ACM vs CAT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 12, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. ACM offers the higher yield at 2.09%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and ACM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 39% above its share price).
Key facts: ACM vs CAT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 12, 2026, AECOM (ACM) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.09%, versus 0.82% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 12, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ACM's dividend safety B (67/100) and CAT's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 12, 2026, ACM has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and CAT for 32.
- As of Oct 12, 2026, ACM pays out 42% of its earnings as dividends and CAT pays out 26%.
- As of Oct 12, 2026, ACM's fair-value estimate is 39% above its share price and CAT's fair-value estimate is 53% below its share price, so ACM looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ACM vs CAT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 12, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/acm-vs-cat
| Metric | ACM | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.09% | 0.82% |
| Annual dividend | $1.24 | $6.52 |
| Payout ratio | 42% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 32 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 7.2% |
| 5-yr total return | -13% | 292% |
| Dividend safety score | 67 (B) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $82.12 | $377.48 |
| Upside to fair value | +39% | -53% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $7.6B | $368.0B |
| P/E ratio | 20.9 | 34.5 |
Higher yield
ACM
2.09%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
ACM
+39% upside
ACM vs CAT — FAQ
Is ACM or CAT a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). ACM offers the higher yield (2.09%), 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, ACM or CAT?
ACM has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.09%, versus 0.82% for CAT.
Is ACM or CAT safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 67/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ACM or CAT better value right now?
As of Oct 12, 2026, ACM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 39% above its share price (undervalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 53% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.