CAT vs FAST: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 23, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. FAST offers the higher yield at 1.97%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and CAT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs FAST
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 23, 2026, Fastenal Company (FAST) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.97%, versus 0.93% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 23, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and FAST's B (77/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 23, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and FAST for 14.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and FAST pays out 78%.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price and FAST's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price, so CAT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs FAST: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 23, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-fast
| Metric | CAT | FAST |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.93% | 1.97% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $1.04 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 78% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 11.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | 72% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 77 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $27.20 |
| Upside to fair value | -46% | -48% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $323.6B | $60.5B |
| P/E ratio | 30.3 | 42.9 |
Higher yield
FAST
1.97%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
FAST
11.8%
Better value
CAT
-46% upside
CAT vs FAST — FAQ
Is CAT or FAST a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). FAST offers the higher yield (1.97%), 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 FAST?
FAST has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.97%, versus 0.93% for CAT.
Is CAT or FAST safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 77/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or FAST better value right now?
As of Oct 23, 2026, CAT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price (overvalued). For FAST, 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.