CAT vs CIX: 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. CIX offers the higher yield at 3.34%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and CIX looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 38% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs CIX
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CompX International Inc. (CIX) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.34%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and CIX's B (75/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and CIX for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and CIX pays out 67%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price and CIX's fair-value estimate is 38% below its share price, so CIX looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs CIX: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-cix
| Metric | CAT | CIX |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 3.34% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $1.20 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 67% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 24.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | 61% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 75 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $22.28 |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | -38% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $443.0M |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | 20.2 |
Higher yield
CIX
3.34%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CIX
24.6%
Better value
CIX
-38% upside
CAT vs CIX — FAQ
Is CAT or CIX a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). CIX offers the higher yield (3.34%), 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, CAT or CIX?
CIX has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.34%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is CAT or CIX safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 75/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or CIX better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CIX looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 38% 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.