SHEN vs VZ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 22, 2026, VZ (Verizon Communications Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. VZ offers the higher yield at 6.50%, VZ has the higher dividend-safety score, and SHEN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 161% above its share price).
Key facts: SHEN vs VZ
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 22, 2026, Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.50%, versus 1.13% for Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (SHEN).
- As of Oct 22, 2026, SmarterDividends grades SHEN's dividend safety C (58/100) and VZ's A (87/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 22, 2026, SHEN has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and VZ for 21.
- As of Oct 22, 2026, SHEN pays out 450% of its earnings as dividends and VZ pays out 73%.
- As of Oct 22, 2026, SHEN's fair-value estimate is 161% above its share price and VZ's fair-value estimate is 61% above its share price, so SHEN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "SHEN vs VZ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 22, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/shen-vs-vz
| Metric | SHEN | VZ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.13% | 6.50% |
| Annual dividend | $0.11 | $2.83 |
| Payout ratio | 450% | 73% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -20.2% | 2.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -59% | -11% |
| Dividend safety score | 58 (C) | 87 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $25.47 | $70.01 |
| Upside to fair value | +161% | +61% |
| Frequency | annual | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.4M | $181.0B |
| P/E ratio | — | 11.3 |
Higher yield
VZ
6.50%
Safer dividend
VZ
Grade A
Faster growth
VZ
2.0%
Better value
SHEN
+161% upside
SHEN vs VZ — FAQ
Is SHEN or VZ a better dividend stock?
On the data, VZ wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). VZ offers the higher yield (6.50%), while VZ has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, SHEN or VZ?
VZ has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.50%, versus 1.13% for SHEN.
Is SHEN or VZ safer?
VZ has the higher dividend-safety score (87/100 vs 58/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is SHEN or VZ better value right now?
As of Oct 22, 2026, SHEN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 161% above its share price (undervalued). For VZ, its fair-value estimate is 61% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.