NXST vs VZ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, NXST and VZ are closely matched. VZ offers the higher yield at 6.32%, VZ 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: NXST vs VZ
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.32%, versus 4.52% for Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NXST).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades NXST's dividend safety B (75/100) and VZ's A (87/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, NXST has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and VZ for 21.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, NXST pays out 141% of its earnings as dividends and VZ pays out 73%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, NXST's fair-value estimate is 65% above its share price and VZ's fair-value estimate is 56% above its share price, so NXST looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "NXST vs VZ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/nxst-vs-vz
| Metric | NXST | VZ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.52% | 6.32% |
| Annual dividend | $7.44 | $2.83 |
| Payout ratio | 141% | 73% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 27.1% | 2.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 10% | -11% |
| Dividend safety score | 75 (B) | 87 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $271.48 | $70.01 |
| Upside to fair value | +65% | +56% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.1B | $186.1B |
| P/E ratio | 31.2 | 11.7 |
Higher yield
VZ
6.32%
Safer dividend
VZ
Grade A
Faster growth
NXST
27.1%
Better value
NXST
+65% upside
NXST vs VZ — FAQ
Is NXST or VZ a better dividend stock?
NXST and VZ are closely matched. VZ has the higher yield; VZ scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, NXST or VZ?
VZ has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.32%, versus 4.52% for NXST.
Is NXST or VZ safer?
VZ has the higher dividend-safety score (87/100 vs 75/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is NXST or VZ 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 VZ, its fair-value estimate is 56% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.