CAT vs WCN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CAT offers the higher yield at 0.89%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and WCN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 37% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs WCN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.89%, versus 0.83% for Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and WCN's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and WCN for 15.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and WCN pays out 33%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price and WCN's fair-value estimate is 37% below its share price, so WCN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs WCN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-wcn
| Metric | CAT | WCN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 0.83% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $1.40 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 33% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 10.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | 26% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $106.46 |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | -37% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $42.2B |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | 40.6 |
Higher yield
CAT
0.89%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
WCN
10.6%
Better value
WCN
-37% upside
CAT vs WCN — FAQ
Is CAT or WCN a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). CAT offers the higher yield (0.89%), 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 WCN?
CAT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.89%, versus 0.83% for WCN.
Is CAT or WCN safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or WCN better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, WCN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 37% below its share price (overvalued). 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.