-- CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:
ESS delivered solid Q1 2025 results, with FFO of $4.17 per share, $0.21 above consensus, and same-property revenue growth of 2.9%. Cash NOI grew 4.3% Y/Y due to rental revenue of $482M, with average monthly rent up 2.2% to $2,719. We believe the West Coast multifamily market is showing modest growth, with Northern California leading the recovery at 3.9% same-property revenue growth, followed by Seattle Metro at 2.3% and Southern California at 2.2%. Management reaffirmed 2026 guidance, with FFO expected at $15.69-$16.19 per share and same-property revenue growth of 1.7%-3.1%. ESS increased its annual dividend by 0.8% to $10.36 per share, marking the 32nd consecutive annual increase, while repurchasing $61.9M in shares YTD. We like the portfolio's performance trajectory amid the ongoing West Coast market recovery, though operating expenses continue outpacing revenue growth at +2.5% to +3.5%. This leads to cash NOI of only +0.8% to +3.4% with the midpoint at +2.1% Y/Y.