CAT vs WERN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 4, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. WERN offers the higher yield at 1.58%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score.
Key facts: CAT vs WERN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 4, 2026, Werner Enterprises, Inc. (WERN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.58%, versus 0.77% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 4, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and WERN's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 4, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and WERN for 0.
- As of Oct 4, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and WERN pays out 137%.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs WERN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 4, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-wern
| Metric | CAT | WERN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.77% | 1.58% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $0.56 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 137% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 9.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 314% | -22% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $607.41 | — |
| Upside to fair value | -28% | — |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $388.6B | $2.1B |
| P/E ratio | 36.4 | — |
Higher yield
WERN
1.58%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
WERN
9.2%
CAT vs WERN — FAQ
Is CAT or WERN a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). WERN offers the higher yield (1.58%), 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 WERN?
WERN has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.58%, versus 0.77% for CAT.
Is CAT or WERN safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
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