CAT vs GE: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 2, 2026, CAT and GE are closely matched. CAT offers the higher yield at 1.05%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and GE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs GE
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 2, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.05%, versus 0.62% for GE Aerospace (GE).
- As of Nov 2, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (91/100) and GE's B (73/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 2, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and GE for 3.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and GE pays out 20%.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 36% below its share price and GE's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so GE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs GE: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 2, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-ge
| Metric | CAT | GE |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.05% | 0.62% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $1.88 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 20% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 48.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 222% | 410% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 73 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $400.01 | $228.59 |
| Upside to fair value | -36% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $286.3B | $313.1B |
| P/E ratio | 24.4 | 34.5 |
Higher yield
CAT
1.05%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
GE
48.5%
Better value
GE
-24% upside
CAT vs GE — FAQ
Is CAT or GE a better dividend stock?
CAT and GE are closely matched. CAT has the higher yield; CAT scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CAT or GE?
CAT has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.05%, versus 0.62% for GE.
Is CAT or GE safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 73/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or GE better value right now?
As of Nov 2, 2026, GE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price (overvalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 36% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.