American Tower (REIT) (AMT) vs Equinix (EQIX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Equinix (EQIX) has outperformed American Tower (REIT) (AMT) over the past year, gaining 31.1% versus a loss of 11.1%. Over five years, EQIX leads with a +32.0% price change compared with -38.3% for AMT. Equinix is the larger company by market cap ($98.77 billion vs $77.51 billion), about 1.3 times the size.
On valuation, American Tower (REIT) trades at a lower forward P/E (23.7x vs 54.0x for Equinix). American Tower (REIT) offers the higher dividend yield (4.20% vs 1.97%). American Tower (REIT) converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 24.7% versus 14.6%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AMT | EQIX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $166.36 | $1,001.00 |
| Market cap | $77.51B | $98.77B |
| 1-day change | +0.11% | -2.98% |
| YTD return | -5.35% | +34.67% |
| 1-year return | -11.12% | +31.09% |
| 5-year return | -38.30% | +32.04% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 22.88 | 64.41 |
| Forward P/E | 23.73 | 54.03 |
| EPS (TTM) | $7.27 | $15.54 |
| Dividend yield | 4.20% | 1.97% |
| Annual dividend | $6.98 | $19.70 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $10.64B | $9.22B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +5.11% | +5.36% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $2.63B | $1.35B |
| Gross margin | — | 51.09% |
| Operating margin | 45.52% | 20.05% |
| Net margin | 24.69% | 14.65% |
| 52-week high | $196.08 | $1,128.68 |
| 52-week low | $160.06 | $720.62 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -15.16% | -11.31% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +29.69% | +23.30% |
| Average volume | 2.60M | 535.83K |
| Shares outstanding | 465.96M | 98.67M |
| Employees | 4,866 | 13,716 |
| Sector | Real Estate | Real Estate |
| Industry | Real Estate Investment Trusts | Real Estate Investment Trusts |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- EQIX has outperformed AMT by 42.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Equinix trades at a higher earnings multiple (64.4x vs 22.9x trailing P/E).
- American Tower (REIT) offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (4.20% vs 1.97%).
- American Tower (REIT) is more profitable, keeping 24.7 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 14.6 cents for Equinix.
About American Tower (REIT)
AMT stock →American Tower Corporation one of the largest global REITs, is a leading independent owner, operator and developer of multitenant communications real estate with a portfolio of over 148,000 communications sites and a highly interconnected footprint of U.S. data center facilities.
Real Estate · Real Estate Investment Trusts · 4,866 employees
About Equinix
EQIX stock →Equinix, Inc. shortens the path to boundless connectivity anywhere in the world.
Real Estate · Real Estate Investment Trusts · 13,716 employees
AMT vs EQIX FAQ
Which is bigger, American Tower (REIT) or Equinix?
Equinix (EQIX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $98.77B compared with $77.51B for American Tower (REIT) (AMT).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AMT or EQIX?
EQIX returned +31.09% over the past 12 months, compared with -11.12% for AMT (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AMT or EQIX?
AMT has the lower trailing P/E at 22.9, versus 64.4 for EQIX. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, American Tower (REIT) or Equinix?
American Tower (REIT) has the higher yield at 4.20%, compared with 1.97% for Equinix.
Are American Tower (REIT) and Equinix in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry within the Real Estate sector.