AMT vs NLY: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, AMT (American Tower Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NLY offers the higher yield at 16.43%, AMT has the higher dividend-safety score, and NLY looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 166% above its share price).
Key facts: AMT vs NLY
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NLY) has the higher forward dividend yield at 16.43%, versus 3.80% for American Tower Corporation (AMT).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AMT's dividend safety B (73/100) and NLY's C (55/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, AMT has raised its dividend for 13 consecutive years and NLY for 1.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, AMT pays out 96% of its earnings as dividends and NLY pays out 70%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, AMT's fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price and NLY's fair-value estimate is 166% above its share price, so NLY looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AMT vs NLY: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/amt-vs-nly
| Metric | AMT | NLY |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.80% | 16.43% |
| Annual dividend | $7.16 | $3.00 |
| Payout ratio | 96% | 70% |
| Years of growth | 13 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.5% | -5.1% |
| 5-yr total return | -28% | -43% |
| Dividend safety score | 73 (B) | 55 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $180.18 | $48.61 |
| Upside to fair value | -4% | +166% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $87.7B | $13.8B |
| P/E ratio | 25.9 | 12.8 |
Higher yield
NLY
16.43%
Safer dividend
AMT
Grade B
Faster growth
AMT
8.5%
Better value
NLY
+166% upside
AMT vs NLY — FAQ
Is AMT or NLY a better dividend stock?
On the data, AMT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NLY offers the higher yield (16.43%), 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 NLY?
NLY has the higher forward dividend yield at 16.43%, versus 3.80% for AMT.
Is AMT or NLY safer?
AMT has the higher dividend-safety score (73/100 vs 55/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AMT or NLY better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, NLY looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 166% 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.