AME vs CAT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, AME and CAT are closely matched. CAT offers the higher yield at 0.91%, AME has the higher dividend-safety score, and AME looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 39% below its share price).
Key facts: AME vs CAT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.91%, versus 0.55% for AMETEK, Inc. (AME).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AME's dividend safety A (98/100) and CAT's A (91/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, AME has raised its dividend for 6 consecutive years and CAT for 32.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, AME pays out 19% of its earnings as dividends and CAT pays out 26%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, AME's fair-value estimate is 39% below its share price and CAT's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price, so AME looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AME vs CAT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ame-vs-cat
| Metric | AME | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.55% | 0.91% |
| Annual dividend | $1.36 | $6.52 |
| Payout ratio | 19% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 6 yr | 32 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 11.5% | 7.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 77% | 222% |
| Dividend safety score | 98 (A) | 91 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $153.56 | $377.48 |
| Upside to fair value | -39% | -42% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $57.7B | $297.6B |
| P/E ratio | 36.8 | 27.9 |
Higher yield
CAT
0.91%
Safer dividend
AME
Grade A
Faster growth
AME
11.5%
Better value
AME
-39% upside
AME vs CAT — FAQ
Is AME or CAT a better dividend stock?
AME and CAT are closely matched. CAT has the higher yield; AME scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AME or CAT?
CAT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.91%, versus 0.55% for AME.
Is AME or CAT safer?
AME has the higher dividend-safety score (98/100 vs 91/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AME or CAT better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, AME looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 39% below its share price (overvalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.