Zillow vs MLS Which Is More Reliable?

Zillow and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) are two prominent players in the real estate industry, providing valuable services for buyers, sellers, and agents. Both companies offer access to comprehensive listings for properties, but their business models and revenue streams differ. Zillow, a technology-driven company, focuses on digital advertising and lead generation, while MLS is a member-based platform owned and operated by real estate professionals. Investors looking to capitalize on the real estate market may consider the pros and cons of investing in Zillow vs MLS stocks.

Zillow or MLS ?

When comparing Zillow and MLS , different investors may prioritize various metrics based on their investment strategies and goals. So, ask yourself what type of investor you are. This will guide you in determining which metrics are most important for your investment decision between Zillow and MLS .

Dividend Investors:

Dividend investors look for stable and growing income streams, using dividend metrics to assess potential investments. A company's dividend yield essentially measures the size of its dividend relative to the total market value of the company. Zillow has a dividend yield of -%, while MLS has a dividend yield of 7.99%. Beyond the yield itself, considering the growth and sustainability of these dividends is also crucial. Zillow reports a 5-year dividend growth of 0.00% year and a payout ratio of 0.00%. On the other hand, MLS reports a 5-year dividend growth of -20.85% year and a payout ratio of 124.61%.

Value Investors:

Value investors focus on financial metrics to determine a stock's intrinsic value compared to its market value. The Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio links stock price to a company's earnings per share, with Zillow P/E ratio at -143.39 and MLS 's P/E ratio at 29.41. Another crucial valuation metric is the Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio, which compares stock price with book value per share. Zillow P/B ratio is 4.10 while MLS 's P/B ratio is 1.01.

Growth Investors:

Growth investors prioritize metrics indicative of a company's expansion potential. Focusing on top-line growth, Zillow has seen a 5-year revenue growth of 0.24%, while MLS 's is -0.21%. Return on Equity (ROE) measures how effectively a company uses equity investment to generate earnings, with Zillow's ROE at -2.90% and MLS 's ROE at 3.30%.

Retail Investors:

Retail investors often consider stock affordability and company familiarity. For example, day low prices are $78.47 for Zillow and ¥8.71 for MLS . Over the past year, Zillow's prices ranged from $38.06 to $83.67, with a yearly change of 119.84%. MLS 's prices fluctuated between ¥5.77 and ¥9.77, with a yearly change of 69.32%. Brand recognition also plays a role, as familiarity with a company can influence investment decisions.