Apartment Investment and Management Co (AIV)vsEssex Property Trust Inc (ESS)
AIV
Apartment Investment and Management Co
$4.03
-1.47%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $816.91M
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$242.14
-0.56%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $16.84B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essex Property Trust Inc generates 818% more annual revenue ($1.94B vs $210.89M). AIV leads profitability with a 115.5% profit margin vs 34.6%. ESS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 7.39. ESS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
AIV
Hold38
out of 100
Grade: F
ESS
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AIV.
Margin of Safety
-269.3%
Fair Value
$70.79
Current Price
$242.14
$171.35 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 116 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.9%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Trading at 9.2x book value
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -30.6% — below average capital efficiency
3.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 68.7%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AIV
The strongest argument for AIV centers on Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 115.5% and operating margin at -15.7%.
Bull 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%.
Bear Case : AIV
The primary concerns for AIV are Price/Book, Market Cap, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AIV profiles as a declining stock while ESS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AIV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.35 — expect wider price swings.
ESS is growing revenue faster at 3.2% — sustainability is the question.
ESS generates stronger free cash flow (195M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ESS scores higher overall (53/100 vs 38/100), backed by strong 34.6% 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.
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