CAT vs EML: 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. EML offers the higher yield at 1.81%, EML has the higher dividend-safety score, and EML looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs EML
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, The Eastern Company (EML) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.81%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and EML's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and EML for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and EML pays out 38%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price and EML's fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price, so EML looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs EML: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-eml
| Metric | CAT | EML |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 1.81% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $0.44 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 38% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 0.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | -3% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $32.97 |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | +36% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $146.3M |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | 21.1 |
Higher yield
EML
1.81%
Safer dividend
EML
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
EML
+36% upside
CAT vs EML — FAQ
Is CAT or EML a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). EML offers the higher yield (1.81%), while EML 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 EML?
EML has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.81%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is CAT or EML safer?
EML has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 92/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or EML better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, EML looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 36% 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.