CAT vs SWK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 25, 2026, CAT and SWK are closely matched. SWK offers the higher yield at 3.39%, SWK has the higher dividend-safety score, and SWK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs SWK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 25, 2026, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (SWK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.39%, versus 0.95% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 25, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and SWK's A (95/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 25, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and SWK for 40.
- As of Oct 25, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and SWK pays out 81%.
- As of Oct 25, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price and SWK's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price, so SWK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs SWK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 25, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-swk
| Metric | CAT | SWK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.95% | 3.39% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $3.36 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 81% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 40 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 3.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 255% | -43% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 95 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $84.55 |
| Upside to fair value | -45% | -15% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $315.8B | $15.0B |
| P/E ratio | 29.6 | 24.3 |
Higher yield
SWK
3.39%
Safer dividend
SWK
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
SWK
-15% upside
CAT vs SWK — FAQ
Is CAT or SWK a better dividend stock?
CAT and SWK are closely matched. SWK has the higher yield; SWK scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CAT or SWK?
SWK has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.39%, versus 0.95% for CAT.
Is CAT or SWK safer?
SWK has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 92/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or SWK better value right now?
As of Oct 25, 2026, SWK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price (fairly valued). 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.