CAT vs R: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, CAT and R are closely matched. R offers the higher yield at 1.49%, R has the higher dividend-safety score, and R looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs R
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Ryder System, Inc. (R) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.49%, versus 0.95% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and R's A (95/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and R for 21.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and R pays out 30%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price and R's fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price, so R looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs R: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-r
| Metric | CAT | R |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.95% | 1.49% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $4.04 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 30% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 9.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 255% | 226% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 95 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $176.80 |
| Upside to fair value | -45% | -35% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $315.8B | $10.4B |
| P/E ratio | 29.6 | 20.6 |
Higher yield
R
1.49%
Safer dividend
R
Grade A
Faster growth
R
9.0%
Better value
R
-35% upside
CAT vs R — FAQ
Is CAT or R a better dividend stock?
CAT and R are closely matched. R has the higher yield; R scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CAT or R?
R has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.49%, versus 0.95% for CAT.
Is CAT or R safer?
R has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 92/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or R better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, R looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price (overvalued). 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.