Compare Essex Property Trust, Inc. (ESS) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Essex Property Trust, Inc. vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Essex Property Trust, Inc. trades at $269.13 (market cap $17.26B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $104.29 (market cap $37.19B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 2.2× Essex Property Trust, Inc.'s market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.56%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Essex Property Trust, Inc. for 111 Days and Paychex, Inc. for 56 Days on average.
| ESS | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $17.26B | $37.19B |
Volume | 454,464 | 3,344,316 |
Sector | Real Estate | Industrials |
52-Week High | $298.33 | $128.59 |
52-Week Low | $239.61 | $85.57 |
Typical Hold Time | 111 Days | 56 Days |
Enterprise Value | $23.86B | $40.87B |
Dividend Yield | 3.86% | 4.56% |
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% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. The company reported mixed quarterly earnings, missing in Q4 2025 and Q2 2026 but beating in Q1 2026, with Q3 2026 results pending. Revenue reached $1.89B in 2025, with a net income margin of 21.48%, while valuation ratios like a P/E of 41.83 suggest a premium. Recent news highlights strong Q2 2026 results, raised guidance, and a declared dividend of $2.59 per share.
The outlook is cautiously optimistic, supported by operational strength and resolved litigation, but high valuation and earnings volatility pose risks. Analyst consensus is a Buy with a $303.41 price target, indicating potential upside, though investors should monitor debt levels and consistent earnings delivery against expectations.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $101.55, up 0.52% on the day, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The stock shows strong profitability with a 27.35% net income margin and a 47.06% ROE, but valuation metrics like a P/E of 20.15 and P/S of 5.52 suggest a premium. Recent news highlights concerns over dividend sustainability and a 14% stock decline, even as the company reported double-digit earnings growth driven by PEO and insurance segments.
The outlook is mixed: solid fundamentals and a consensus price target of $111.00 imply upside, but bearish technicals and investor skepticism about growth levers like AI pose risks. Key opportunities include consistent dividend payments and market leadership, while risks involve labor market sensitivity and high debt levels following a significant increase in total liabilities.
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 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 Paychex, Inc.
Paychex is a leading provider of payroll, human capital management, and insurance solutions servicing small and midsize clients primarily in the United States. The company, established in 1979, services over 730,000 clients and pays over 1 in 12 U.S. private-sector workers. Alongside its traditional payroll services, Paychex offers HCM solutions such as benefits administration and time and attendance software, as well as human resources outsourcing and insurance agency services.
Read more on PAYX →
