KAI vs RTX: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 15, 2026, RTX (RTX Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. RTX offers the higher yield at 1.60%, RTX has the higher dividend-safety score, and RTX looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price).
Key facts: KAI vs RTX
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 15, 2026, RTX Corporation (RTX) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.60%, versus 0.55% for Kadant Inc. (KAI).
- As of Oct 15, 2026, SmarterDividends grades KAI's dividend safety A (89/100) and RTX's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 15, 2026, KAI has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and RTX for 33.
- As of Oct 15, 2026, KAI pays out 15% of its earnings as dividends and RTX pays out 49%.
- As of Oct 15, 2026, KAI's fair-value estimate is 60% below its share price and RTX's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price, so RTX looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "KAI vs RTX: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 15, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/kai-vs-rtx
| Metric | KAI | RTX |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.55% | 1.60% |
| Annual dividend | $1.40 | $2.77 |
| Payout ratio | 15% | 49% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 33 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.1% | 7.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 17% | 109% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $104.46 | $108.33 |
| Upside to fair value | -60% | -42% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.1B | $251.3B |
| P/E ratio | 28.1 | 32.2 |
Higher yield
RTX
1.60%
Safer dividend
RTX
Grade A
Faster growth
RTX
7.2%
Better value
RTX
-42% upside
KAI vs RTX — FAQ
Is KAI or RTX a better dividend stock?
On the data, RTX wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). RTX offers the higher yield (1.60%), while RTX has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, KAI or RTX?
RTX has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.60%, versus 0.55% for KAI.
Is KAI or RTX safer?
RTX has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is KAI or RTX better value right now?
As of Oct 15, 2026, RTX looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price (overvalued). For KAI, its fair-value estimate is 60% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.


