AMT vs MFA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, AMT (American Tower Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MFA offers the higher yield at 21.69%, AMT has the higher dividend-safety score, and MFA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 147% above its share price).
Key facts: AMT vs MFA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, MFA Financial, Inc. (MFA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 21.69%, versus 3.80% for American Tower Corporation (AMT).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AMT's dividend safety B (73/100) and MFA's D (44/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, AMT has raised its dividend for 13 consecutive years and MFA for 1.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, AMT pays out 96% of its earnings as dividends and MFA pays out 143%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, AMT's fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price and MFA's fair-value estimate is 147% above its share price, so MFA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AMT vs MFA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/amt-vs-mfa
| Metric | AMT | MFA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.80% | 21.69% |
| Annual dividend | $7.16 | $1.44 |
| Payout ratio | 96% | 143% |
| Years of growth | 13 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.5% | 7.6% |
| 5-yr total return | -28% | -61% |
| Dividend safety score | 73 (B) | 44 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $180.18 | $16.40 |
| Upside to fair value | -4% | +147% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $87.7B | $671.2M |
| P/E ratio | 25.9 | 6.6 |
Higher yield
MFA
21.69%
Safer dividend
AMT
Grade B
Faster growth
AMT
8.5%
Better value
MFA
+147% upside
AMT vs MFA — FAQ
Is AMT or MFA a better dividend stock?
On the data, AMT wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). MFA offers the higher yield (21.69%), 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 MFA?
MFA has the higher forward dividend yield at 21.69%, versus 3.80% for AMT.
Is AMT or MFA safer?
AMT has the higher dividend-safety score (73/100 vs 44/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AMT or MFA better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, MFA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 147% above its share price (undervalued). For AMT, its fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.