CAT vs POOL: 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. POOL offers the higher yield at 2.37%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and POOL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs POOL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Pool Corporation (POOL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.37%, versus 1.10% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (91/100) and POOL's A (85/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and POOL for 15.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CAT pays out 24% of its earnings as dividends and POOL pays out 47%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price and POOL's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price, so POOL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs POOL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-pool
| Metric | CAT | POOL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.10% | 2.37% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $5.20 |
| Payout ratio | 24% | 47% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 16.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 222% | -63% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 85 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $400.01 | $174.77 |
| Upside to fair value | -30% | -18% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $260.3B | $7.7B |
| P/E ratio | 22.3 | 19.7 |
Higher yield
POOL
2.37%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
POOL
16.7%
Better value
POOL
-18% upside
CAT vs POOL — FAQ
Is CAT or POOL a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). POOL offers the higher yield (2.37%), 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 POOL?
POOL has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.37%, versus 1.10% for CAT.
Is CAT or POOL safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 85/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or POOL better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, POOL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price (overvalued). 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.