Essex Property Trust Inc (ESS)vsUMH Properties Inc (UMH)
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$285.43
+0.29%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $19.56B
UMH
UMH Properties Inc
$15.26
+1.26%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $1.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essex Property Trust Inc generates 639% more annual revenue ($1.97B vs $265.94M). ESS leads profitability with a 29.1% profit margin vs 11.0%. UMH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.72. ESS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
ESS
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
UMH
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+35.2%
Fair Value
$403.62
Current Price
$285.43
$118.19 discount
Margin of Safety
+62.8%
Fair Value
$43.40
Current Price
$15.26
$28.14 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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 47.8%
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 3.3% — below average capital efficiency
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 54.2%
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 : UMH
The strongest argument for UMH centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.72 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : UMH
The primary concerns for UMH are Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 150.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ESS profiles as a mature stock while UMH is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
UMH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.
UMH is growing revenue faster at 7.6% — sustainability is the question.
ESS generates stronger free cash flow (244M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ESS scores higher overall (53/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 29.1% margins. UMH offers better value entry with a 62.8% margin of safety. 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.
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.
UMH Properties Inc
REAL ESTATE · REIT - RESIDENTIAL · USA
UMH Properties, Inc., which was organized in 1968, is a publicly owned REIT that owns and operates 124 manufactured home communities containing approximately 23,400 developed lots.
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