SmarterDividends

CAT vs MGRC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 30, 2026, CAT and MGRC are closely matched. MGRC offers the higher yield at 1.68%, MGRC has the higher dividend-safety score, and MGRC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 42% above its share price).

Key facts: CAT vs MGRC

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 30, 2026, McGrath RentCorp (MGRC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.68%, versus 0.91% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
  • As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and MGRC's A (96/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and MGRC for 34.
  • As of Oct 30, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and MGRC pays out 31%.
  • As of Oct 30, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price and MGRC's fair-value estimate is 42% above its share price, so MGRC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "CAT vs MGRC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-mgrc

MetricCATMGRC
Forward yield0.91%1.68%
Annual dividend$6.52$1.98
Payout ratio26%31%
Years of growth32 yr34 yr
5-yr dividend growth7.2%3.4%
5-yr total return255%52%
Dividend safety score92 (A)96 (A)
Fair value estimate$377.48$169.99
Upside to fair value-42%+42%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$297.6B$2.9B
P/E ratio27.918.4

Higher yield

MGRC

1.68%

Safer dividend

MGRC

Grade A

Faster growth

CAT

7.2%

Better value

MGRC

+42% upside

CAT vs MGRC — FAQ

Is CAT or MGRC a better dividend stock?

CAT and MGRC are closely matched. MGRC has the higher yield; MGRC scores better on safety.

Which has a higher dividend yield, CAT or MGRC?

MGRC has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.68%, versus 0.91% for CAT.

Is CAT or MGRC safer?

MGRC has the higher dividend-safety score (96/100 vs 92/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is CAT or MGRC better value right now?

As of Oct 30, 2026, MGRC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 42% above its share price (undervalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.