BBSI vs CAT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, BBSI and CAT are closely matched. BBSI offers the higher yield at 0.98%, BBSI has the higher dividend-safety score, and BBSI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 7% below its share price).
Key facts: BBSI vs CAT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Barrett Business Services, Inc. (BBSI) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.98%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BBSI's dividend safety A (96/100) and CAT's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BBSI has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and CAT for 32.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BBSI pays out 24% of its earnings as dividends and CAT pays out 26%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BBSI's fair-value estimate is 7% below its share price and CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price, so BBSI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BBSI vs CAT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bbsi-vs-cat
| Metric | BBSI | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.98% | 0.89% |
| Annual dividend | $0.32 | $6.52 |
| Payout ratio | 24% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 32 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 1.3% | 7.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 84% | 278% |
| Dividend safety score | 96 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $30.19 | $377.48 |
| Upside to fair value | -7% | -48% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $788.9M | $335.9B |
| P/E ratio | 24.3 | 31.5 |
Higher yield
BBSI
0.98%
Safer dividend
BBSI
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
BBSI
-7% upside
BBSI vs CAT — FAQ
Is BBSI or CAT a better dividend stock?
BBSI and CAT are closely matched. BBSI has the higher yield; BBSI scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, BBSI or CAT?
BBSI has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.98%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is BBSI or CAT safer?
BBSI has the higher dividend-safety score (96/100 vs 92/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BBSI or CAT better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, BBSI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 7% below its share price (fairly valued). 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.