Essex Property Trust, Inc. vs Lockheed Martin Corporation — how do they compare? Essex Property Trust, Inc. trades at $297.51 (market cap $18.82B), while Lockheed Martin Corporation trades at $513.92 (market cap $118.62B). The key difference: Lockheed Martin Corporation is far larger — about 6.3× Essex Property Trust, Inc.'s market cap, and Essex Property Trust, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.54%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ESS | LMT | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $18.82B | $118.62B |
Sector | Real Estate | Industrials |
52-Week High | $298.33 | $676.70 |
52-Week Low | $239.61 | $410.74 |
Enterprise Value | $25.54B | $137.42B |
Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 2.68% |
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.
Lockheed Martin (LMT) trades at $515.75, up 0.15% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong analyst support. The stock shows robust fundamentals including a $75.05B revenue in 2025, a 6.38% net income margin, and a high ROE of 67.64%. Recent news highlights expansion into European venture capital and a $194B backlog, signaling long-term demand. However, earnings misses in Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 pose near-term execution challenges amid escalating defense spending trends.
The outlook for LMT is positive due to strong defense budgets and a massive backlog, but risks include earnings volatility and high debt levels. With 57% of analysts rating it Buy and a consensus price target of $614, the stock offers potential upside, though investors should monitor margin improvements and geopolitical developments affecting defense contracts.
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 →Lockheed Martin is the largest defense contractor globally and has dominated the Western market for high-end fighter aircraft since the F-35 program was awarded in 2001. Lockheed's largest segment is aeronautics, which is dominated by the massive F-35 program. Lockheed's remaining segments are rotary and mission systems, which is mainly the Sikorsky helicopter business.
Read more on LMT →