ADT vs CAT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ADT offers the higher yield at 3.20%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and ADT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 63% above its share price).
Key facts: ADT vs CAT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ADT Inc. (ADT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.20%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ADT's dividend safety B (78/100) and CAT's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ADT has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and CAT for 32.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ADT pays out 30% of its earnings as dividends and CAT pays out 26%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ADT's fair-value estimate is 63% above its share price and CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price, so ADT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ADT vs CAT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/adt-vs-cat
| Metric | ADT | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.20% | 0.89% |
| Annual dividend | $0.22 | $6.52 |
| Payout ratio | 30% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 32 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 9.5% | 7.2% |
| 5-yr total return | -17% | 278% |
| Dividend safety score | 78 (B) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $11.22 | $377.48 |
| Upside to fair value | +63% | -48% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.0B | $335.9B |
| P/E ratio | 9.4 | 31.5 |
Higher yield
ADT
3.20%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
ADT
9.5%
Better value
ADT
+63% upside
ADT vs CAT — FAQ
Is ADT or CAT a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ADT offers the higher yield (3.20%), while CAT has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ADT or CAT?
ADT has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.20%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is ADT or CAT safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 78/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ADT or CAT better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ADT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 63% above its share price (undervalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.