CAT vs DLX: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. DLX offers the higher yield at 5.18%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and DLX looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs DLX
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Deluxe Corporation (DLX) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.18%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and DLX's A (85/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and DLX for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and DLX pays out 55%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price and DLX's fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price, so DLX looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs DLX: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-dlx
| Metric | CAT | DLX |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 5.18% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $1.20 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 55% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 0.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | -32% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 85 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $29.29 |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | +26% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $1.1B |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | 10.6 |
Higher yield
DLX
5.18%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
DLX
+26% upside
CAT vs DLX — FAQ
Is CAT or DLX a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). DLX offers the higher yield (5.18%), 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 DLX?
DLX has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.18%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is CAT or DLX safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 85/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or DLX better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, DLX looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price (undervalued). 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.