CAT vs IR: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 12, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. CAT offers the higher yield at 1.08%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and IR looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs IR
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 12, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.08%, versus 0.09% for Ingersoll Rand Inc. (IR).
- As of Nov 12, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (90/100) and IR's C (65/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 12, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and IR for 0.
- As of Nov 12, 2026, CAT pays out 24% of its earnings as dividends and IR pays out 2%.
- As of Nov 12, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 33% below its share price and IR's fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price, so IR looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs IR: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 12, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-ir
| Metric | CAT | IR |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.08% | 0.09% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $0.08 |
| Payout ratio | 24% | 2% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 189% | 42% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 65 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $400.75 | $61.53 |
| Upside to fair value | -33% | -28% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $275.3B | $32.7B |
| P/E ratio | 23.6 | 24.1 |
Higher yield
CAT
1.08%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
IR
-28% upside
CAT vs IR — FAQ
Is CAT or IR a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). CAT offers the higher yield (1.08%), 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 IR?
CAT has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.08%, versus 0.09% for IR.
Is CAT or IR safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 65/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or IR better value right now?
As of Nov 12, 2026, IR looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price (overvalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 33% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.