AER vs CAT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 6 head-to-head metrics. AER offers the higher yield at 1.10%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score.
Key facts: AER vs CAT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AerCap Holdings N.V. (AER) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.10%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AER's dividend safety C (64/100) and CAT's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AER has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and CAT for 32.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AER pays out 7% of its earnings as dividends and CAT pays out 26%.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AER vs CAT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aer-vs-cat
| Metric | AER | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.10% | 0.89% |
| Annual dividend | $1.60 | $6.52 |
| Payout ratio | 7% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 32 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 7.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 160% | 278% |
| Dividend safety score | 64 (C) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | — | $377.48 |
| Upside to fair value | — | -48% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $22.9B | $335.9B |
| P/E ratio | 7.1 | 31.5 |
Higher yield
AER
1.10%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
AER vs CAT — FAQ
Is AER or CAT a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 2). AER offers the higher yield (1.10%), 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, AER or CAT?
AER has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.10%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is AER or CAT safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 64/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
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