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 $297.17 (market cap $18.82B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $114.56 (market cap $39.12B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 2.1× Essex Property Trust, Inc.'s market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.33%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ESS | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $18.82B | $39.12B |
Sector | Real Estate | Industrials |
52-Week High | $298.33 | $147.99 |
52-Week Low | $239.61 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $25.54B | $42.60B |
Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 4.33% |
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.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $114.45, up 4.5% with strong technical momentum and bullish moving average signals. The company demonstrates robust fundamentals with consistent earnings beats, including Q1 2026 EPS of $1.32 exceeding expectations, and maintains impressive profitability with 27.03% net income margin and 44.77% ROE. Recent dividend declaration of $1.19 per share and positive business developments including AI expansion support growth outlook.
While valuation metrics appear elevated with P/E of 22.49 and P/S of 6.08, Paychex's strong cash flow generation and market leadership position provide investment appeal. Key risks include competitive pressures and macroeconomic sensitivity to small business hiring trends. Analyst consensus remains cautious with only 16.67% buy ratings, though technical indicators suggest near-term bullish momentum.
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 →
