Compare Duke Energy Corp (DUK) vs Essex Property Trust, Inc. (ESS) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Duke Energy Corp vs Essex Property Trust, Inc. — how do they compare? Duke Energy Corp trades at $116.51 (market cap $90.06B), while Essex Property Trust, Inc. trades at $269.13 (market cap $17.23B). The key difference: Duke Energy Corp is far larger — about 5.2× Essex Property Trust, Inc.'s market cap, and Essex Property Trust, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.86%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Duke Energy Corp for 74 Days and Essex Property Trust, Inc. for 111 Days on average.
| DUK | ESS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $90.06B | $17.23B |
Volume | 3,988,081 | 346,109 |
Sector | Utilities | Real Estate |
52-Week High | $133.46 | $298.33 |
52-Week Low | $113.23 | $239.61 |
Typical Hold Time | 74 Days | 111 Days |
Enterprise Value | $182.56B | $23.82B |
Dividend Yield | 3.76% | 3.86% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Duke Energy (DUK) trades at $116.84, up 1.02% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals including consistent earnings beats and a 15.78% net income margin. Recent news highlights dividend stability and data center growth opportunities, though rising Treasury yields pressure utility stocks. The company maintains solid cash flow from operations of $12.33B in 2025, supporting its dividend payments.
DUK offers a balanced outlook with a consensus price target of $135.33, implying upside, but faces risks from high debt levels and interest rate sensitivity. Earnings growth and data center demand are key catalysts, while investor sentiment is mixed amid macroeconomic headwinds.
ESS trades at $268.05, down 1.63% with bearish technical signals. The company reported mixed Q2 2026 results, beating FFO estimates but missing EPS expectations. Strong operational performance and litigation resolution provide fundamental support, though high valuation ratios and debt levels present concerns. Recent institutional buying and a $2.59 dividend declaration highlight investor confidence.
Outlook remains cautiously optimistic with a $303.41 consensus price target offering 13% upside. Key risks include earnings volatility, high leverage, and regional economic exposure. The stock presents a balanced opportunity for income-focused investors seeking quality REIT exposure with disciplined risk management.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Duke Energy Corp
Duke Energy is one of the largest U.S. utilities, with regulated utilities in the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky that deliver electricity to nearly 8 million customers. Its natural gas utilities serve more than 1.5 million customers. Duke operates in three major segments: electric utilities and infrastructure
Read more on DUK →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 →
