EQIX vs RLJ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, EQIX (Equinix, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. RLJ offers the higher yield at 5.15%, EQIX 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: EQIX 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 2.09% for Equinix, Inc. (EQIX).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades EQIX's dividend safety B (76/100) and RLJ's C (50/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, EQIX has raised its dividend for 10 consecutive years and RLJ for 4.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, EQIX's fair-value estimate is 51% 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, "EQIX vs RLJ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/eqix-vs-rlj
| Metric | EQIX | RLJ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.09% | 5.15% |
| Annual dividend | $20.64 | $0.60 |
| Payout ratio | 127% | 6000% |
| Years of growth | 10 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 12.0% | 71.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 21% | -7% |
| Dividend safety score | 76 (B) | 50 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $484.14 | $12.40 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | +6% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $97.3B | $1.8B |
| P/E ratio | 63.4 | — |
Higher yield
RLJ
5.15%
Safer dividend
EQIX
Grade B
Faster growth
RLJ
71.9%
Better value
RLJ
+6% upside
EQIX vs RLJ — FAQ
Is EQIX or RLJ a better dividend stock?
On the data, EQIX wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). RLJ offers the higher yield (5.15%), 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 RLJ?
RLJ has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.15%, versus 2.09% for EQIX.
Is EQIX or RLJ safer?
EQIX has the higher dividend-safety score (76/100 vs 50/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is EQIX 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 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.