AGNC vs AMT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 19, 2026, AMT (American Tower Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. AGNC offers the higher yield at 16.51%, AMT has the higher dividend-safety score, and AGNC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 96% above its share price).
Key facts: AGNC vs AMT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 19, 2026, AGNC Investment Corp. (AGNC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 16.51%, versus 3.86% for American Tower Corporation (AMT).
- As of Oct 19, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AGNC's dividend safety C (55/100) and AMT's B (73/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 19, 2026, AGNC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and AMT for 13.
- As of Oct 19, 2026, AGNC pays out 73% of its earnings as dividends and AMT pays out 96%.
- As of Oct 19, 2026, AGNC's fair-value estimate is 96% above its share price and AMT's fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price, so AGNC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AGNC vs AMT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 19, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/agnc-vs-amt
| Metric | AGNC | AMT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 16.51% | 3.86% |
| Annual dividend | $1.44 | $7.16 |
| Payout ratio | 73% | 96% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 13 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -1.6% | 8.5% |
| 5-yr total return | -43% | -29% |
| Dividend safety score | 55 (C) | 73 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $17.09 | $180.18 |
| Upside to fair value | +96% | -3% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $10.3B | $86.3B |
| P/E ratio | 4.4 | 25.5 |
Higher yield
AGNC
16.51%
Safer dividend
AMT
Grade B
Faster growth
AMT
8.5%
Better value
AGNC
+96% upside
AGNC vs AMT — FAQ
Is AGNC or AMT a better dividend stock?
On the data, AMT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). AGNC offers the higher yield (16.51%), while AMT has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AGNC or AMT?
AGNC has the higher forward dividend yield at 16.51%, versus 3.86% for AMT.
Is AGNC or AMT safer?
AMT has the higher dividend-safety score (73/100 vs 55/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AGNC or AMT better value right now?
As of Oct 19, 2026, AGNC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 96% above its share price (undervalued). For AMT, its fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.