CAT vs EXPO: 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. EXPO offers the higher yield at 1.71%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and EXPO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs EXPO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Exponent, Inc. (EXPO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.71%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and EXPO's A (84/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and EXPO for 12.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and EXPO pays out 55%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price and EXPO's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price, so EXPO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs EXPO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-expo
| Metric | CAT | EXPO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 1.71% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $1.23 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 55% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 9.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | -38% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 84 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $62.61 |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | -13% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $3.4B |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | 32.2 |
Higher yield
EXPO
1.71%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
EXPO
9.6%
Better value
EXPO
-13% upside
CAT vs EXPO — FAQ
Is CAT or EXPO a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). EXPO offers the higher yield (1.71%), 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 EXPO?
EXPO has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.71%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is CAT or EXPO safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 84/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or EXPO better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, EXPO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 13% 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.