CAT vs DOV: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, DOV (Dover Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. DOV offers the higher yield at 1.01%, DOV has the higher dividend-safety score, and DOV looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs DOV
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, Dover Corporation (DOV) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.01%, versus 0.91% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (91/100) and DOV's A (99/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and DOV for 43.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and DOV pays out 24%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price and DOV's fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price, so DOV looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs DOV: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-dov
| Metric | CAT | DOV |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.91% | 1.01% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $2.10 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 24% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 43 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 1.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 222% | 27% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 99 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $135.99 |
| Upside to fair value | -42% | -35% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $297.6B | $28.0B |
| P/E ratio | 27.9 | 24.5 |
Higher yield
DOV
1.01%
Safer dividend
DOV
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
DOV
-35% upside
CAT vs DOV — FAQ
Is CAT or DOV a better dividend stock?
On the data, DOV wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). DOV offers the higher yield (1.01%), while DOV 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 DOV?
DOV has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.01%, versus 0.91% for CAT.
Is CAT or DOV safer?
DOV has the higher dividend-safety score (99/100 vs 91/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or DOV better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, DOV looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price (overvalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.