CAT vs PLPC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, CAT and PLPC are closely matched. CAT offers the higher yield at 0.91%, PLPC has the higher dividend-safety score, and PLPC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 31% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs PLPC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.91%, versus 0.24% for Preformed Line Products Company (PLPC).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (91/100) and PLPC's A (98/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and PLPC for 0.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and PLPC pays out 9%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price and PLPC's fair-value estimate is 31% below its share price, so PLPC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs PLPC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-plpc
| Metric | CAT | PLPC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.91% | 0.24% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $0.84 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 9% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 0.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 222% | 361% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 98 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $219.96 |
| Upside to fair value | -42% | -31% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $297.6B | $1.6B |
| P/E ratio | 27.9 | 39.2 |
Higher yield
CAT
0.91%
Safer dividend
PLPC
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
PLPC
-31% upside
CAT vs PLPC — FAQ
Is CAT or PLPC a better dividend stock?
CAT and PLPC are closely matched. CAT has the higher yield; PLPC scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CAT or PLPC?
CAT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.91%, versus 0.24% for PLPC.
Is CAT or PLPC safer?
PLPC has the higher dividend-safety score (98/100 vs 91/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or PLPC better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, PLPC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 31% below its share price (overvalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.