CAT vs MMM: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 2, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MMM offers the higher yield at 1.79%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and CAT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 36% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs MMM
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 2, 2026, 3M Company (MMM) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.79%, versus 1.05% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Nov 2, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (91/100) and MMM's C (65/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 2, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and MMM for 1.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and MMM pays out 46%.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 36% below its share price and MMM's fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price, so CAT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs MMM: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 2, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-mmm
| Metric | CAT | MMM |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.05% | 1.79% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $3.12 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 46% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | -9.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 222% | 23% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 65 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $400.01 | $94.21 |
| Upside to fair value | -36% | -46% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $286.3B | $89.9B |
| P/E ratio | 24.4 | 26.0 |
Higher yield
MMM
1.79%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
CAT
-36% upside
CAT vs MMM — FAQ
Is CAT or MMM a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). MMM offers the higher yield (1.79%), 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 MMM?
MMM has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.79%, versus 1.05% for CAT.
Is CAT or MMM safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 65/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or MMM better value right now?
As of Nov 2, 2026, CAT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 36% below its share price (overvalued). For MMM, its fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.