CAT vs IEX: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. IEX offers the higher yield at 1.27%, IEX has the higher dividend-safety score, and IEX looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs IEX
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, IDEX Corporation (IEX) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.27%, versus 0.95% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and IEX's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and IEX for 16.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and IEX pays out 52%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price and IEX's fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price, so IEX looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs IEX: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-iex
| Metric | CAT | IEX |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.95% | 1.27% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $2.92 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 52% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 7.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 255% | 2% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $149.39 |
| Upside to fair value | -45% | -35% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $315.8B | $16.9B |
| P/E ratio | 29.6 | 33.0 |
Higher yield
IEX
1.27%
Safer dividend
IEX
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
IEX
-35% upside
CAT vs IEX — FAQ
Is CAT or IEX a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). IEX offers the higher yield (1.27%), while IEX 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 IEX?
IEX has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.27%, versus 0.95% for CAT.
Is CAT or IEX safer?
IEX has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 92/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or IEX better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, IEX looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 35% 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.