CAT vs GIC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. GIC offers the higher yield at 2.49%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and GIC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs GIC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Global Industrial Company (GIC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.49%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and GIC's A (84/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and GIC for 9.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and GIC pays out 49%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price and GIC's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price, so GIC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs GIC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-gic
| Metric | CAT | GIC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 2.49% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $1.10 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 49% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 9 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 13.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | 10% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 84 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $25.63 |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | -42% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $1.7B |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | 20.0 |
Higher yield
GIC
2.49%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
GIC
13.2%
Better value
GIC
-42% upside
CAT vs GIC — FAQ
Is CAT or GIC a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). GIC offers the higher yield (2.49%), 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 GIC?
GIC has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.49%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is CAT or GIC safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 84/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or GIC better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, GIC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price (overvalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.


