CAT vs NL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NL offers the higher yield at 6.02%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and NL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 41% above its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs NL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, NLI Holdings, Inc. (NL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.02%, versus 0.94% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and NL's C (60/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and NL for 2.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and NL pays out 175%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price and NL's fair-value estimate is 41% above its share price, so NL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs NL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-nl
| Metric | CAT | NL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.94% | 6.02% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $0.40 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 175% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 17.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 255% | 9% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 60 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $9.35 |
| Upside to fair value | -45% | +41% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $318.2B | $325.2M |
| P/E ratio | 29.8 | — |
Higher yield
NL
6.02%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
NL
17.6%
Better value
NL
+41% upside
CAT vs NL — FAQ
Is CAT or NL a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NL offers the higher yield (6.02%), 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 NL?
NL has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.02%, versus 0.94% for CAT.
Is CAT or NL safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 60/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or NL better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, NL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 41% above its share price (undervalued). 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.