CAT vs MSA: 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. MSA offers the higher yield at 1.19%, MSA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MSA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs MSA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, MSA Safety Incorporated (MSA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.19%, versus 0.95% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and MSA's A (95/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and MSA for 25.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and MSA pays out 26%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price and MSA's fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price, so MSA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs MSA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-msa
| Metric | CAT | MSA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.95% | 1.19% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $2.16 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 4.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 255% | 27% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 95 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $157.19 |
| Upside to fair value | -45% | -14% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $315.8B | $7.0B |
| P/E ratio | 29.6 | 22.7 |
Higher yield
MSA
1.19%
Safer dividend
MSA
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
MSA
-14% upside
CAT vs MSA — FAQ
Is CAT or MSA a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MSA offers the higher yield (1.19%), while MSA 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 MSA?
MSA has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.19%, versus 0.95% for CAT.
Is CAT or MSA safer?
MSA has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 92/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or MSA better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, MSA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price (fairly valued). 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.