AMT vs ELS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, ELS (Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. AMT offers the higher yield at 3.79%, ELS has the higher dividend-safety score, and ELS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 5% below its share price).
Key facts: AMT vs ELS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, American Tower Corporation (AMT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.79%, versus 3.45% for Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. (ELS).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AMT's dividend safety B (73/100) and ELS's B (76/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, AMT has raised its dividend for 13 consecutive years and ELS for 21.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, AMT pays out 100% of its earnings as dividends and ELS pays out 106%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, AMT's fair-value estimate is 43% below its share price and ELS's fair-value estimate is 5% below its share price, so ELS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AMT vs ELS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/amt-vs-els
| Metric | AMT | ELS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.79% | 3.45% |
| Annual dividend | $7.16 | $2.17 |
| Payout ratio | 100% | 106% |
| Years of growth | 13 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.5% | 8.5% |
| 5-yr total return | -28% | -23% |
| Dividend safety score | 73 (B) | 76 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $106.80 | $59.83 |
| Upside to fair value | -43% | -5% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $87.6B | $12.7B |
| P/E ratio | 26.6 | 31.2 |
Higher yield
AMT
3.79%
Safer dividend
ELS
Grade B
Faster growth
ELS
8.5%
Better value
ELS
-5% upside
AMT vs ELS — FAQ
Is AMT or ELS a better dividend stock?
On the data, ELS wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). AMT offers the higher yield (3.79%), while ELS has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AMT or ELS?
AMT has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.79%, versus 3.45% for ELS.
Is AMT or ELS safer?
ELS has the higher dividend-safety score (76/100 vs 73/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AMT or ELS better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, ELS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 5% below its share price (fairly valued). For AMT, its fair-value estimate is 43% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.