Equity Lifestyle Properties Inc (ELS)vsEssex Property Trust Inc (ESS)
ELS
Equity Lifestyle Properties Inc
$63.14
-1.68%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $12.87B
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$242.55
+0.98%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $16.61B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essex Property Trust Inc generates 26% more annual revenue ($1.94B vs $1.54B). ESS leads profitability with a 34.6% profit margin vs 25.1%. ELS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.90. ELS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
ELS
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
ESS
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-175.3%
Fair Value
$23.96
Current Price
$63.14
$39.18 premium
Margin of Safety
-279.1%
Fair Value
$68.95
Current Price
$242.54
$173.59 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 36.1%
Revenue surging 50.0% year-over-year
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.9%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
3.2% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
3.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 68.7%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ELS
The strongest argument for ELS centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.1% and operating margin at 36.1%. Revenue growth of 50.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : ELS
The primary concerns for ELS are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ELS profiles as a growth stock while ESS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ELS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.76 — expect wider price swings.
ELS is growing revenue faster at 50.0% — sustainability is the question.
ESS generates stronger free cash flow (195M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ELS scores higher overall (62/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 25.1% margins and 50.0% revenue growth. 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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