CAT vs KELYA: 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. KELYA offers the higher yield at 1.98%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and KELYA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 70% above its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs KELYA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Kelly Services, Inc. (KELYA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.98%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and KELYA's B (75/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and KELYA for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and KELYA pays out 26%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price and KELYA's fair-value estimate is 70% above its share price, so KELYA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs KELYA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-kelya
| Metric | CAT | KELYA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 1.98% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $0.30 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 0.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | -10% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 75 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $25.77 |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | +70% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $525.8M |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | — |
Higher yield
KELYA
1.98%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
KELYA
+70% upside
CAT vs KELYA — FAQ
Is CAT or KELYA a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). KELYA offers the higher yield (1.98%), 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 KELYA?
KELYA has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.98%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is CAT or KELYA safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 75/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or KELYA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, KELYA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 70% 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.