Elme Communities (ELME)vsEssex Property Trust Inc (ESS)
ELME
Elme Communities
$1.37
-0.98%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $131.51M
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$285.61
+0.29%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $19.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essex Property Trust Inc generates 694% more annual revenue ($1.97B vs $247.63M). ESS leads profitability with a 29.1% profit margin vs -74.7%. ESS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 7.39. ESS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
ELME
Hold41
out of 100
Grade: D
ESS
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+89.0%
Fair Value
$20.31
Current Price
$1.36
$18.95 discount
Margin of Safety
+35.1%
Fair Value
$402.89
Current Price
$285.61
$117.28 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 35.2%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
1.7% revenue growth
0.0% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 47.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ELME
The strongest argument for ELME centers on Price/Book.
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 : ELME
The primary concerns for ELME are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ELME profiles as a turnaround stock while ESS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ELME carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — 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
ESS scores higher overall (53/100 vs 41/100), backed by strong 29.1% margins. ELME offers better value entry with a 89.0% margin of safety. 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.
Elme Communities
REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA
Elme Communities owns and operates real estate assets in a unique position in the Washington metropolitan area.
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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