Essex Property Trust (ESS) Proxy filing summary

Executive summary

• Annual Meeting scheduled for May 12, 2026, will be held virtually; record date is February 25, 2026.

• Key proposals include election of nine directors, ratification of KPMG LLP as auditor, and advisory vote on executive compensation.

• 2025 performance highlights: $10.40 net income per diluted share, 3.3% same-property revenue growth, 2.2% Core FFO growth, $829.4M in acquisitions, and 4.9% dividend increase.

• Long-term total shareholder return since IPO in 1994 is 5,299%, with 31 consecutive years of dividend increases.

Voting matters and shareholder proposals

• Proposals: (1) Election of directors, (2) Ratification of KPMG LLP as auditor, (3) Advisory vote on executive compensation.

• Board recommends voting FOR all proposals.

• Proxy access and shareholder rights to amend bylaws are available.

• Shareholders may submit proposals for the 2027 meeting between Nov 1 and Dec 1, 2026.

Board of directors and corporate governance

• Board consists of nine nominees, eight of whom are independent; average tenure is 11 years.

• Separate Chairman and CEO roles; Lead Independent Director designated.

• Committees: Audit, Compensation, Nominating, and Executive; all committee members are independent.

• Annual board and committee self-evaluations; robust director and executive stock ownership guidelines.

• Proxy access and shareholder engagement emphasized.