ARCB vs CAT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CAT offers the higher yield at 0.89%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and CAT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price).
Key facts: ARCB vs CAT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.89%, versus 0.37% for ArcBest Corporation (ARCB).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ARCB's dividend safety A (85/100) and CAT's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ARCB has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and CAT for 32.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ARCB pays out 70% of its earnings as dividends and CAT pays out 26%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ARCB's fair-value estimate is 62% below its share price and CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price, so CAT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ARCB vs CAT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/arcb-vs-cat
| Metric | ARCB | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.37% | 0.89% |
| Annual dividend | $0.48 | $6.52 |
| Payout ratio | 70% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 32 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 7.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 26% | 278% |
| Dividend safety score | 85 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $49.61 | $377.48 |
| Upside to fair value | -62% | -48% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $2.9B | $335.9B |
| P/E ratio | 185.7 | 31.5 |
Higher yield
CAT
0.89%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
ARCB
8.4%
Better value
CAT
-48% upside
ARCB vs CAT — FAQ
Is ARCB or CAT a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). CAT offers the higher yield (0.89%), 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, ARCB or CAT?
CAT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.89%, versus 0.37% for ARCB.
Is ARCB or CAT safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 85/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ARCB or CAT better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price (overvalued). For ARCB, its fair-value estimate is 62% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.