American Tower Corp (AMT)vsMFA Financial Inc (MFA)
AMT
American Tower Corp
$194.12
+0.11%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $86.44B
MFA
MFA Financial Inc
$9.15
-3.38%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $947.43M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Tower Corp generates 3655% more annual revenue ($10.82B vs $288.15M). MFA leads profitability with a 46.7% profit margin vs 26.8%. AMT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.97. AMT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
AMT
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
MFA
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+7.0%
Fair Value
$194.13
Current Price
$194.12
$0.01 discount
Margin of Safety
+48.2%
Fair Value
$18.75
Current Price
$9.15
$9.60 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 79 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 45.9%
Earnings expanding 76.9% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 47 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 25.7x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 46.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AMT
The strongest argument for AMT centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.8% and operating margin at 45.9%.
Bull Case : MFA
The strongest argument for MFA centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 46.7% and operating margin at -2.3%.
Bear Case : AMT
The primary concerns for AMT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 12.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : MFA
The primary concerns for MFA are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 3.65 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AMT profiles as a mature stock while MFA is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
MFA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.50 — expect wider price swings.
AMT is growing revenue faster at 6.8% — sustainability is the question.
AMT generates stronger free cash flow (951M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AMT scores higher overall (72/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 26.8% margins. MFA offers better value entry with a 48.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.
American Tower Corp
REAL ESTATE · REIT - SPECIALTY · USA
American Tower Corporation (also referred to as American Tower or ATC) is an American real estate investment trust and an owner and operator of wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure in several countries worldwide and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
MFA Financial Inc
REAL ESTATE · REIT - MORTGAGE · USA
MFA Financial, Inc., is a real estate investment trust (REIT) in the United States. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.
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