CAT vs KELYB: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. KELYB offers the higher yield at 1.32%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score.
Key facts: CAT vs KELYB
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Kelly Services, Inc. (KELYB) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.32%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and KELYB's B (78/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and KELYB for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and KELYB pays out 26%.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs KELYB: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-kelyb
| Metric | CAT | KELYB |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 1.32% |
| 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% | 30% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 78 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | — |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | — |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $791.9M |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | — |
Higher yield
KELYB
1.32%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
CAT vs KELYB — FAQ
Is CAT or KELYB a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). KELYB offers the higher yield (1.32%), 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 KELYB?
KELYB has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.32%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is CAT or KELYB safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 78/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
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