CAT vs ESOA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ESOA (Energy Services of America Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. ESOA offers the higher yield at 1.74%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and ESOA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs ESOA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Energy Services of America Corporation (ESOA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.74%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and ESOA's C (60/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and ESOA for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and ESOA pays out 22%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price and ESOA's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price, so ESOA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs ESOA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-esoa
| Metric | CAT | ESOA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 1.74% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $0.16 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 22% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | 514% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 60 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $7.84 |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | -15% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $171.9M |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | 15.3 |
Higher yield
ESOA
1.74%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
ESOA
-15% upside
CAT vs ESOA — FAQ
Is CAT or ESOA a better dividend stock?
On the data, ESOA wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). ESOA offers the higher yield (1.74%), 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 ESOA?
ESOA has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.74%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is CAT or ESOA safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 60/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or ESOA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ESOA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price (fairly valued). 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.