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 $297.52 (market cap $18.82B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $338.16 (market cap $73.79B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 3.9× 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 | NSC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $18.82B | $73.79B |
Sector | Real Estate | Technology |
52-Week High | $298.33 | $328.54 |
52-Week Low | $239.61 | $260.32 |
Enterprise Value | $25.54B | $89.55B |
Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 1.64% |
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 $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.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $338.82, up 3.67% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI levels. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 results expected on July 23, 2026. Fundamentals show robust profitability, including a 21.91% net income margin and 17.6% ROE, though valuation multiples like a P/E of 27.68 are elevated. Key news includes ongoing regulatory review of the proposed merger with Union Pacific.
The outlook is mixed: analyst consensus targets $344.40 with a buy rating, but regulatory uncertainty around the merger and high valuation pose risks. Earnings growth and merger progress are critical for upside, while any regulatory setbacks could pressure the stock. Investors should weigh strong fundamentals against execution and macro risks.
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 →
