ACA vs CAT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 8, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CAT offers the higher yield at 0.80%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and CAT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price).
Key facts: ACA vs CAT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 8, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.80%, versus 0.14% for Arcosa, Inc. (ACA).
- As of Oct 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ACA's dividend safety A (84/100) and CAT's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 8, 2026, ACA has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and CAT for 32.
- As of Oct 8, 2026, ACA pays out 5% of its earnings as dividends and CAT pays out 26%.
- As of Oct 8, 2026, ACA's fair-value estimate is 68% below its share price and CAT's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price, so CAT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ACA vs CAT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aca-vs-cat
| Metric | ACA | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.14% | 0.80% |
| Annual dividend | $0.20 | $6.52 |
| Payout ratio | 5% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 32 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 0.0% | 7.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 183% | 314% |
| Dividend safety score | 84 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $47.57 | $607.41 |
| Upside to fair value | -68% | -25% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $7.2B | $374.1B |
| P/E ratio | 36.1 | 37.2 |
Higher yield
CAT
0.80%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
CAT
-25% upside
ACA vs CAT — FAQ
Is ACA or CAT a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). CAT offers the higher yield (0.80%), 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, ACA or CAT?
CAT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.80%, versus 0.14% for ACA.
Is ACA or CAT safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 84/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ACA or CAT better value right now?
As of Oct 8, 2026, CAT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price (overvalued). For ACA, its fair-value estimate is 68% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.