CAT vs GWW: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, GWW (W.W. Grainger, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CAT offers the higher yield at 0.95%, GWW has the higher dividend-safety score, and GWW looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs GWW
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.95%, versus 0.74% for W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and GWW's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and GWW for 40.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and GWW pays out 24%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price and GWW's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price, so GWW looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs GWW: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-gww
| Metric | CAT | GWW |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.95% | 0.74% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $9.96 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 24% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 40 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 8.3% |
| 5-yr total return | 255% | 180% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $789.13 |
| Upside to fair value | -45% | -42% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $315.8B | $63.7B |
| P/E ratio | 29.6 | 34.7 |
Higher yield
CAT
0.95%
Safer dividend
GWW
Grade A
Faster growth
GWW
8.3%
Better value
GWW
-42% upside
CAT vs GWW — FAQ
Is CAT or GWW a better dividend stock?
On the data, GWW wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). CAT offers the higher yield (0.95%), while GWW 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 GWW?
CAT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.95%, versus 0.74% for GWW.
Is CAT or GWW safer?
GWW has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 92/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or GWW better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, GWW looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price (overvalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.