Apartment Investment and Management Co (AIV)vsEssex Property Trust Inc (ESS)
AIV
Apartment Investment and Management Co
$3.03
-0.98%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $615.70M
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$285.43
+0.29%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $19.56B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essex Property Trust Inc generates 1320% more annual revenue ($1.97B vs $138.49M). AIV leads profitability with a 400.0% 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-).
AIV
Hold41
out of 100
Grade: D
ESS
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-57.2%
Fair Value
$3.76
Current Price
$3.03
$0.73 premium
Margin of Safety
+35.2%
Fair Value
$403.62
Current Price
$285.43
$118.19 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Every $100 of equity generates 78 in profit
Keeps 400 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.2%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 3.9%
Earnings declined 63.2%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 47.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AIV
The strongest argument for AIV centers on Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 400.0% and operating margin at -84.6%.
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 : AIV
The primary concerns for AIV are Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AIV profiles as a declining stock while ESS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
AIV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — 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 41/100), 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.
Apartment Investment and Management Co
REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA
Aimco is a Real Estate Investment Trust focused on property development, redevelopment, and various other value-creating investment strategies targeting the US multi-family market.
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.
Compare with Other REIT - RESIDENTIAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?