CAT vs GBX: 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. GBX offers the higher yield at 3.48%, 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: CAT vs GBX
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (GBX) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.48%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and GBX's B (77/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and GBX for 3.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and GBX pays out 38%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price and GBX's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price, so CAT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs GBX: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-gbx
| Metric | CAT | GBX |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 3.48% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $1.36 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 38% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 3.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | -2% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 77 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $19.11 |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | -51% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $1.2B |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | 11.6 |
Higher yield
GBX
3.48%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
CAT
-48% upside
CAT vs GBX — FAQ
Is CAT or GBX a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). GBX offers the higher yield (3.48%), 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 GBX?
GBX has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.48%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is CAT or GBX safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 77/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or GBX 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 GBX, its fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.