Compare Essex Property Trust, Inc. (ESS) vs Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Essex Property Trust, Inc. vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — how do they compare? Essex Property Trust, Inc. trades at $269.13 (market cap $17.23B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $317.24 (market cap $70.35B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 4.1× 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 Essex Property Trust, Inc. for 111 Days and Norfolk Southern Corporation for 33 Days on average.
| ESS | NSC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $17.23B | $70.35B |
Volume | 346,109 | 825,542 |
Sector | Real Estate | Industrials |
52-Week High | $298.33 | $352.98 |
52-Week Low | $239.61 | $278.19 |
Typical Hold Time | 111 Days | 33 Days |
Enterprise Value | $23.82B | $85.89B |
Dividend Yield | 3.86% | 1.72% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $313.20, down 0.98% with bearish technical signals despite strong fundamentals. The stock shows consistent earnings beats with Q2 2026 EPS of $3.52 exceeding expectations by 6%. Valuation metrics include P/E of 26.72 and ROE of 16.97%, while the proposed Union Pacific merger progresses through regulatory review. Cash flow trends show operational strength with $4.36B from operations in 2025.
Outlook remains constructive with 43.75% analyst buy ratings and $361.86 consensus target offering 15.5% upside. Key risks include merger approval uncertainty and fuel cost pressures. The combination creates transcontinental railroad opportunities but faces STB regulatory hurdles. Earnings on October 22, 2026 will be critical for near-term direction.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →About Norfolk Southern Corporation
Norfolk Southern Corporation is a major North American railroad company operating one of the largest freight rail networks in the eastern United States. The company transports a diverse range of commodities, including coal, intermodal containers, and various industrial products. NSC is a critical link in the nation's supply chain, providing efficient, long-haul transportation services to and from ports and industrial centers.
Read more on NSC →
