Dividend comparison
T vs VZ: Which Is Better for Income?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc., side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
T vs VZ: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Income. VZ pays more income, yielding 6.37% over the last twelve months versus 4.78% for T. That is about $159 more a year on $10,000. Both pay quarterly.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, T returned 57.7% versus 12.6% for VZ, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $15,771 in T and $11,262 in VZ.
- Risk. VZ has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 5 years was -38.4%, against -32.0% for T.
- Dividend growth. VZ grew its yearly payout 1.9% a year over the last 4 years, versus -14.5% for T.
Bottom line: T fits better if you care most about stronger 5-year returns and smaller drawdowns. VZ fits better if you care most about more income today and faster dividend growth.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
| Metric | T AT&T Inc. | VZ Verizon Communications Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 4.78% | 6.37% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $1.11 | $2.81 |
| Payout frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Last dividend | $0.2775 on Aug 3, 2026 | $0.7075 on Aug 3, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Oct 9, 2026 | Oct 9, 2026 |
| Next payment | $0.2775 on Nov 2, 2026 | $0.7075 on Nov 2, 2026 |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | -14.5% over 4 yrs | 1.9% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $23.42 | $44.54 |
| Payout ratio (TTM) | 37.3% | 71.9% |
| Dividend growth streak | — | 21 years |
| Beta | 0.43 | 0.25 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -32.0% | -38.4% |
| Market cap | $160.55B | $186.09B |
| Exchange | NYSE | NYSE |
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.
T
$39.87/mo
$478 /yr at 4.78% yield
VZ
$53.09/mo
$637 /yr at 6.37% yield
Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. T pays quarterly; VZ pays quarterly.
| Year | T | VZ |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1.1100 | $2.7225 |
| 2024 | $1.1100 | $2.6725 |
| 2023 | $1.1100 | $2.6225 |
| 2022 | $1.3525 | $2.5725 |
| 2021 | $2.0800 | $2.5225 |
Strategy: Dividend stocks
Individual companies with long records of paying and raising dividends. Comparing two of them comes down to how safe the payout is, measured by the payout ratio and balance sheet, how fast it has grown, and what the business needs to keep earning it. A single stock carries company-specific risk that a fund spreads out.
A single company can cut or suspend its dividend, and one holding can fall far more than a diversified fund.
Performance
Total returns with dividends reinvested, from the adjusted closing price series. $10,000 invested on Oct 20, 2021 would now be worth $15,771 in T and $11,262 in VZ.
| Period | T | VZ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | -6.77% | -5.95% |
| 3 months | 7.88% | 3.97% |
| Year to date | -1.22% | 16.63% |
| 1 year | -5.98% | 16.41% |
| 3 years | 74.91% | 68.90% |
| 5 years | 57.71% | 12.62% |
- T
- VZ
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-20 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Quick verdict
T fits better if you care most about stronger 5-year returns and smaller drawdowns. VZ fits better if you care most about more income today and faster dividend growth. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Still deciding? Compare them in your portfolio
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Frequently asked questions
Is T or VZ better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. T currently yields 4.78% Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) while VZ yields 6.37%. Higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, but may come with different risk, growth, or NAV characteristics. Compare total return and payout sustainability — not just the headline yield.
What is the difference between T and VZ?
AT&T Inc. (T) is a stock listed on NYSE. Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) is a stock listed on NYSE. Side-by-side metrics on this page cover yield, fees, returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history when available.
Which has performed better, T or VZ?
Over the last 5 years, T has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: T returned 57.7% and VZ returned 12.6%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, T or VZ?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, VZ has been riskier: T fell as much as 32.0% and VZ as much as 38.4%. Their betas are 0.43 and 0.25.
How often do T and VZ pay dividends?
Both pay quarterly. The most recent payments were $0.2775 for T and $0.7075 for VZ.
How much income does $10,000 in T vs VZ generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in T would generate roughly $39.87 per month ($478 annually). The same amount in VZ would produce about $53.09 per month ($637 annually). Actual payouts vary with distribution changes and reinvestment.
Can I hold both T and VZ?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify strategy or index exposure. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on overlapping holdings and factor exposure. Model both inside Dividend Wealth to see combined income, sector mix, and forecast impact.
Where can I compare T vs VZ with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how T and VZ fit alongside the rest of your portfolio. A 14-day free trial of Standard is available with no credit card required; a limited Free plan is also available.
For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.