AMT vs MAA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, MAA (Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MAA offers the higher yield at 5.15%, MAA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MAA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price).
Key facts: AMT vs MAA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (MAA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.15%, versus 3.79% for American Tower Corporation (AMT).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AMT's dividend safety B (73/100) and MAA's A (81/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, AMT has raised its dividend for 13 consecutive years and MAA for 15.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, AMT pays out 100% of its earnings as dividends and MAA pays out 185%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, AMT's fair-value estimate is 43% below its share price and MAA's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price, so MAA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AMT vs MAA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/amt-vs-maa
| Metric | AMT | MAA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.79% | 5.15% |
| Annual dividend | $7.16 | $6.12 |
| Payout ratio | 100% | 185% |
| Years of growth | 13 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.5% | 8.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -28% | -42% |
| Dividend safety score | 73 (B) | 81 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $106.80 | $98.52 |
| Upside to fair value | -43% | -17% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $87.6B | $14.1B |
| P/E ratio | 26.6 | 36.0 |
Higher yield
MAA
5.15%
Safer dividend
MAA
Grade A
Faster growth
MAA
8.7%
Better value
MAA
-17% upside
AMT vs MAA — FAQ
Is AMT or MAA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MAA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MAA offers the higher yield (5.15%), while MAA 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 MAA?
MAA has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.15%, versus 3.79% for AMT.
Is AMT or MAA safer?
MAA has the higher dividend-safety score (81/100 vs 73/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AMT or MAA better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, MAA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price (overvalued). 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.