CAT vs MATX: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT and MATX are closely matched. CAT offers the higher yield at 0.89%, MATX has the higher dividend-safety score, and MATX looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs MATX
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.89%, versus 0.65% for Matson, Inc. (MATX).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and MATX's A (98/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and MATX for 13.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and MATX pays out 10%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price and MATX's fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price, so MATX looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs MATX: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-matx
| Metric | CAT | MATX |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 0.65% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $1.52 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 10% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 13 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 9.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | 188% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 98 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $164.71 |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | -30% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $7.0B |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | 15.8 |
Higher yield
CAT
0.89%
Safer dividend
MATX
Grade A
Faster growth
MATX
9.2%
Better value
MATX
-30% upside
CAT vs MATX — FAQ
Is CAT or MATX a better dividend stock?
CAT and MATX are closely matched. CAT has the higher yield; MATX scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CAT or MATX?
CAT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.89%, versus 0.65% for MATX.
Is CAT or MATX safer?
MATX has the higher dividend-safety score (98/100 vs 92/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or MATX better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MATX looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price (overvalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.