Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (MAA) vs Sun Communities, Inc. (SUI)
A side-by-side comparison of Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. and Sun Communities, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Total return — MAA vs SUI
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMAA vs SUI: by the numbers
- •SUI is the larger company ($13.83B vs $13.77B market cap).
- •MAA is profitable (18.17% net margin) while SUI runs a net loss (-39.28%).
- •MAA grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.36% vs 3.84% CAGR).
- •MAA pays the higher dividend yield (4.89% vs 3.77%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MAA | SUI |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 34.61 | N/A |
| Forward P/E | 32.10 | N/A |
| P/S ratio | 6.21 | 6.30 |
| P/B ratio | 2.53 | 2.51 |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.69 | 16.66 |
| FCF yield | 4.13% | 6.00% |
For REITs like Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., GAAP P/E is distorted: heavy non-cash property depreciation depresses reported earnings and overstates the multiple. Real-estate companies are valued on funds from operations (FFO / AFFO) and price-to-FFO — see the Funds From Operations section. The P/E is shown for reference only.
For REITs like Sun Communities, Inc., GAAP P/E is distorted: heavy non-cash property depreciation depresses reported earnings and overstates the multiple. Real-estate companies are valued on funds from operations (FFO / AFFO) and price-to-FFO — see the Funds From Operations section. The P/E is shown for reference only.
Profitability
| Metric | MAA | SUI |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 31.83% | 9.26% |
| Operating margin | 26.88% | 25.14% |
| Net margin | 18.17% | -39.28% |
| ROE | 7.42% | -15.64% |
| ROIC | 5.17% | 4.05% |
Dividends
| Metric | MAA | SUI |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 4.89% | 3.77% |
| Payout ratio | 178.51% | N/A |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.'s payout ratio is measured against GAAP earnings, which non-cash depreciation depresses for REITs — the dividend is conventionally assessed against funds from operations (FFO / AFFO) instead, so the GAAP figure overstates the payout burden.
Sun Communities, Inc.'s payout ratio is measured against GAAP earnings, which non-cash depreciation depresses for REITs — the dividend is conventionally assessed against funds from operations (FFO / AFFO) instead, so the GAAP figure overstates the payout burden.
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MAA | SUI |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 5.36% | 3.84% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 11.49% | 51.92% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 3.97% | 2.75% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -4.49% | -7.38% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, MAA or SUI?
- Over the past five years, MAA grew revenue faster — MAA at a 5.36% CAGR versus SUI at 3.84%.
- Does MAA or SUI pay a bigger dividend?
- MAA yields 4.89% and SUI yields 3.77% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MAA or SUI more profitable?
- MAA runs the higher net margin — MAA at 18.17% versus SUI at -39.28%.
- How have MAA and SUI total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MAA delivered 6.87% and SUI delivered 7.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Mid-America Apartment Communities & Sun Communities appear in these rankings
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 September 13, 2026.