SmarterDividends

META vs NXST: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 18, 2026, NXST (Nexstar Media Group, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 6 head-to-head metrics. NXST offers the higher yield at 4.52%, META has the higher dividend-safety score, and NXST looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 65% above its share price).

Key facts: META vs NXST

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NXST) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.52%, versus 0.30% for Meta Platforms, Inc. (META).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades META's dividend safety B (75/100) and NXST's B (75/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, META has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and NXST for 12.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, META pays out 8% of its earnings as dividends and NXST pays out 141%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, META's fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price and NXST's fair-value estimate is 65% above its share price, so NXST looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "META vs NXST: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/meta-vs-nxst

MetricMETANXST
Forward yield0.30%4.52%
Annual dividend$2.10$7.44
Payout ratio8%141%
Years of growth1 yr12 yr
5-yr dividend growth—27.1%
5-yr total return119%10%
Dividend safety score75 (B)75 (B)
Fair value estimate$552.71$271.48
Upside to fair value-22%+65%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$1.8T$5.1B
P/E ratio26.731.2

Higher yield

NXST

4.52%

Safer dividend

META

Grade B

Faster growth

NXST

27.1%

Better value

NXST

+65% upside

META vs NXST — FAQ

Is META or NXST a better dividend stock?

On the data, NXST wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 2). NXST offers the higher yield (4.52%), while META has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.

Which has a higher dividend yield, META or NXST?

NXST has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.52%, versus 0.30% for META.

Is META or NXST safer?

META has the higher dividend-safety score (75/100 vs 75/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is META or NXST better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, NXST looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 65% above its share price (undervalued). For META, its fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.