Equity Lifestyle Properties Inc (ELS)vsMid-America Apartment Communities Inc (MAA)
ELS
Equity Lifestyle Properties Inc
$62.43
+0.99%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $12.99B
MAA
Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc
$137.54
+0.49%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $16.58B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc generates 44% more annual revenue ($2.21B vs $1.54B). ELS leads profitability with a 25.0% profit margin vs 17.6%. 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+
MAA
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+42.0%
Fair Value
$113.69
Current Price
$62.43
$51.26 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MAA.
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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
1.2% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Earnings declined 2.6%
0.8% revenue growth
ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
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 : MAA
The strongest argument for MAA centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.6% and operating margin at 26.6%.
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 : MAA
The primary concerns for MAA are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 42.0x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MAA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.74 — expect wider price swings.
ELS is growing revenue faster at 1.2% — sustainability is the question.
ELS generates stronger free cash flow (150M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor REIT - RESIDENTIAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ELS scores higher overall (60/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 25.0% 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.
Equity Lifestyle Properties Inc
REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA
We are a self-managed and self-managed real estate investment trust (?
Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc
REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA
Mid-America Apartment Communities (MAA) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust based in Memphis, Tennessee that invests in apartments in the Southeastern United States and the Southwestern United States.
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