Essex Property Trust, Inc. vs KeyCorp — how do they compare? Essex Property Trust, Inc. trades at $297.2 (market cap $18.82B), while KeyCorp trades at $23.99 (market cap $25.40B). The key difference: KeyCorp is the larger of the two by market cap, and Essex Property Trust, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.54%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ESS | KEY | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $18.82B | $25.40B |
Sector | Real Estate | Financials |
52-Week High | $298.33 | $23.53 |
52-Week Low | $239.61 | $16.78 |
Enterprise Value | $25.54B | — |
Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 3.48% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ESS trades at $297.29, down slightly by 0.28% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and neutral oscillators. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 results expected soon. Fundamentals show robust profitability with a 30.03% net income margin and $669.67M net income for 2025, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 32.93 appear elevated. Recent news highlights sustainability initiatives and inclusion in the Russell Microcap Index.
The outlook for ESS is cautiously optimistic, supported by high West Coast rental demand and AI-driven employment growth. Risks include elevated debt levels and Seattle market weakness. Analysts are mixed with a $294.25 consensus price target, slightly below the current price, suggesting limited near-term upside amid solid operational performance.
KeyCorp (KEY) trades at $23.96, up 2.83% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook and strong analyst support. The stock shows consistent earnings beats, with Q1 2026 EPS of $0.44 exceeding the $0.4135 estimate. Fundamentals are solid, with a P/E of 14.44 and net income margin of 26.05% for 2025. Recent news highlights dividend declarations and strategic partnerships, reinforcing positive momentum.
The outlook for KEY is favorable, driven by earnings growth and a $3 billion buyback program. Risks include interest rate sensitivity and competitive pressures. With a consensus price target of $29.32, upside potential exists, but investors should monitor economic conditions affecting regional banks.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →With assets of over $170 billion, Ohio-based KeyCorp's bank footprint spans 16 states, but it is predominantly concentrated in its two largest markets: Ohio and New York. KeyCorp is primarily focused on serving middle-market commercial clients through a hybrid community/corporate bank model.
Read more on KEY →