AMT vs IRT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, AMT (American Tower Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. IRT offers the higher yield at 4.87%, AMT has the higher dividend-safety score, and IRT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 14% above its share price).
Key facts: AMT vs IRT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (IRT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.87%, versus 3.86% for American Tower Corporation (AMT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AMT's dividend safety B (73/100) and IRT's C (51/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AMT has raised its dividend for 13 consecutive years and IRT for 4.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AMT pays out 96% of its earnings as dividends and IRT pays out 383%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AMT's fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price and IRT's fair-value estimate is 14% above its share price, so IRT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AMT vs IRT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/amt-vs-irt
| Metric | AMT | IRT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.86% | 4.87% |
| Annual dividend | $7.16 | $0.72 |
| Payout ratio | 96% | 383% |
| Years of growth | 13 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.5% | 4.4% |
| 5-yr total return | -29% | -40% |
| Dividend safety score | 73 (B) | 51 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $180.18 | $16.77 |
| Upside to fair value | -3% | +14% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $86.3B | $3.6B |
| P/E ratio | 25.5 | 82.1 |
Higher yield
IRT
4.87%
Safer dividend
AMT
Grade B
Faster growth
AMT
8.5%
Better value
IRT
+14% upside
AMT vs IRT — FAQ
Is AMT or IRT a better dividend stock?
On the data, AMT wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). IRT offers the higher yield (4.87%), 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, AMT or IRT?
IRT has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.87%, versus 3.86% for AMT.
Is AMT or IRT safer?
AMT has the higher dividend-safety score (73/100 vs 51/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AMT or IRT better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, IRT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 14% above its share price (fairly valued). 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.