CAT vs TRN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. TRN offers the higher yield at 4.92%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and TRN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs TRN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Trinity Industries, Inc. (TRN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.92%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and TRN's A (83/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and TRN for 15.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and TRN pays out 29%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price and TRN's fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price, so TRN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs TRN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-trn
| Metric | CAT | TRN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 4.92% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $1.24 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 29% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 9.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | -5% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 83 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $22.15 |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | -12% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $2.0B |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | 5.9 |
Higher yield
TRN
4.92%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
TRN
9.6%
Better value
TRN
-12% upside
CAT vs TRN — FAQ
Is CAT or TRN a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). TRN offers the higher yield (4.92%), 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 TRN?
TRN has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.92%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is CAT or TRN safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 83/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or TRN better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, TRN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price (fairly valued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.