tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Elme Communities (ELME)
NYSE:ELME

Elme Communities (ELME) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
125 Followers

Top Page

ELME

Elme Communities

(NYSE:ELME)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 47 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:47Neutral
Price Target:
$2.00
▼(-34.85% Downside)
The score is primarily limited by weak financial profitability (large net losses) and a strong technical downtrend with oversold readings. Dividend yield and moderate leverage provide partial support, but liquidation-related execution and distribution uncertainty remain meaningful risks.
Positive Factors
Strong Revenue Growth
Sustained 42.6% TTM revenue expansion shows strong leasing and rental demand in Elme’s target markets, supporting cash generation and buyer interest in assets. That top-line strength improves prospects for orderly asset sales and distributions during the multi-quarter wind-down.
Positive Operating Cash Flow
Positive operating cash flow and a FCF-to-net-income ratio of 1.0 indicate core rental operations convert earnings into real cash despite accounting losses. This cash quality enhances near-term liquidity to fund debt paydown and liquidating distributions while sales are completed over coming months.
Large Asset Sale Execution
A $1.6B portfolio sale demonstrates management can execute large, complex dispositions and realize material proceeds. That precedent reduces execution uncertainty for remaining sales, strengthens the balance sheet, and provides tangible funding for creditor repayment and shareholder liquidating distributions.
Negative Factors
Deep Operating Losses
Very large negative margins signal structural operating inefficiencies and high non-recurring or recurring costs that erode equity. Absent asset sales, persistent losses would deplete reserves and force greater reliance on disposals, increasing risk to timing and size of any remaining distributions.
Declining Free Cash Flow Growth
Falling free cash flow growth reduces the company’s internal funding buffer during a multi-quarter liquidation. Even with positive OCF, weaker FCF momentum tightens the margin for transaction costs, loan amortization and distributions, amplifying execution risk if sales slow or costs rise.
Liquidation Execution & Governance Risk
Ongoing leadership turnover and revised lower payout estimates introduce execution and governance risk in a complex wind-down. Retention arrangements and trustee resignations can disrupt continuity, and reduced distribution expectations reflect weaker realizations, increasing uncertainty over final shareholder outcomes.

Elme Communities (ELME) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Elme Communities Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionElme Communities owns and operates uniquely positioned real estate assets in the Washington Metro area. Backed by decades of experience, expertise and ambition, we create value by transforming insights into strategy and strategy into action. As of October 29, 2020, the Company's portfolio of 45 properties includes approximately 3.7 million square feet of commercial space and 6,863 multifamily apartment units. These 45 properties consist of 22 multifamily properties,15 office properties, and 8 retail centers. Our shares trade on the NYSE. With a track record of driving returns and delivering satisfaction, we are a trusted authority in one of the nation's most competitive real estate markets.
How the Company Makes MoneyElme Communities generates revenue primarily through rental income from its multifamily residential properties. The company leases units to tenants, and the consistent demand for housing in its target markets provides a stable revenue stream. Additionally, Elme may benefit from ancillary income sources such as fees from leasing, parking, and other community services. The company’s revenue model is supported by strategic partnerships with property management firms that enhance operational efficiency and tenant satisfaction. Furthermore, Elme's focus on property redevelopment and modernization can lead to increased rental rates and occupancy levels, thereby contributing to its overall earnings.

Elme Communities Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 05, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 12, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted Elme's strategic decision to maximize shareholder value through asset sales, resulting in significant special distributions. While the company has achieved solid financial performance and maintained a strong market position, it faces challenges due to market conditions affecting its cost of capital and requires a lengthy process to complete asset sales.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strategic Alternatives Review Completion
Elme has completed a strategic alternatives review, resulting in a definitive agreement to sell a portfolio of 19 assets to Cortland for $1.6 billion in cash, expected to maximize shareholder value.
Special Distribution to Shareholders
Following the Cortland transaction, Elme plans an initial special distribution to shareholders between $14.50 and $14.82 per share, with additional distributions totaling between $17.58 and $18.50 per share.
Solid Quarterly Performance
Elme reported a year-over-year multifamily NOI growth of 4.5%, driven by higher rental revenue and strong growth in fee income from operational initiatives.
Strong Market Position
Monthly effective rent growth for the Washington Metro area continues to outpace the national average, with the area ranking sixth in transaction volume during the second quarter.
Negative Updates
Market Challenges and Cost of Capital
Despite successes, the current market environment has made it difficult for Elme to lower its cost of capital to scale accretively.
Disposal Process and Potential Delays
The sale of remaining assets is expected to take up to 12 months, with processes like the TOPA in DC potentially delaying proceedings.
Limited Entity-Level Interest
The strategic process did not produce viable offers on an entity-level basis, leading to the decision to sell assets individually.
Company Guidance
In the Elme Communities Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, guidance was primarily focused on their strategic alternatives review process and resulting transactions. Elme announced a definitive agreement to sell a portfolio of 19 assets to Cortland for $1.6 billion in cash, expected to close in the fourth quarter, pending shareholder approval. In addition, Elme plans to sell its remaining assets, aiming to complete these sales over the next 12 months. The company intends to return net proceeds from these sales to shareholders through special distributions, estimated between $17.58 and $18.50 per share. The initial special distribution, post-Cortland transaction, is projected to be between $14.50 and $14.82 per share, with further distributions from remaining asset sales estimated at $2.90 to $3.50 per share. These distributions include the company's quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share. The guidance reflects Elme's strategic focus on maximizing shareholder value amid a challenging market environment.

Elme Communities Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong trailing revenue growth supports the top line, but results are weighed down by steep losses (negative net margin and EBIT margin). Leverage is moderate (debt-to-equity 0.78) and operating cash flow is positive, though free cash flow growth is declining.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Elme Communities has experienced a significant revenue growth of 42.6% in the TTM, indicating strong top-line expansion. However, the company is facing profitability challenges with a negative net profit margin of -54.57% and a negative EBIT margin, reflecting operational inefficiencies and high expenses relative to revenue.
Balance Sheet
50
Neutral
The debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78 in the TTM suggests moderate leverage, which is manageable but has increased compared to previous years. The return on equity remains negative, indicating that the company is not generating positive returns for shareholders. The equity ratio is stable, providing some financial stability.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
Operating cash flow remains positive, but there is a decline in free cash flow growth by -5.21% in the TTM. The free cash flow to net income ratio is strong at 1.0, indicating that the company is generating cash flow despite net losses, which is a positive sign for liquidity.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue246.96M241.94M227.91M209.38M169.15M176.00M
Gross Profit99.09M144.37M139.97M127.94M102.24M106.88M
EBITDA-11.76M120.67M66.40M85.79M76.48M117.02M
Net Income-134.77M-13.10M-52.98M-30.87M-21.79M-15.68M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.69B1.85B1.90B1.87B1.88B2.41B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments7.09M6.14M5.98M8.39M233.60M7.70M
Total Debt709.33M698.95M679.35M552.36M496.95M987.37M
Total Liabilities777.68M763.68M745.68M608.82M558.93M1.09B
Stockholders Equity908.90M1.08B1.15B1.26B1.32B1.32B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow86.36M95.03M84.26M71.47M89.16M54.67M
Operating Cash Flow86.44M95.24M84.67M73.21M89.16M112.99M
Investing Cash Flow-37.25M-43.74M-146.22M-241.16M702.17M65.76M
Financing Cash Flow-47.00M-51.43M60.24M-56.42M-565.40M-185.20M

Elme Communities Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price3.07
Price Trends
50DMA
2.68
Negative
100DMA
2.62
Negative
200DMA
2.53
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.12
Positive
RSI
28.82
Positive
STOCH
6.51
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ELME, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 3.07 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 2.73, above the 50-day MA of 2.68, and above the 200-day MA of 2.53, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.12 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 28.82 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 6.51 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for ELME.

Elme Communities Risk Analysis

Elme Communities disclosed 50 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Elme Communities reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Elme Communities Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
65
Neutral
$2.17B12.193.79%4.94%3.15%1.96%
58
Neutral
$1.08B77.091.00%9.58%11.02%-30.91%
55
Neutral
$1.05B-14.87-4.45%6.09%-1.23%9.10%
47
Neutral
$193.95M-1.43-13.43%4.14%3.10%-900.13%
47
Neutral
$509.95M-0.51-14.02%-7.89%-15.88%
46
Neutral
$1.23B-8.23-10.10%4.01%-11.04%-58.49%
* Real Estate Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ELME
Elme Communities
2.20
-0.05
-2.05%
HPP
Hudson Pacific Properties
8.62
-12.66
-59.49%
PDM
Piedmont Office
8.42
0.05
0.60%
DEA
Easterly Government Properties
23.39
-1.87
-7.40%
JBGS
JBG Smith Properties
16.84
2.21
15.07%

Elme Communities Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesDelistings and Listing ChangesFinancial DisclosuresRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Elme Communities Advances Liquidation Plan with Leadership Changes
Negative
Jan 23, 2026

On January 23, 2026, Elme Communities detailed further steps in its wind-down, including board, executive and financial updates tied to its Plan of Sale and Liquidation. Two trustees, Ellen M. Goitia and Ron D. Sturzenegger, notified the company on January 21, 2026 that they will resign shortly after the filing of the 2025 Form 10-K as part of a planned reduction in board size aligned with the liquidation. The board also approved new compensation and retention arrangements for top executives, replacing prior change-in-control and incentive plans with retention agreements and a new short-term incentive plan that tie payouts to maximizing additional liquidating distributions, accelerating the sale of remaining properties and maintaining efficient operations during the wind-down; current CFO Steven Freishtat will depart shortly after the 2025 Form 10-K is filed, with long-time executive W. Drew Hammond assuming the CFO role and receiving an increased salary and incentive opportunity. Operationally, as of January 23, 2026 Elme had entered into purchase and sale agreements, beyond inspection periods, to sell three of its ten remaining properties for about $155 million, continues to market the remaining seven assets, and is still targeting completion of all property sales by mid-2026 while it downsizes to a lean workforce of roughly 109 employees. Financially, the company updated its estimated total liquidating distributions to between $17.02 and $17.47 per share, including the $14.67 per share initial liquidating distribution paid on January 7, 2026, lowering the expected additional payout range to $2.35–$2.80 per share mainly due to reduced expected sale proceeds for Riverside Apartments and, to a lesser extent, two D.C. properties amid softer local market conditions and slightly higher costs and term loan balances; Elme plans to keep its shares listed on the NYSE during most of this process to preserve liquidity before any later cost-saving delisting decision.

The most recent analyst rating on (ELME) stock is a Hold with a $3.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Elme Communities stock, see the ELME Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyDividends
Elme Communities Announces Special Liquidating Distribution
Neutral
Nov 26, 2025

Elme Communities announced a special liquidating distribution of $14.67 per share, to be paid on January 7, 2026, following the completion of its 19-property portfolio sale on November 12, 2025. The distribution is part of the company’s voluntary Plan of Sale and Liquidation and involves due bills trading on the NYSE, affecting shareholders’ rights to the dividend during a specified period.

The most recent analyst rating on (ELME) stock is a Hold with a $17.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Elme Communities stock, see the ELME Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Elme Communities Announces CIO Departure Amid Restructuring
Negative
Nov 14, 2025

On November 10, 2025, Elme Communities announced the mutual separation with Susan Gerock, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, effective November 14, 2025. This separation is part of a broader restructuring plan following the sale of 19 multifamily assets and the company’s ongoing liquidation process, which includes workforce downsizing to align with its reduced operational scale.

The most recent analyst rating on (ELME) stock is a Hold with a $17.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Elme Communities stock, see the ELME Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
Elme Communities Sells Properties in $1.6B Deal
Neutral
Nov 13, 2025

On November 12, 2025, Elme Communities completed the sale of 19 multifamily communities to Cortland Partners for $1.6 billion, marking the first step in the company’s Plan of Sale and Liquidation. Following this transaction, Elme entered a loan agreement with Goldman Sachs Bank USA for a $520 million term loan, intended to be repaid through property sales. Elme plans to distribute proceeds to shareholders through special liquidating distributions, with the initial distribution expected in January 2026.

The most recent analyst rating on (ELME) stock is a Hold with a $17.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Elme Communities stock, see the ELME Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A TransactionsShareholder Meetings
Elme Communities Approves Asset Liquidation Plan
Neutral
Oct 30, 2025

On October 30, 2025, Elme Communities held a special meeting of shareholders where three proposals were approved: the sale of 19 multifamily properties to Cortland Partners, the liquidation of the company’s assets, and the compensation for executives related to these transactions. The approval of these proposals marks a significant shift in the company’s operations, with the liquidation plan becoming effective immediately and the property sale expected to close by November 12, 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (ELME) stock is a Hold with a $17.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Elme Communities stock, see the ELME Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 27, 2026