BAESF vs CAT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, BAESF and CAT are closely matched. BAESF offers the higher yield at 1.88%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and BAESF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price).
Key facts: BAESF vs CAT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, BAE Systems plc (BAESF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.88%, versus 1.10% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAESF's dividend safety C (62/100) and CAT's A (91/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, BAESF has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and CAT for 32.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, BAESF pays out 52% of its earnings as dividends and CAT pays out 24%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, BAESF's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price and CAT's fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price, so BAESF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAESF vs CAT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/baesf-vs-cat
| Metric | BAESF | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.88% | 1.10% |
| Annual dividend | $0.51 | $6.52 |
| Payout ratio | 52% | 24% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 32 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.2% | 7.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | 222% |
| Dividend safety score | 62 (C) | 91 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $19.52 | $400.01 |
| Upside to fair value | -25% | -30% |
| Frequency | semiannual | quarterly |
| Market cap | $76.0B | $260.3B |
| P/E ratio | 27.7 | 22.3 |
Higher yield
BAESF
1.88%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
BAESF
8.2%
Better value
BAESF
-25% upside
BAESF vs CAT — FAQ
Is BAESF or CAT a better dividend stock?
BAESF and CAT are closely matched. BAESF has the higher yield; CAT scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, BAESF or CAT?
BAESF has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.88%, versus 1.10% for CAT.
Is BAESF or CAT safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 62/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAESF or CAT better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, BAESF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price (overvalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.