AYI vs CAT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 9, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CAT offers the higher yield at 0.82%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and AYI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price).
Key facts: AYI vs CAT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 9, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.82%, versus 0.27% for Acuity Inc. (AYI).
- As of Oct 9, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AYI's dividend safety A (90/100) and CAT's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 9, 2026, AYI has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and CAT for 32.
- As of Oct 9, 2026, AYI pays out 5% of its earnings as dividends and CAT pays out 26%.
- As of Oct 9, 2026, AYI's fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price and CAT's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so AYI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AYI vs CAT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 9, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ayi-vs-cat
| Metric | AYI | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.27% | 0.82% |
| Annual dividend | $0.80 | $6.52 |
| Payout ratio | 5% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 32 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.5% | 7.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 50% | 314% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $352.91 | $607.41 |
| Upside to fair value | +17% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $9.0B | $366.0B |
| P/E ratio | 17.6 | 34.3 |
Higher yield
CAT
0.82%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
AYI
+17% upside
AYI vs CAT — FAQ
Is AYI or CAT a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). CAT offers the higher yield (0.82%), 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, AYI or CAT?
CAT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.82%, versus 0.27% for AYI.
Is AYI or CAT safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AYI or CAT better value right now?
As of Oct 9, 2026, AYI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price (undervalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.