CAT vs DAL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 23, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. DAL offers the higher yield at 1.09%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and DAL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs DAL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 23, 2026, Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.09%, versus 0.93% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 23, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and DAL's C (58/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 23, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and DAL for 2.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and DAL pays out 16%.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price and DAL's fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price, so DAL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs DAL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 23, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-dal
| Metric | CAT | DAL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.93% | 1.09% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $0.86 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 16% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | -16.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 255% | 112% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 58 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $82.48 |
| Upside to fair value | -46% | +4% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $323.6B | $52.1B |
| P/E ratio | 30.3 | 15.8 |
Higher yield
DAL
1.09%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
DAL
+4% upside
CAT vs DAL — FAQ
Is CAT or DAL a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). DAL offers the higher yield (1.09%), 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 DAL?
DAL has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.09%, versus 0.93% for CAT.
Is CAT or DAL safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 58/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or DAL better value right now?
As of Oct 23, 2026, DAL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price (fairly valued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.