WallStSmart

Equity Residential (EQR)vsMid-America Apartment Communities Inc (MAA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Equity Residential generates 40% more annual revenue ($3.09B vs $2.21B). EQR leads profitability with a 36.2% profit margin vs 20.2%. MAA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 7.03. EQR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

EQR

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 3.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.16

MAA

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.78
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

EQRSignificantly Overvalued (-224.6%)

Margin of Safety

-224.6%

Fair Value

$19.92

Current Price

$57.98

$38.06 premium

UndervaluedFair: $19.92Overvalued
MAASignificantly Overvalued (-429.3%)

Margin of Safety

-429.3%

Fair Value

$25.70

Current Price

$122.38

$96.68 premium

UndervaluedFair: $25.70Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

EQR3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
36.2%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.5%

MAA4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
100.0%10/10

Revenue surging 100.0% year-over-year

Profit MarginProfitability
20.2%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.4%

Areas to Watch

EQR4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.0%4/10

2.0% revenue growth

PEG RatioValuation
8.152/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-8.8%2/10

Earnings declined 8.8%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.162/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MAA4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
7.7%3/10

ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
7.032/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : MAA

The strongest argument for MAA centers on Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.2% and operating margin at 28.4%. Revenue growth of 100.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : EQR

The primary concerns for EQR are Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : MAA

The primary concerns for MAA are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

EQR profiles as a value stock while MAA is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MAA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — expect wider price swings.

MAA is growing revenue faster at 100.0% — sustainability is the question.

EQR generates stronger free cash flow (282M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

EQR scores higher overall (56/100 vs 52/100), 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.

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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