Essex Property Trust, Inc. vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Essex Property Trust, Inc. trades at $297.52 (market cap $18.82B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $241.96 (market cap $93.49B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is far larger — about 5× 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 | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $18.82B | $93.49B |
Sector | Real Estate | Industrials |
52-Week High | $298.33 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $239.61 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $25.54B | $116.22B |
Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 1.52% |
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.
WM trades at $242.56, up 3.54% today and near its 52-week high, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported $25.20B revenue in 2025, with a net income margin of 10.99%, though recent quarters show mixed EPS performance. Strong cash flow from operations of $6.04B supports dividend payments, including a recent $0.95 per share distribution.
Outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $264.17, reflecting analyst confidence in WM's pricing power and renewable energy initiatives. Key risks include elevated debt levels and potential economic sensitivity. The stock offers stability with growth potential, but investors should monitor execution against earnings expectations.
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 →Waste Management ranks as the largest integrated provider of traditional solid waste services in the United States, operating approximately 260 active landfills and about 340 transfer stations. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial end markets and is also a leading recycler in North America.
Read more on WM →