CAT vs NOC
Caterpillar Inc. compared with Northrop Grumman Corporation on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
TTM yield · Quarterly
NOC
Northrop Grumman Corporation
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- NOC yields more today: 1.91% vs 0.79% (forward).
- NOC has grown its payout faster: 9.6%/yr vs 8.0%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- NOC has the longer streak of annual increases: 22 years vs 5.
- Over the last year CAT delivered the higher total return: +97.7% vs -10.5% (price change plus payouts).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | CAT | NOC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $822.48 | $518.58 |
| TTM yield | 0.75% | 1.84% |
| Forward yield | 0.79% | 1.91% |
| Annual payout per share | $6.52 | $9.88 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Oct 19, 2026 (est.) | Nov 30, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 26% | 30% |
| 1-year payout growth | +7.3% | +9.4% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +8.0% | +9.6% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 5 years | 22 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 93/100 | 91/100 |
| 1-year total return | +97.7% | -10.5% |
| 1-year price return | +96.3% | -12.1% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 378.1B | 73.7B |
| Years paying | 64.6 | 44.5 |
| Payout risk (heuristic) | Low | Low |
| Sector / category | Industrials | Industrials |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| CAT | NOC | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 12.2 | 19.3 |
| Income per year | $79 | $191 |
| Income per month (avg) | $7 | $16 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT Oct 19, 2026 | Nov 2, 2026 | $1.63 | Est. |
| CAT Jan 18, 2027 | Feb 1, 2027 | $1.63 | Est. |
| CAT Apr 19, 2027 | May 3, 2027 | $1.63 | Est. |
| NOC Nov 30, 2026 | Dec 14, 2026 | $2.47 | Est. |
| NOC Mar 1, 2027 | Mar 15, 2027 | $2.47 | Est. |
| NOC May 31, 2027 | Jun 14, 2027 | $2.47 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
CATNOC
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, CAT or NOC?
NOC currently has the higher trailing yield: CAT yields 0.75% and NOC yields 1.84%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do CAT and NOC pay?
CAT pays every quarter and NOC pays every quarter. CAT's next ex-date is Oct 19, 2026 and NOC's is Nov 30, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, CAT or NOC?
NOC has grown its payout faster: 9.6%/yr vs 8.0%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is CAT or NOC better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. CAT and NOC differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.