ESS vs PLD: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, ESS (Essex Property Trust, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ESS offers the higher yield at 3.84%, ESS has the higher dividend-safety score, and ESS trades at the larger discount to fair value (-6%).
| Metric | ESS | PLD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.84% | 3.17% |
| Annual dividend | $10.36 | $4.28 |
| Payout ratio | 161% | 93% |
| Years of growth | 30 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.1% | 11.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -21% | -7% |
| Dividend safety score | 83 (A) | 78 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $254.73 | $66.27 |
| Upside to fair value | -6% | -51% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $18.7B | $132.0B |
| P/E ratio | 42.2 | 30.2 |
Higher yield
ESS
3.84%
Safer dividend
ESS
Grade A
Faster growth
PLD
11.7%
Better value
ESS
-6% upside
ESS vs PLD — FAQ
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