CAT vs NSC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NSC offers the higher yield at 1.57%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and NSC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 8% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs NSC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.57%, versus 1.10% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (91/100) and NSC's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and NSC for 0.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CAT pays out 24% of its earnings as dividends and NSC pays out 45%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price and NSC's fair-value estimate is 8% below its share price, so NSC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs NSC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-nsc
| Metric | CAT | NSC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.10% | 1.57% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $5.40 |
| Payout ratio | 24% | 45% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 7.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 222% | 29% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $400.01 | $307.75 |
| Upside to fair value | -30% | -8% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $260.3B | $74.9B |
| P/E ratio | 22.3 | 27.9 |
Higher yield
NSC
1.57%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
NSC
7.5%
Better value
NSC
-8% upside
CAT vs NSC — FAQ
Is CAT or NSC a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NSC offers the higher yield (1.57%), 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 NSC?
NSC has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.57%, versus 1.10% for CAT.
Is CAT or NSC safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or NSC better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, NSC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 8% below its share price (fairly valued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.