CAT vs TNET: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 1, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. TNET offers the higher yield at 1.85%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and TNET looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 10% above its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs TNET
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 1, 2026, TriNet Group, Inc. (TNET) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.85%, versus 0.79% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 1, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and TNET's C (65/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 1, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and TNET for 1.
- As of Oct 1, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and TNET pays out 30%.
- As of Oct 1, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price and TNET's fair-value estimate is 10% above its share price, so TNET looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs TNET: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 1, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-tnet
| Metric | CAT | TNET |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.79% | 1.85% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $1.16 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 30% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 303% | -36% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 65 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $373.28 | $68.66 |
| Upside to fair value | -54% | +10% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $372.7B | $2.9B |
| P/E ratio | 35.6 | 16.6 |
Higher yield
TNET
1.85%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
TNET
+10% upside
CAT vs TNET — FAQ
Is CAT or TNET a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). TNET offers the higher yield (1.85%), 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 TNET?
TNET has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.85%, versus 0.79% for CAT.
Is CAT or TNET safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 65/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or TNET better value right now?
As of Oct 1, 2026, TNET looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 10% above its share price (fairly valued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.