)vsUDR Inc (UDR)
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$298.33
+0.29%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $19.41B
UDR
UDR Inc
$41.09
+0.77%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $14.22B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essex Property Trust Inc generates 11% more annual revenue ($1.97B vs $1.77B). ESS leads profitability with a 29.1% profit margin vs 27.8%. ESS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 7.39. UDR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
ESS
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
UDR
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+35.0%
Fair Value
$402.15
Current Price
$298.33
$103.82 discount
Margin of Safety
+30.3%
Fair Value
$57.04
Current Price
$41.09
$15.95 discount
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
Earnings expanding 151.6% YoY
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 22.0%
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 47.8%
Moderate valuation
4.2% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : UDR
The strongest argument for UDR centers on EPS Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.8% and operating margin at 22.0%.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : UDR
The primary concerns for UDR are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.78 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ESS profiles as a mature stock while UDR is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ESS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.73 — expect wider price swings.
ESS is growing revenue faster at 6.4% — sustainability is the question.
ESS generates stronger free cash flow (267M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
UDR scores higher overall (59/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 27.8% margins. ESS offers better value entry with a 35.0% margin of safety. 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.
UDR Inc
REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA
UDR Inc. is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that invests in apartments. The company is organized in Maryland with its headquarters in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
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