Equity Lifestyle Properties Inc (ELS)vsEssex Property Trust Inc (ESS)
ELS
Equity Lifestyle Properties Inc
$62.43
+0.99%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $12.99B
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 27% more annual revenue ($1.97B vs $1.54B). ESS leads profitability with a 29.1% profit margin vs 25.0%. ELS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.90. ELS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
ELS
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
ESS
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+42.0%
Fair Value
$113.69
Current Price
$62.43
$51.26 discount
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
Strong operational efficiency at 36.9%
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 35.2%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
1.2% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Earnings declined 2.6%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 47.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ELS
The strongest argument for ELS centers on Operating Margin, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.0% and operating margin at 36.9%. PEG of 0.90 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : ELS
The primary concerns for ELS are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.87 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ELS profiles as a value stock while ESS is a mature 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 (244M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ELS scores higher overall (60/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 25.0% margins. ESS offers better value entry with a 35.2% 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.
Equity Lifestyle Properties Inc
REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA
We are a self-managed and self-managed real estate investment trust (?
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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