Essex Property Trust, Inc.
Essex Property Trust, Inc., an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust. The firm acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages multifamily residential properties in selected West Coast markets. Essex currently has ownership interests in 259 apartment communities comprising …
What to know about ESS
Essex Property Trust, Inc. is a large Real Estate company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on risk and cash flow, but size is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider ESS?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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Essex Property Trust, Inc. is a large-cap Real Estate company with a mixed overall financial profile — it is in the lower half of its Real Estate peers (17 of 31).
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Profitability is roughly average for the S&P 500 — not a standout in either direction.
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The stock trades at a premium — investors are paying more per dollar of earnings than most S&P 500 companies. That's fine if strong growth justifies it, but leaves little room for disappointment.
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Growth has been slower than most peers. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the investment case rests more on current earnings than future expansion.
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There is a small dividend (0.04%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
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Risk is relatively low — the stock tends to be less volatile than the broader market, which typically means a smoother ride during uncertain periods.
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Analyst sentiment is cautious and short interest is relatively elevated — meaning some professional investors are actively betting the price will fall. Worth understanding why.
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There are several areas of concern. This may suit investors with a higher risk tolerance or a specific contrarian view on the Real Estate sector.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how ESS compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 30.79 | Average |
| Forward P/E | 45.44 | Below avg |
| PEG Ratio | 7.02 | Below avg |
| Price to Sales | 9.60 | Below avg |
| Price to Book | 3.24 | Average |
| EV/EBITDA | 19.58 | Average |
| Earnings Yield | 3.25% | Average |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 68.88% | Top 25% |
| Operating Margin | 35.17% | Top 25% |
| Net Profit Margin | 29.13% | Top 25% |
| Return on Equity | 10.56% | Average |
| Return on Invested Capital | 3.17% | Average |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 6.40% | Average |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | 5.51% | Above avg |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | -47.80% | Below avg |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | 0.23% | Average |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 0.30 | Below avg |
| Debt to Equity | 1.22 | Average |
| Interest Coverage | 3.72 | Average |
| Altman Z-Score | 1.78 | Below avg |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 3.69% | Top 25% |
| Payout Ratio | 115.86% | Below avg |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -9.20% | Average |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | 5.02% | Above avg |
| OCF to Sales | 56.62% | Top 25% |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 0.73 | Above avg |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 17.93% | Top 25% |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 4.83% | Average |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 2.65 | Below avg |
| Target Upside % | 4.67% | Below avg |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 18.87B | Below avg |
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