Essex Property Trust, Inc. vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Essex Property Trust, Inc. trades at $296.38 (market cap $18.82B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $152.55 (market cap $11.59B). The key difference: Essex Property Trust, Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Essex Property Trust, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.54%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ESS | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $18.82B | $11.59B |
Sector | Real Estate | Industrials |
52-Week High | $298.33 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $239.61 | $110.89 |
Enterprise Value | $25.54B | $13.16B |
Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 0.53% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Essex Property Trust (ESS) trades at $293.32, down 1.61% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages. The stock shows strong profitability with a 30.03% net income margin and has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent news highlights include the upcoming Q2 2026 earnings release and inclusion in the Russell Microcap Index, reflecting positive momentum.
The outlook for ESS is cautiously optimistic, driven by robust West Coast rental demand and AI-driven employment growth. Risks include elevated debt levels and Seattle market weakness. Analysts maintain a mixed consensus with a $294.25 price target, suggesting limited near-term upside from current levels amid balanced sentiment.
WMS trades at $151.04, up 2.32% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported consistent earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $1.07 exceeding the $0.936 estimate. Revenue for 2025 was $2.90B, with a net income margin of 13.98%. Recent news includes a dividend increase and a scheduled Investor Day.
The outlook is supported by strong profitability and a consensus price target of $184.43, implying 22% upside. Risks include a recent Zacks Strong Sell rating and projected earnings decline in 2026. Investor sentiment is mixed, with 41% of analysts rating Buy but some institutional selling noted.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Advanced Drainage Systems Inc is engaged in designing, manufacturing, and marketing thermoplastic corrugated pipe and related water management products in North and South America, and Europe. The company's operating segment includes Pipe
Read more on WMS →