CAT vs ZWS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 9, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ZWS offers the higher yield at 1.20%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and ZWS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs ZWS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 9, 2026, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation (ZWS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.20%, versus 1.17% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Nov 9, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (90/100) and ZWS's B (78/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 9, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and ZWS for 5.
- As of Nov 9, 2026, CAT pays out 24% of its earnings as dividends and ZWS pays out 26%.
- As of Nov 9, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price and ZWS's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price, so ZWS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs ZWS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 9, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-zws
| Metric | CAT | ZWS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.17% | 1.20% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $0.52 |
| Payout ratio | 24% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 5 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 19.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 189% | 24% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 78 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $400.75 | $36.24 |
| Upside to fair value | -28% | -17% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $255.6B | $7.2B |
| P/E ratio | 21.9 | 25.4 |
Higher yield
ZWS
1.20%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
ZWS
19.8%
Better value
ZWS
-17% upside
CAT vs ZWS — FAQ
Is CAT or ZWS a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ZWS offers the higher yield (1.20%), 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 ZWS?
ZWS has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.20%, versus 1.17% for CAT.
Is CAT or ZWS safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 78/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or ZWS better value right now?
As of Nov 9, 2026, ZWS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price (overvalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.