AVB vs WELL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, AVB (AvalonBay Communities Inc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head metrics. AVB offers the higher yield at 3.87%, WELL has the higher dividend-safety score, and AVB looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 6% below its share price).
Key facts: AVB vs WELL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, AvalonBay Communities Inc (AVB) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.87%, versus 1.37% for Welltower Inc. (WELL).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AVB's dividend safety C (50/100) and WELL's B (66/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, AVB has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and WELL for 2.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, AVB pays out 97% of its earnings as dividends and WELL pays out 130%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, AVB's fair-value estimate is 6% below its share price and WELL's fair-value estimate is 61% below its share price, so AVB looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AVB vs WELL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/avb-vs-well
| Metric | AVB | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.87% | 1.37% |
| Annual dividend | $7.12 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 97% | 130% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 1.9% | 0.9% |
| 5-yr total return | — | 195% |
| Dividend safety score | 50 (C) | 66 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $172.27 | $96.91 |
| Upside to fair value | -6% | -61% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $26.3B | $180.8B |
| P/E ratio | 25.2 | 104.4 |
Higher yield
AVB
3.87%
Safer dividend
WELL
Grade B
Faster growth
AVB
1.9%
Better value
AVB
-6% upside
AVB vs WELL — FAQ
Is AVB or WELL a better dividend stock?
On the data, AVB wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 1). AVB offers the higher yield (3.87%), while WELL has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AVB or WELL?
AVB has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.87%, versus 1.37% for WELL.
Is AVB or WELL safer?
WELL has the higher dividend-safety score (66/100 vs 50/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AVB or WELL better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, AVB looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 6% below its share price (fairly valued). For WELL, its fair-value estimate is 61% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.