CAT vs GSL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. GSL offers the higher yield at 5.95%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and GSL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 71% above its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs GSL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Global Ship Lease, Inc. (GSL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.95%, versus 0.94% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and GSL's C (63/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and GSL for 4.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and GSL pays out 23%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price and GSL's fair-value estimate is 71% above its share price, so GSL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs GSL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-gsl
| Metric | CAT | GSL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.94% | 5.95% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $2.50 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 23% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 255% | 84% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 63 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $71.62 |
| Upside to fair value | -45% | +71% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $318.2B | $1.5B |
| P/E ratio | 29.8 | 4.1 |
Higher yield
GSL
5.95%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
GSL
+71% upside
CAT vs GSL — FAQ
Is CAT or GSL a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). GSL offers the higher yield (5.95%), 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 GSL?
GSL has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.95%, versus 0.94% for CAT.
Is CAT or GSL safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 63/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or GSL better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, GSL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 71% above its share price (undervalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.