Essex Property (ESS) vs Kimco Realty (HC) (KIM)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Essex Property (ESS) has outperformed Kimco Realty (HC) (KIM) over the past year, gaining 2.3% versus a gain of 2.2%. Over five years, KIM leads with a -2.9% price change compared with -19.5% for ESS. Essex Property is the larger company by market cap ($18.48 billion vs $14.66 billion), about 1.3 times the size.
On valuation, Kimco Realty (HC) trades at a lower forward P/E (24.3x vs 42.6x for Essex Property). Kimco Realty (HC) offers the higher dividend yield (4.71% vs 3.85%). Essex Property converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 37.2% versus 27.3%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | ESS | KIM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $268.05 | $21.85 |
| Market cap | $18.48B | $14.66B |
| 1-day change | -1.63% | -1.31% |
| YTD return | +2.43% | +7.79% |
| 1-year return | +2.28% | +2.25% |
| 5-year return | -19.53% | -2.93% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 41.69 | 25.71 |
| Forward P/E | 42.55 | 24.28 |
| EPS (TTM) | $6.43 | $0.85 |
| Dividend yield | 3.85% | 4.71% |
| Annual dividend | $10.32 | $1.03 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.89B | $2.14B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.36% | +5.06% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $702.77M | $584.74M |
| Gross margin | 69.89% | — |
| Operating margin | 47.65% | 36.02% |
| Net margin | 37.24% | 27.32% |
| 52-week high | $303.35 | $26.65 |
| 52-week low | $238.46 | $19.76 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -11.64% | -18.01% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +13.44% | +22.20% |
| Average volume | 496.81K | 4.78M |
| Shares outstanding | 64.27M | 670.79M |
| Employees | 1,686 | 710 |
| Sector | Real Estate | Real Estate |
| Industry | Real Estate Investment Trusts | Real Estate Investment Trusts |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Essex Property trades at a higher earnings multiple (41.7x vs 25.7x trailing P/E).
- Essex Property is more profitable, keeping 37.2 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 27.3 cents for Kimco Realty (HC).
About Essex Property
ESS stock →Essex Property Trust, Inc., an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust. The firm acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages multifamily residential properties in selected West Coast markets.
Real Estate · Real Estate Investment Trusts · 1,686 employees
About Kimco Realty (HC)
KIM stock →Kimco Realty is a real estate investment trust (REIT) and leading owner and operator of high-quality, open-air, grocery-anchored shopping centers and mixed-use properties in the United States. The company's portfolio is strategically concentrated in the first-ring suburbs of the top major metropolitan markets, including high-barrier-to-entry coastal markets and Sun Belt cities.
Real Estate · Real Estate Investment Trusts · 710 employees
ESS vs KIM FAQ
Which is bigger, Essex Property or Kimco Realty (HC)?
Essex Property (ESS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $18.48B compared with $14.66B for Kimco Realty (HC) (KIM).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ESS or KIM?
ESS returned +2.28% over the past 12 months, compared with +2.25% for KIM (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ESS or KIM?
KIM has the lower trailing P/E at 25.7, versus 41.7 for ESS. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Essex Property or Kimco Realty (HC)?
Kimco Realty (HC) has the higher yield at 4.71%, compared with 3.85% for Essex Property.
Are Essex Property and Kimco Realty (HC) in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry within the Real Estate sector.