AMT vs ESS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, ESS (Essex Property Trust, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. AMT offers the higher yield at 4.01%, ESS has the higher dividend-safety score, and ESS trades at the larger discount to fair value (-6%).
| Metric | AMT | ESS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.01% | 3.84% |
| Annual dividend | $6.98 | $10.36 |
| Payout ratio | 96% | 161% |
| Years of growth | 13 yr | 30 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.5% | 4.1% |
| 5-yr total return | -38% | -21% |
| Dividend safety score | 72 (B) | 83 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $159.72 | $254.73 |
| Upside to fair value | -8% | -6% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $81.4B | $18.7B |
| P/E ratio | 24.0 | 42.2 |
Higher yield
AMT
4.01%
Safer dividend
ESS
Grade A
Faster growth
AMT
8.5%
Better value
ESS
-6% upside
AMT vs ESS — FAQ
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.