CAT vs HQI: 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. HQI offers the higher yield at 1.34%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and HQI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 43% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs HQI
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HireQuest, Inc. (HQI) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.34%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and HQI's A (80/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and HQI for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and HQI pays out 40%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price and HQI's fair-value estimate is 43% below its share price, so HQI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs HQI: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-hqi
| Metric | CAT | HQI |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 1.34% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $0.24 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 40% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 3.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | -22% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 80 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $10.11 |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | -43% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $248.5M |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | 29.8 |
Higher yield
HQI
1.34%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
HQI
-43% upside
CAT vs HQI — FAQ
Is CAT or HQI a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). HQI offers the higher yield (1.34%), 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 HQI?
HQI has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.34%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is CAT or HQI safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 80/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or HQI better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, HQI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 43% below its share price (overvalued). 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.