ESS vs WELL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, ESS (Essex Property Trust, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 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 | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.84% | 1.49% |
| Annual dividend | $10.36 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 161% | 133% |
| Years of growth | 30 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.1% | 0.9% |
| 5-yr total return | -21% | 185% |
| Dividend safety score | 83 (A) | 66 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $254.73 | $93.23 |
| Upside to fair value | -6% | -59% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $18.7B | $167.7B |
| P/E ratio | 42.2 | 104.8 |
Higher yield
ESS
3.84%
Safer dividend
ESS
Grade A
Faster growth
ESS
4.1%
Better value
ESS
-6% upside
ESS vs WELL — FAQ
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