AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (AVB) vs SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC)

A side-by-side comparison of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. and SBA Communications Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAVB vs SBAC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 27y
AVB +1488.1%SBAC +2032.4%SBAC compounded faster
01k2k3k4kStart $10020042009201420192024$1,588$2,132
AVB SBAC

AVB vs SBAC: by the numbers

  • AVB is the larger company ($27.05B vs $18.55B market cap).
  • SBAC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.15 vs 23.33 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AVB converts more revenue to profit (37.27% vs 35.66% net margin).
  • AVB grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.36% vs 6.18% CAGR).
  • AVB pays the higher dividend yield (3.76% vs 2.73%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAVBSBAC
P/E ratio23.3318.15
Forward P/E31.0623.23
P/S ratio8.626.42
P/B ratio2.30N/A
PEG ratio5.000.48
EV / EBITDA19.5719.09

Profitability

MetricAVBSBAC
Gross margin67.92%41.61%
Operating margin29.15%47.63%
Net margin37.27%35.66%
ROE9.94%-21.71%
ROIC4.31%11.03%

Dividends

MetricAVBSBAC
Dividend yield3.76%2.73%
Payout ratio95.41%48.02%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAVBSBAC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.36%6.18%
EPS CAGR (5Y)4.67%113.83%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-0.50%-11.33%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AVB or SBAC?
SBAC has the lower trailing P/E: AVB trades at 23.33 and SBAC at 18.15. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AVB or SBAC?
Over the past five years, AVB grew revenue faster — AVB at a 6.36% CAGR versus SBAC at 6.18%.
Does AVB or SBAC pay a bigger dividend?
AVB yields 3.76% and SBAC yields 2.73% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AVB or SBAC more profitable?
AVB runs the higher net margin — AVB at 37.27% versus SBAC at 35.66%.
How have AVB and SBAC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AVB delivered 3.88% and SBAC delivered 5.32% annualized total return. 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 July 28, 2026.