AMT vs NHI: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 15, 2026, AMT (American Tower Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NHI offers the higher yield at 5.73%, AMT has the higher dividend-safety score, and NHI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 10% above its share price).
Key facts: AMT vs NHI
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 15, 2026, National Health Investors, Inc. (NHI) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.73%, versus 3.99% for American Tower Corporation (AMT).
- As of Oct 15, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AMT's dividend safety B (73/100) and NHI's C (61/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 15, 2026, AMT has raised its dividend for 13 consecutive years and NHI for 1.
- As of Oct 15, 2026, AMT pays out 96% of its earnings as dividends and NHI pays out 106%.
- As of Oct 15, 2026, AMT's fair-value estimate is 0% above its share price and NHI's fair-value estimate is 10% above its share price, so NHI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AMT vs NHI: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 15, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/amt-vs-nhi
| Metric | AMT | NHI |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.99% | 5.73% |
| Annual dividend | $6.98 | $3.68 |
| Payout ratio | 96% | 106% |
| Years of growth | 13 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.5% | -3.8% |
| 5-yr total return | -35% | 21% |
| Dividend safety score | 73 (B) | 61 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $180.18 | $72.02 |
| Upside to fair value | +0% | +10% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $83.6B | $3.2B |
| P/E ratio | 24.7 | 18.9 |
Higher yield
NHI
5.73%
Safer dividend
AMT
Grade B
Faster growth
AMT
8.5%
Better value
NHI
+10% upside
AMT vs NHI — FAQ
Is AMT or NHI a better dividend stock?
On the data, AMT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NHI offers the higher yield (5.73%), 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 NHI?
NHI has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.73%, versus 3.99% for AMT.
Is AMT or NHI safer?
AMT has the higher dividend-safety score (73/100 vs 61/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AMT or NHI better value right now?
As of Oct 15, 2026, NHI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 10% above its share price (fairly valued). For AMT, its fair-value estimate is 0% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.