CAT vs CPA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT and CPA are closely matched. CPA offers the higher yield at 5.15%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and CPA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 76% above its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs CPA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Copa Holdings, S.A. (CPA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.15%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and CPA's C (64/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and CPA for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and CPA pays out 44%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price and CPA's fair-value estimate is 76% above its share price, so CPA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs CPA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-cpa
| Metric | CAT | CPA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 5.15% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $6.84 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 44% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 15.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | 90% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 64 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $234.12 |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | +76% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $5.4B |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | 8.7 |
Higher yield
CPA
5.15%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CPA
15.0%
Better value
CPA
+76% upside
CAT vs CPA — FAQ
Is CAT or CPA a better dividend stock?
CAT and CPA are closely matched. CPA has the higher yield; CAT scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CAT or CPA?
CPA has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.15%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is CAT or CPA safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 64/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or CPA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CPA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 76% above its share price (undervalued). 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.