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ADC vs AMT
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Agree Realty Corporation (ADC) vs. American Tower Corporation (AMT) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- ADC (Agree Realty) is a retail net-lease REIT (real estate investment trust) with a smaller ~$8 billion market cap, higher dividend yield, and faster near-term earnings growth.
- AMT (American Tower) is a global communications-infrastructure REIT with a much larger ~$87 billion market cap, diversified across towers and data centers, and direct exposure to AI-driven demand.
- Both companies are REITs, but they occupy different sectors: ADC focuses on single-tenant retail properties, while AMT owns cell towers and data-center assets.
- ADC recently posted record investment activity and raised guidance, while AMT raised its full-year outlook for the second time on strong data-center leasing.
- AMT faces a near-term DISH churn headwind and higher leverage, whereas ADC carries lower leverage and a stronger, investment-grade tenant mix.
- The relative comparison hinges on growth style and income orientation: ADC offers a higher current yield, while AMT offers larger scale and secular digital-infrastructure tailwinds.
Introduction
Investors weighing ADC and AMT are comparing two very different corners of the REIT universe. Agree Realty Corporation is a focused retail net-lease operator, while American Tower Corporation is a global owner of communications towers and data centers. This stock comparison is most relevant to income-oriented investors, REIT allocators, and traders evaluating relative performance, market positioning, and growth drivers. Although both names share a real-estate structure, their risk profiles, sector exposure, and catalysts diverge considerably. Understanding those differences is essential for anyone assessing which business model is better suited to the current market environment.
ADC Overview and Recent Performance
ADC, Agree Realty Corporation, acquires and develops single-tenant retail properties net leased to national and regional retailers, with an emphasis on investment-grade tenants in essential, e-commerce-resistant categories such as grocery, home improvement, and auto parts. In recent quarters, the company has delivered notable operational momentum, including record quarterly investment activity and occupancy reaching a company high near 99.8%. Management raised full-year AFFO (adjusted funds from operations, a key REIT earnings measure) guidance to roughly $4.57 to $4.59 per share, implying mid-single-digit growth at the midpoint, and increased its investment-volume outlook to $1.6 billion to $1.8 billion.
Recent market activity has seen the shares pull back toward the lower end of their 52-week range, and at least one analyst trimmed a price target while maintaining a constructive rating. Sentiment reflects a broader tug-of-war between strong fundamentals and the pressure higher interest rates place on REIT valuations. ADC continues to offer a monthly dividend of about $0.267 per share, translating to an annualized yield in the high-4% range, supported by a conservative payout ratio and an investment-grade balance sheet with pro forma net debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) of roughly 3.7 times.
AMT Overview and Recent Performance
AMT, American Tower Corporation, owns and operates communications real estate worldwide, including cell towers and, through its CoreSite platform, interconnected data centers. In recent quarters the company reported steady top-line growth, with total revenues rising in the mid-single digits and record data-center leasing activity. Management raised its full-year 2026 outlook for the second time, lifting property-revenue, EBITDA, and AFFO-per-share guidance, while data-center revenue growth expectations were increased to roughly 15%.
That momentum is partly offset by near-term headwinds, including churn tied to the DISH bankruptcy and carrier consolidation, softer organic growth in Latin America, and a higher net leverage ratio of about 4.9 times. Management has characterized the current year as a likely trough for AFFO-per-share growth, with improvement expected as churn and refinancing costs ease. AMT maintains substantial liquidity, an active share-repurchase program, and a quarterly distribution that has grown roughly 5% year over year. Its large market capitalization and global footprint distinguish it as a large-cap digital-infrastructure franchise rather than a traditional income REIT.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most fundamental contrast between these two stocks is business model. ADC derives the vast majority of its revenue from long-term leases to retail tenants, concentrated in the U.S. and weighted toward investment-grade credits. AMT, by contrast, operates a global portfolio spanning towers and data centers, giving it exposure to wireless-data growth, 5G densification, cloud adoption, and AI-related workloads.
Growth drivers also differ. ADC's growth is primarily external and acquisition-led, funded through equity and debt issuance, while AMT leans on organic tenant-billings growth, international expansion, and fast-growing data-center development. On the risk side, ADC's exposure is to retail real estate and interest-rate sensitivity, whereas AMT faces carrier churn, foreign-exchange volatility, and elevated leverage. In terms of income, ADC's yield is materially higher, while AMT offers a lower yield but a larger, more diversified earnings base. These trade-offs mean the two stocks rarely serve identical investor goals.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely tilt toward ADC for investors prioritizing current income, lower leverage, and steadier near-term earnings growth in the current rate environment. Conversely, AMT may appear more attractive to those emphasizing scale, diversification, and secular exposure to digital infrastructure and AI, despite its nearer-term churn and leverage considerations. The appropriate choice ultimately depends on the specific objective each strategy is optimized for, and outcomes remain probabilistic rather than assured.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ADC is a StrongBuy and AMT is a Hold.
ADC's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ADC turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where ADC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 24 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where ADC's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 9 of 28 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 32%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 26 of 57 cases where ADC's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 46%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ADC as a result. In 44 of 86 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
Following a +2.23% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ADC advanced for three days, in 152 of 327 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 46%.
ADC may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 50-day moving average for ADC moved below the 200-day moving average on September 25, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ADC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 37%.
The Aroon Indicator for ADC entered a downward trend on October 19, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 61 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 62, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 67 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to slightly better than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 72 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. ADC’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 86 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 88 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.264) is normal, around the industry mean (2.646). P/E Ratio (34.672) is within average values for comparable stocks, (34.201). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (10.790) is also within normal values, averaging (12.808). Dividend Yield (0.017) settles around the average of (305.774) among similar stocks. ADC's P/S Ratio (10.277) is slightly higher than the industry average of (6.739).
AMT in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026
The 10-day moving average for AMT crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on AMT as a result. In 60 of 91 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for AMT just turned positive on October 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where AMT's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 23 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
AMT moved above its 50-day moving average on October 09, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.27% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where AMT advanced for three days, in 188 of 327 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for AMT moved out of overbought territory on October 19, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 28 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 20 of the 28 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 71%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 9 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where AMT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
AMT broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 09, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for AMT entered a downward trend on October 01, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 14 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. AMT’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 78 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 97 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: AMT's P/B Ratio (22.253) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (1.757). P/E Ratio (24.368) is within average values for comparable stocks, (27.005). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.588) is also within normal values, averaging (2.612). Dividend Yield (0.040) settles around the average of (0.044) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (7.541) is also within normal values, averaging (5.594).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. AMT’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 80, placing this stock worse than average.
ADC | AMT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 26 | 33 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 88 Overvalued | 97 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 61 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 86 | 14 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 72 | 47 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 67 | 78 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 65 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ADC's Valuation (88) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is in the same range as AMT (97). This means that ADC’s stock grew similarly to AMT’s over the last 12 months.
ADC's Profit vs Risk Rating (61) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is somewhat better than the same rating for AMT (100). This means that ADC’s stock grew somewhat faster than AMT’s over the last 12 months.
AMT's SMR Rating (14) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is significantly better than the same rating for ADC (86). This means that AMT’s stock grew significantly faster than ADC’s over the last 12 months.
AMT's Price Growth Rating (47) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is in the same range as ADC (72). This means that AMT’s stock grew similarly to ADC’s over the last 12 months.
ADC's P/E Growth Rating (67) in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry is in the same range as AMT (78). This means that ADC’s stock grew similarly to AMT’s over the last 12 months.
| ADC | AMT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 32% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 46% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 55% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 48% | 1 day ago 58% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 59% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 46% | 7 days ago 57% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 22 days ago 37% | 9 days ago 67% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 38% | 1 day ago 69% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 43% | 1 day ago 52% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ADC’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while AMT’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- ADC’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- AMT’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ADC’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while AMT’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ADC’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 3 bearish.
- AMT’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
ADC (@Real Estate Investment Trusts) experienced а +0.77% price change this week, while AMT (@Specialty Telecommunications) price change was -0.98% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Real Estate Investment Trusts industry was +2.87%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -0.83%, and the average quarterly price growth was -4.05%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Specialty Telecommunications industry was -2.41%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -6.87%, and the average quarterly price growth was -11.05%.
Reported Earning Dates
ADC is expected to report earnings on Feb 16, 2027.
AMT is expected to report earnings on Oct 27, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Real Estate Investment Trusts (+2.87% weekly)A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a company any that owns, and in most cases, operates, income-producing real estate – ranging from office and apartment buildings to warehouses, hospitals, shopping centers, hotels and timberlands. Some REITs are involved in financing real estate. Equity REITs invest in and own properties, while mortgage REITs own and invest in property mortgages. REITs are required by law to pay out at least 90% of their annual taxable income (excluding capital gains) to shareholders in the form of dividends. Some REITs could be more cyclical than others; for example, when an economy is undergoing a recession, hotel REITs could be more vulnerable, compared to say healthcare REIT given that healthcare needs are less likely to depend on economic cycles. American Tower Corporation, Prologis, Inc. and Crown Castle International Corp are some of the biggest REIT companies in the U.S.
@Specialty Telecommunications (-2.41% weekly)Companies belonging to the specialty telecommunications sector provide voice and data transmission via a single method, such as fixed lines, digital subscriber lines (DSL), wireless technology, the internet or competitive local exchange carriers. Telefonica, Liberty Broadband Corp., and Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. are some of the big specialty telecom companies in the U.S.
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AMT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, AMT has been closely correlated with CCI. These tickers have moved in lockstep 85% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if AMT jumps, then CCI could also see price increases.
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