Caterpillar Inc. (CAT)'s Dividend History: A Reason to Invest in the Industrial Sector

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) is included among the 13 Best Industrial Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now.

The company’s broad international presence puts it in a strong position to gain from increasing global infrastructure spending. As worldwide demand for infrastructure equipment increases and geopolitical shifts potentially provide further support, Caterpillar stands out as an attractive option for investors looking for both income and growth. Its strong operations, steady dividend growth, and well-positioned global presence make it a leading choice for those seeking a stable yet promising industrial investment.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) declared a 7% hike in its quarterly dividend to $1.51 per share on June 11. This marked the company’s 31st consecutive year of dividend growth. The stock supports a dividend yield of 1.49%, as of July 13.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT)’s cash remained stable over the years. In the first quarter of 2025, the company generated $1.3 billion in enterprise operating cash flow and finished the quarter with $3.6 billion in cash on hand. During the same period, the company used $3.7 billion to buy back its common stock and allocated $0.7 billion for dividend payments.

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