Essex Property Trust Inc (ESS)vsIndependence Realty Trust Inc (IRT)
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$267.06
-0.55%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $18.53B
IRT
Independence Realty Trust Inc
$16.00
-1.54%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $3.98B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essex Property Trust Inc generates 192% more annual revenue ($1.97B vs $672.38M). ESS leads profitability with a 29.1% profit margin vs 7.2%. IRT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 4.57. ESS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
ESS
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
IRT
Hold41
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+40.0%
Fair Value
$435.82
Current Price
$267.06
$168.76 discount
Margin of Safety
+13.9%
Fair Value
$19.54
Current Price
$16.00
$3.54 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 35.2%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 47.8%
2.3% revenue growth
ROE of 1.4% — below average capital efficiency
7.2% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : IRT
The strongest argument for IRT centers on Price/Book.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : IRT
The primary concerns for IRT are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 82.3x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ESS profiles as a mature stock while IRT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
IRT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — 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
ESS scores higher overall (53/100 vs 41/100), backed by strong 29.1% 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.
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.
Independence Realty Trust Inc
REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA
Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: IRT) is a real estate investment trust that owns and operates multi-family apartment properties in non-entry US markets, including Atlanta, Louisville, Memphis and Raleigh.
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