CAT vs ROK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ROK offers the higher yield at 1.31%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and CAT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs ROK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.31%, versus 1.10% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (91/100) and ROK's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and ROK for 16.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CAT pays out 24% of its earnings as dividends and ROK pays out 51%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price and ROK's fair-value estimate is 52% below its share price, so CAT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs ROK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-rok
| Metric | CAT | ROK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.10% | 1.31% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $5.80 |
| Payout ratio | 24% | 51% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 5.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 222% | 30% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $400.01 | $190.59 |
| Upside to fair value | -30% | -52% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $260.3B | $44.1B |
| P/E ratio | 22.3 | 37.1 |
Higher yield
ROK
1.31%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
CAT
-30% upside
CAT vs ROK — FAQ
Is CAT or ROK a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). ROK offers the higher yield (1.31%), 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 ROK?
ROK has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.31%, versus 1.10% for CAT.
Is CAT or ROK safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or ROK better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, CAT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price (overvalued). For ROK, its fair-value estimate is 52% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.