Essex Property Trust Inc (ESS)vsMid-America Apartment Communities Inc (MAA)
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$283.06
-1.55%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $19.82B
MAA
Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc
$131.12
-1.78%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $15.88B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc generates 12% more annual revenue ($2.22B vs $1.98B). ESS leads profitability with a 20.9% profit margin vs 18.2%. MAA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 7.03. MAA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
ESS
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
MAA
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+35.1%
Fair Value
$403.08
Current Price
$283.06
$120.02 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MAA.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 34.0%
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.4%
Areas to Watch
3.1% revenue growth
ROE of 7.8% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
1.0% revenue growth
ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ESS
The strongest argument for ESS centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.9% and operating margin at 34.0%.
Bull Case : MAA
The strongest argument for MAA centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.2% and operating margin at 25.4%.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 44.9x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : MAA
The primary concerns for MAA are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MAA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.72 — expect wider price swings.
ESS is growing revenue faster at 3.1% — sustainability is the question.
ESS generates stronger free cash flow (234M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor REIT - RESIDENTIAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MAA scores higher overall (56/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 18.2% margins. ESS offers better value entry with a 35.1% margin of safety. 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.
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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