ELS vs WELL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, ELS (Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ELS offers the higher yield at 3.45%, ELS has the higher dividend-safety score, and ELS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 5% below its share price).
Key facts: ELS vs WELL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. (ELS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.45%, versus 1.39% for Welltower Inc. (WELL).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ELS's dividend safety B (76/100) and WELL's B (66/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, ELS has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and WELL for 2.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, ELS pays out 106% of its earnings as dividends and WELL pays out 130%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, ELS's fair-value estimate is 5% below its share price and WELL's fair-value estimate is 62% below its share price, so ELS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ELS vs WELL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/els-vs-well
| Metric | ELS | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.45% | 1.39% |
| Annual dividend | $2.17 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 106% | 130% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.5% | 0.9% |
| 5-yr total return | -23% | 208% |
| Dividend safety score | 76 (B) | 66 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $59.83 | $93.33 |
| Upside to fair value | -5% | -62% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $12.7B | $179.7B |
| P/E ratio | 31.2 | 103.8 |
Higher yield
ELS
3.45%
Safer dividend
ELS
Grade B
Faster growth
ELS
8.5%
Better value
ELS
-5% upside
ELS vs WELL — FAQ
Is ELS or WELL a better dividend stock?
On the data, ELS wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). ELS offers the higher yield (3.45%), while ELS has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ELS or WELL?
ELS has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.45%, versus 1.39% for WELL.
Is ELS or WELL safer?
ELS has the higher dividend-safety score (76/100 vs 66/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ELS or WELL better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, ELS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 5% below its share price (fairly valued). For WELL, its fair-value estimate is 62% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.