AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (AVB) vs Crown Castle Inc. (CCI)

AVB leads on 10 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. and Crown Castle Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — AVB vs CCI

growth of $100 · last 28y
AVB +440.1%CCI +608.9%CCI compounded faster
05001k2kStart $10020032008201320182023$540$709
AVB CCI

AVB vs CCI: by the numbers

  • CCI is the larger company ($40.22B vs $26.53B market cap).
  • AVB trades at the lower earnings multiple (23.26 vs 38.08 P/E).
  • AVB converts more revenue to profit (37.27% vs 25.13% net margin).
  • AVB grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.36% vs -6.52% CAGR).
  • AVB pays the higher dividend yield (3.76% vs 3.46%).

Which is better, AVB or CCI?

Metric tally: AVB 10 · CCI 5

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueAVB(lower P/E)
GrowthAVB(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeAVB(higher dividend yield)
QualityCCI(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricAVBCCI
P/E ratio23.2638.08
Forward P/E34.1531.99
P/S ratio8.609.56
P/B ratio2.25
PEG ratio4.98
EV / EBITDA17.8623.93
FCF yield5.71%6.77%

Profitability

MetricAVBCCI
Gross margin67.92%65.71%
Operating margin29.15%48.01%
Net margin37.27%25.13%
ROE9.75%-27.16%
ROIC4.28%6.81%

Dividends

MetricAVBCCI
Dividend yield3.76%3.46%
Payout ratio95.00%312.50%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAVBCCI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.36%-6.52%
EPS CAGR (5Y)4.67%-15.45%
FCF CAGR (5Y)6.75%12.59%
Total return CAGR (5Y)0.64%-9.85%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AVB or CCI?
It depends on your goal. value: AVB (lower P/E); growth: AVB (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: AVB (higher dividend yield); quality: CCI (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, AVB leads 10 to 5.
Is AVB or CCI cheaper?
On trailing earnings, AVB is cheaper: AVB trades at a 23.26 P/E and CCI at 38.08.
Which has grown faster, AVB or CCI?
Over the past five years, AVB grew revenue faster — AVB at a 6.36% CAGR versus CCI at -6.52%.
Does AVB or CCI pay a bigger dividend?
AVB yields 3.76% and CCI yields 3.46% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AVB or CCI more profitable?
AVB runs the higher net margin — AVB at 37.27% versus CCI at 25.13%.
Which has been the better investment, AVB or CCI?
Over the past 10-year, AVB delivered the higher annualized total return — AVB at 4.41% versus CCI at 4.03%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 13, 2026.