SmarterDividends

CAT vs WAB: 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. CAT offers the higher yield at 1.10%, WAB 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 WAB

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Nov 5, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.10%, versus 0.42% for Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (WAB).
  • As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (91/100) and WAB's A (98/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and WAB for 4.
  • As of Nov 5, 2026, CAT pays out 24% of its earnings as dividends and WAB pays out 15%.
  • As of Nov 5, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price and WAB's fair-value estimate is 33% below its share price, so CAT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "CAT vs WAB: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-wab

MetricCATWAB
Forward yield1.10%0.42%
Annual dividend$6.52$1.24
Payout ratio24%15%
Years of growth32 yr4 yr
5-yr dividend growth7.2%15.8%
5-yr total return222%215%
Dividend safety score91 (A)98 (A)
Fair value estimate$400.01$194.91
Upside to fair value-30%-33%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$260.3B$48.5B
P/E ratio22.335.9

Higher yield

CAT

1.10%

Safer dividend

WAB

Grade A

Faster growth

WAB

15.8%

Better value

CAT

-30% upside

CAT vs WAB — FAQ

Is CAT or WAB a better dividend stock?

On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). CAT offers the higher yield (1.10%), while WAB 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 WAB?

CAT has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.10%, versus 0.42% for WAB.

Is CAT or WAB safer?

WAB has the higher dividend-safety score (98/100 vs 91/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is CAT or WAB 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 WAB, its fair-value estimate is 33% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.