CAT vs EBF: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 15, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. EBF offers the higher yield at 4.71%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and EBF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 10% above its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs EBF
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 15, 2026, Ennis, Inc. (EBF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.71%, versus 0.84% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 15, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and EBF's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 15, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and EBF for 0.
- As of Oct 15, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and EBF pays out 65%.
- As of Oct 15, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 50% below its share price and EBF's fair-value estimate is 10% above its share price, so EBF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs EBF: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 15, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-ebf
| Metric | CAT | EBF |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.84% | 4.71% |
| Annual dividend | $6.16 | $1.01 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 65% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 2.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 292% | 17% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $24.62 |
| Upside to fair value | -50% | +10% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $344.3B | $566.1M |
| P/E ratio | 33.3 | 14.5 |
Higher yield
EBF
4.71%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
EBF
+10% upside
CAT vs EBF — FAQ
Is CAT or EBF a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). EBF offers the higher yield (4.71%), 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, CAT or EBF?
EBF has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.71%, versus 0.84% for CAT.
Is CAT or EBF safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or EBF better value right now?
As of Oct 15, 2026, EBF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 10% above its share price (fairly valued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 50% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.