CAT vs DE: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. CAT offers the higher yield at 1.10%, DE has the higher dividend-safety score.
Key facts: CAT vs DE
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.10%, versus 0.96% for Deere & Company (DE).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (91/100) and DE's A (94/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and DE for 5.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CAT pays out 24% of its earnings as dividends and DE pays out 36%.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs DE: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-de
| Metric | CAT | DE |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.10% | 0.96% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $6.48 |
| Payout ratio | 24% | 36% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 5 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 16.3% |
| 5-yr total return | 222% | 95% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 94 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $400.01 | — |
| Upside to fair value | -30% | — |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $260.3B | $182.5B |
| P/E ratio | 22.3 | 37.6 |
Higher yield
CAT
1.10%
Safer dividend
DE
Grade A
Faster growth
DE
16.3%
CAT vs DE — FAQ
Is CAT or DE a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). CAT offers the higher yield (1.10%), while DE 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 DE?
CAT has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.10%, versus 0.96% for DE.
Is CAT or DE safer?
DE has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 91/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
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