ESS vs WELL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of July 2026, ESS (Essex Property Trust, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ESS offers the higher yield at 3.54%, ESS has the higher dividend-safety score, and ESS trades at the larger discount to fair value (-17%).
| Metric | ESS | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.54% | 1.22% |
| Annual dividend | $10.36 | $2.96 |
| Payout ratio | 116% | 140% |
| Years of growth | 30 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.1% | 0.9% |
| 5-yr total return | -11% | 178% |
| Dividend safety score | 85 (A) | 63 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $243.68 | $80.94 |
| Upside to fair value | -17% | -67% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $20.3B | $172.8B |
| P/E ratio | 33.0 | 117.7 |
Higher yield
ESS
3.54%
Safer dividend
ESS
Grade A
Faster growth
ESS
4.1%
Better value
ESS
-17% upside
ESS vs WELL — FAQ
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