Essex Property Trust Inc (ESS)vsVentas Inc (VTR)
ESS
Essex Property Trust Inc
$279.00
-1.40%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $19.35B
VTR
Ventas Inc
$92.05
+0.99%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $47.96B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ventas Inc generates 224% more annual revenue ($6.42B vs $1.98B). ESS leads profitability with a 20.9% profit margin vs 4.1%. VTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.74. ESS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 49/100 (D+).
ESS
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
VTR
Hold45
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+35.0%
Fair Value
$402.39
Current Price
$279.00
$123.39 discount
Margin of Safety
-21.1%
Fair Value
$76.71
Current Price
$92.05
$15.34 premium
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
Revenue surging 21.7% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
3.1% revenue growth
ROE of 7.8% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 1.8% — below average capital efficiency
4.1% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : VTR
The strongest argument for VTR centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 21.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ESS
The primary concerns for ESS are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 43.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : VTR
The primary concerns for VTR are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 170.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ESS profiles as a value stock while VTR is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
VTR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.73 — expect wider price swings.
VTR is growing revenue faster at 21.7% — sustainability is the question.
ESS generates stronger free cash flow (234M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ESS scores higher overall (49/100 vs 45/100), backed by strong 20.9% margins. Both earn "Hold" 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.
Ventas Inc
REAL ESTATE · REIT - HEALTHCARE FACILITIES · USA
Ventas, Inc. is a real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership and management of health care facilities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
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