AMT vs RLJ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, AMT and RLJ are closely matched. RLJ offers the higher yield at 5.15%, AMT has the higher dividend-safety score, and RLJ looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price).
Key facts: AMT vs RLJ
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, RLJ Lodging Trust (RLJ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.15%, versus 3.86% for American Tower Corporation (AMT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AMT's dividend safety B (73/100) and RLJ's C (50/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AMT has raised its dividend for 13 consecutive years and RLJ for 4.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AMT's fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price and RLJ's fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price, so RLJ looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AMT vs RLJ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/amt-vs-rlj
| Metric | AMT | RLJ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.86% | 5.15% |
| Annual dividend | $7.16 | $0.60 |
| Payout ratio | 96% | 6000% |
| Years of growth | 13 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.5% | 71.9% |
| 5-yr total return | -29% | -7% |
| Dividend safety score | 73 (B) | 50 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $180.18 | $12.40 |
| Upside to fair value | -3% | +6% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $86.3B | $1.8B |
| P/E ratio | 25.5 | — |
Higher yield
RLJ
5.15%
Safer dividend
AMT
Grade B
Faster growth
RLJ
71.9%
Better value
RLJ
+6% upside
AMT vs RLJ — FAQ
Is AMT or RLJ a better dividend stock?
AMT and RLJ are closely matched. RLJ has the higher yield; AMT scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AMT or RLJ?
RLJ has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.15%, versus 3.86% for AMT.
Is AMT or RLJ safer?
AMT has the higher dividend-safety score (73/100 vs 50/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AMT or RLJ better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, RLJ looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 6% 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.