ESRT vs WELL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, WELL (Welltower Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ESRT offers the higher yield at 3.03%, WELL has the higher dividend-safety score, and WELL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 59% below its share price).
Key facts: ESRT vs WELL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (ESRT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.03%, versus 1.45% for Welltower Inc. (WELL).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ESRT's dividend safety D (48/100) and WELL's B (66/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ESRT has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and WELL for 2.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ESRT's fair-value estimate is 69% below its share price and WELL's fair-value estimate is 59% below its share price, so WELL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ESRT vs WELL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/esrt-vs-well
| Metric | ESRT | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.03% | 1.45% |
| Annual dividend | $0.14 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 700% | 133% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -19.7% | 0.9% |
| 5-yr total return | -49% | 195% |
| Dividend safety score | 48 (D) | 66 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $1.41 | $96.91 |
| Upside to fair value | -69% | -59% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.4B | $169.2B |
| P/E ratio | 231.0 | 105.3 |
Higher yield
ESRT
3.03%
Safer dividend
WELL
Grade B
Faster growth
WELL
0.9%
Better value
WELL
-59% upside
ESRT vs WELL — FAQ
Is ESRT or WELL a better dividend stock?
On the data, WELL wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). ESRT offers the higher yield (3.03%), 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, ESRT or WELL?
ESRT has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.03%, versus 1.45% for WELL.
Is ESRT or WELL safer?
WELL has the higher dividend-safety score (66/100 vs 48/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ESRT or WELL better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, WELL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 59% below its share price (overvalued). For ESRT, its fair-value estimate is 69% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.