CAT vs JBHT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CAT offers the higher yield at 1.17%, JBHT has the higher dividend-safety score, and CAT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs JBHT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.17%, versus 0.83% for J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (90/100) and JBHT's A (95/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and JBHT for 21.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, CAT pays out 24% of its earnings as dividends and JBHT pays out 25%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price and JBHT's fair-value estimate is 34% below its share price, so CAT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs JBHT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-jbht
| Metric | CAT | JBHT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.17% | 0.83% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $1.80 |
| Payout ratio | 24% | 25% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 10.3% |
| 5-yr total return | 189% | 14% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 95 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $400.75 | $143.73 |
| Upside to fair value | -28% | -34% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $255.6B | $20.3B |
| P/E ratio | 21.9 | 30.7 |
Higher yield
CAT
1.17%
Safer dividend
JBHT
Grade A
Faster growth
JBHT
10.3%
Better value
CAT
-28% upside
CAT vs JBHT — FAQ
Is CAT or JBHT a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). CAT offers the higher yield (1.17%), while JBHT 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 JBHT?
CAT has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.17%, versus 0.83% for JBHT.
Is CAT or JBHT safer?
JBHT has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or JBHT better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, CAT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price (overvalued). For JBHT, its fair-value estimate is 34% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.