CAT vs NDSN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 28, 2026, NDSN (Nordson Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NDSN offers the higher yield at 1.17%, NDSN has the higher dividend-safety score, and NDSN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs NDSN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 28, 2026, Nordson Corporation (NDSN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.17%, versus 0.94% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 28, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and NDSN's A (99/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 28, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and NDSN for 39.
- As of Oct 28, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and NDSN pays out 33%.
- As of Oct 28, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 47% below its share price and NDSN's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so NDSN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs NDSN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 28, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-ndsn
| Metric | CAT | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.94% | 1.17% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $3.76 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 33% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 39 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 15.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 255% | 25% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 99 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $246.63 |
| Upside to fair value | -47% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $327.9B | $18.1B |
| P/E ratio | 30.7 | 32.8 |
Higher yield
NDSN
1.17%
Safer dividend
NDSN
Grade A
Faster growth
NDSN
15.6%
Better value
NDSN
-24% upside
CAT vs NDSN — FAQ
Is CAT or NDSN a better dividend stock?
On the data, NDSN wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NDSN offers the higher yield (1.17%), while NDSN 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 NDSN?
NDSN has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.17%, versus 0.94% for CAT.
Is CAT or NDSN safer?
NDSN has the higher dividend-safety score (99/100 vs 92/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or NDSN better value right now?
As of Oct 28, 2026, NDSN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price (overvalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 47% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.