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Compare Canadian National Railway Co. (CNI) vs Essex Property Trust, Inc. (ESS) Price & Performance

Canadian National Railway Co.Trade
Essex Property Trust, Inc.Trade

Price performance (Past 24H)

Key statistics

Canadian National Railway Co. vs Essex Property Trust, Inc. — how do they compare? Canadian National Railway Co. trades at $123.97 (market cap $75.02B), while Essex Property Trust, Inc. trades at $296.75 (market cap $19.16B). The key difference: Canadian National Railway Co. is far larger — about 3.9× Essex Property Trust, Inc.'s market cap, and Essex Property Trust, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.47%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.

CNIESS
Market Cap
$75.02B$19.16B
Sector
IndustrialsReal Estate
52-Week High
$125.31$298.33
52-Week Low
$90.91$239.61
Enterprise Value
$90.48B$25.88B
Dividend Yield
2.07%3.47%

Aura AI Summary

Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice

Canadian National Railway Co.

Canadian National Railway (CNI) trades at $125.31, up 0.73% with strong technical momentum and bullish moving average signals. The company demonstrates solid fundamentals with 27.23% net income margin and 21.85% ROE, though valuation multiples appear elevated with P/E of 23.44. Recent record grain and propane shipments highlight operational strength, while Q2 2026 earnings due July 24 will be critical for near-term direction.

CNI presents a mixed outlook with strong operational execution offset by premium valuation. The 35% upside to consensus target of $143.25 offers potential, but debt-to-asset ratio rising to 36.61% and competitive pressures warrant caution. Dividend sustainability appears solid with recent $0.92 payout, making it attractive for income investors seeking railroad exposure.

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

ESS trades at $297.48, up 1.34% today, near its consensus price target of $294.25. The stock shows bullish technical momentum with strong moving average signals and has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent news highlights include the upcoming Q2 2026 earnings release and the company's addition to the Russell Microcap Index. Fundamentals remain solid with $1.89B revenue and a 30.03% net income margin in 2025.

Outlook is cautiously optimistic given analyst consensus leaning toward Hold (52.17%) despite recent beats. Key opportunities include AI-driven rental demand in West Coast markets and a sustainable dividend. Risks involve high debt levels (debt-to-asset ratio of 51.92% in 2024) and potential economic sensitivity. The stock offers moderate upside if earnings momentum continues but requires monitoring of leverage and regional market conditions.

Returns comparison

Trailing returns across standard periods

About Canadian National Railway Co.

Canadian National's railway spans Canada from coast to coast and extends through Chicago to the Gulf of Mexico. In 2019, CN delivered almost 6 million carloads over its 19,600 miles of track. CN generated roughly CAD 14 billion in total revenue by hauling intermodal containers (25% of consolidated revenue), petroleum and chemicals (21%), grain and fertilizers (16%), forest products (12%), metals and mining (11%), automotive shipments (6%), and coal (4%). Other items constitute the remaining revenue.

Read more on CNI

About Essex Property Trust, Inc.

Essex Property Trust owns a portfolio of 253 apartment communities with over 62,000 units and is developing three additional properties with 571 units. The company focuses on owning large, high-quality properties on the West Coast in the urban and suburban submarkets of Southern California, Northern California, and Seattle.

Read more on ESS