AMT vs IRM: Dividend Yield, Growth & Safety Comparison
American Tower Corp /Ma/ (AMT) and Iron Mountain Inc (IRM) are both in the Real Estate sector, making them natural rivals for dividend investors. AMT edges ahead on yield at 3.76% versus IRM's 3.09%. Both stocks show similar dividend growth rates, each around 6.9% over the past five years. Both stocks carry a "Safe" dividend safety rating. AMT is a Dividend Contender with 14 years of consecutive increases.
Key Metrics Comparison
| Metric | AMT | IRM |
|---|
| Dividend Yield | 3.76% | 3.09% |
| Annual Dividend | $6.72 | $3.07 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.9% | 6.8% |
| Payout Ratio | 1% | 6% |
| Consecutive Years | 14 | 3 |
| Price | $190.81 | $109.98 |
Yield Comparison
American Tower Corp /Ma/ (AMT) currently yields 3.76%, which is solid for the broader market. That's 0.67% more than Iron Mountain Inc (IRM), which yields 3.09%. In dollar terms, AMT pays $6.72/share annually versus IRM's $3.07/share.
Dividend Growth
Over the past five years, AMT has grown its dividend at a 6.9% CAGR compared to IRM's 6.8%. AMT: Dividend growth is slowing — the 3-year CAGR of 2.7% trails the 5-year rate of 6.9% and the 10-year rate of 13.5%. IRM: Dividend growth is accelerating — the 3-year CAGR of 12.6% exceeds the 5-year rate of 6.8% and the 10-year rate of 5.4%.
Dividend Safety
AMT's dividend safety is rated "Safe." The payout ratio of 1% is well within sustainable levels, leaving room for future increases. Earnings cover the dividend 0.9x. IRM's dividend safety is rated "Safe." The payout ratio of 6% is well within sustainable levels, leaving room for future increases. Earnings cover the dividend 0.2x. Both have similar payout ratios — AMT at 1% and IRM at 6%.
Income Comparison
A $10,000 investment in AMT generates approximately $376/year in dividend income, compared to $309/year from IRM — a difference of $67/year. At $100,000, that gap widens to $670/year.
Verdict
- Best for income: AMT
- Best for safety: AMT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has a higher dividend yield, AMT or IRM?
American Tower Corp /Ma/ (AMT) has a higher dividend yield of 3.76% compared to Iron Mountain Inc (IRM) at 3.09%.
Is AMT or IRM a better dividend growth stock?
American Tower Corp /Ma/ has the stronger dividend growth with a 5-year CAGR of 6.9%, compared to Iron Mountain Inc's 6.8%.
Which is safer for dividend income, AMT or IRM?
American Tower Corp /Ma/'s dividend safety is rated "Safe" while Iron Mountain Inc is rated "Safe." The payout ratio of 1% is well within sustainable levels, leaving room for future increases. Earnings cover the dividend 0.9x. The payout ratio of 6% is well within sustainable levels, leaving room for future increases. Earnings cover the dividend 0.2x.
How much income does $10,000 in AMT vs IRM generate?
A $10,000 investment in AMT generates approximately $376/year in dividends, while the same amount in IRM generates about $309/year.
Is AMT or IRM a Dividend Aristocrat?
American Tower Corp /Ma/ is a Dividend Contender with 14 consecutive years of increases. Iron Mountain Inc does not currently qualify for aristocrat status.
Which has a lower payout ratio, AMT or IRM?
American Tower Corp /Ma/ has a lower payout ratio of 1% compared to Iron Mountain Inc's 6%. A lower payout ratio generally indicates more room for dividend growth and better sustainability.
AMT vs IRM: which is better for retirement income?
It depends on your priorities. AMT for current income, AMT for safety. Many retirement investors hold both for diversification.
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