Essex Property Trust Inc (ESS)vsIndependence Realty Trust Inc (IRT)
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$242.14
-0.56%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $16.84B
IRT
Independence Realty Trust Inc
$15.01
-0.60%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $4.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essex Property Trust Inc generates 192% more annual revenue ($1.94B vs $662.92M). ESS leads profitability with a 34.6% profit margin vs 3.4%. 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
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-269.3%
Fair Value
$70.79
Current Price
$242.14
$171.35 premium
Margin of Safety
-2657.4%
Fair Value
$0.61
Current Price
$15.01
$14.40 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.9%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 23.0%
Areas to Watch
3.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 68.7%
ROE of 0.6% — below average capital efficiency
3.4% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : IRT
The strongest argument for IRT centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : IRT
The primary concerns for IRT are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 182.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
IRT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.
IRT is growing revenue faster at 11.0% — sustainability is the question.
ESS generates stronger free cash flow (195M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor REIT - RESIDENTIAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ESS scores higher overall (53/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 34.6% 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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