ASTE vs CAT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ASTE offers the higher yield at 1.36%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and ASTE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price).
Key facts: ASTE vs CAT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.36%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ASTE's dividend safety A (86/100) and CAT's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ASTE has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and CAT for 32.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ASTE pays out 61% of its earnings as dividends and CAT pays out 26%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ASTE's fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price and CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price, so ASTE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ASTE vs CAT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aste-vs-cat
| Metric | ASTE | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.36% | 0.89% |
| Annual dividend | $0.52 | $6.52 |
| Payout ratio | 61% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 32 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.4% | 7.2% |
| 5-yr total return | -39% | 278% |
| Dividend safety score | 86 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $27.40 | $377.48 |
| Upside to fair value | -28% | -48% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $880.0M | $335.9B |
| P/E ratio | 45.0 | 31.5 |
Higher yield
ASTE
1.36%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
ASTE
-28% upside
ASTE vs CAT — FAQ
Is ASTE or CAT a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). ASTE offers the higher yield (1.36%), 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, ASTE or CAT?
ASTE has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.36%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is ASTE or CAT safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 86/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ASTE or CAT better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ASTE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price (overvalued). 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.