Equity Residential (EQR)vsEssex Property Trust Inc (ESS)
EQR
Equity Residential
$57.98
-2.24%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $22.74B
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$242.55
+0.98%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $16.61B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Equity Residential generates 60% more annual revenue ($3.09B vs $1.94B). EQR leads profitability with a 36.2% profit margin vs 34.6%. ESS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 6.86. EQR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
EQR
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
ESS
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-224.6%
Fair Value
$19.92
Current Price
$57.98
$38.06 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
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.5%
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.9%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
2.0% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 8.8%
Distress zone — elevated risk
3.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 68.7%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : EQR
The strongest argument for EQR centers on Profit Margin, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.2% and operating margin at 28.5%.
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 : EQR
The primary concerns for EQR are Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
EQR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.73 — expect wider price swings.
ESS is growing revenue faster at 3.2% — sustainability is the question.
EQR generates stronger free cash flow (282M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor REIT - RESIDENTIAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
EQR scores higher overall (56/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 36.2% margins. 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 Residential
REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA
Equity Residential is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that invests in apartments.
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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