EQIX vs IRT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, EQIX (Equinix, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. IRT offers the higher yield at 4.87%, EQIX has the higher dividend-safety score, and IRT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 14% above its share price).
Key facts: EQIX vs IRT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (IRT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.87%, versus 2.09% for Equinix, Inc. (EQIX).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades EQIX's dividend safety B (76/100) and IRT's C (51/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, EQIX has raised its dividend for 10 consecutive years and IRT for 4.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, EQIX pays out 127% of its earnings as dividends and IRT pays out 383%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, EQIX's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price and IRT's fair-value estimate is 14% above its share price, so IRT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "EQIX vs IRT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/eqix-vs-irt
| Metric | EQIX | IRT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.09% | 4.87% |
| Annual dividend | $20.64 | $0.72 |
| Payout ratio | 127% | 383% |
| Years of growth | 10 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 12.0% | 4.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 21% | -40% |
| Dividend safety score | 76 (B) | 51 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $484.14 | $16.77 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | +14% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $97.3B | $3.6B |
| P/E ratio | 63.4 | 82.1 |
Higher yield
IRT
4.87%
Safer dividend
EQIX
Grade B
Faster growth
EQIX
12.0%
Better value
IRT
+14% upside
EQIX vs IRT — FAQ
Is EQIX or IRT a better dividend stock?
On the data, EQIX wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). IRT offers the higher yield (4.87%), while EQIX has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, EQIX or IRT?
IRT has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.87%, versus 2.09% for EQIX.
Is EQIX or IRT safer?
EQIX has the higher dividend-safety score (76/100 vs 51/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is EQIX or IRT better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, IRT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 14% above its share price (fairly valued). For EQIX, its fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.