CPT vs ESS
Camden Property Trust (CPT) and Essex Property Trust (ESS) compared side by side. Essex Property Trust (ESS) is larger, with a market cap of $19.2B versus $11.8B for Camden Property Trust, about 1.6 times the size. On trailing earnings, CPT is cheaper at 33.7x versus 43.3x for ESS.
Head to head
| Metric | CPT | ESS |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $11.8B | $19.2B |
| P/E (TTM) | 33.7x | 43.3x |
| Forward P/E | 136.0x | 44.5x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $1.6B | $2.0B |
| Revenue growth | -0.8% | 3.1% |
| Gross margin | 61.6% | 68.8% |
| Operating margin | 16.1% | 34.0% |
| Free cash flow | $370.5M | $990.8M |
| Dividend yield | 4.16% | 3.72% |
| 1-year return | +1.2% | +9.7% |
| 5-year return (annual) | -5.2% | -0.0% |
| Max drawdown | -75% | -63% |
| FI Handbook grade | C- | C |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
CPT vs ESS FAQ
Which is bigger, CPT or ESS?
Essex Property Trust (ESS) is larger, with a market cap of $19.2B versus $11.8B for Camden Property Trust, about 1.6 times the size.
Is CPT or ESS cheaper?
On trailing earnings, CPT is cheaper at 33.7x versus 43.3x for ESS. A lower P/E can reflect slower expected growth, so compare growth and margins too.
Which stock performed better over the past year, CPT or ESS?
ESS returned +9.7% over the past year including dividends, versus +1.2% for CPT, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, CPT or ESS?
CPT yields 4.16% versus 3.72% for ESS.
Full pages: Camden Property Trust · Essex Property Trust