CAT vs CTAS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 25, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 8 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CAT offers the higher yield at 0.95%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and CAT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs CTAS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 25, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.95%, versus 0.93% for Cintas Corporation (CTAS).
- As of Oct 25, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and CTAS's B (71/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 25, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and CTAS for 4.
- As of Oct 25, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and CTAS pays out 37%.
- As of Oct 25, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price and CTAS's fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price, so CAT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs CTAS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 25, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-ctas
| Metric | CAT | CTAS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.95% | 0.93% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $2.08 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 37% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | -13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 255% | 112% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 71 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $120.74 |
| Upside to fair value | -45% | -46% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $315.8B | $89.0B |
| P/E ratio | 29.6 | 44.2 |
Higher yield
CAT
0.95%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
CAT
-45% upside
CAT vs CTAS — FAQ
Is CAT or CTAS a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (8 vs 0). CAT offers the higher yield (0.95%), 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 CTAS?
CAT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.95%, versus 0.93% for CTAS.
Is CAT or CTAS safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 71/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or CTAS better value right now?
As of Oct 25, 2026, CAT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price (overvalued). For CTAS, its fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.