CAT vs MRTN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MRTN offers the higher yield at 1.87%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRTN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 43% below its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs MRTN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Marten Transport, Ltd. (MRTN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.87%, versus 0.89% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and MRTN's A (85/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and MRTN for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and MRTN pays out 160%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price and MRTN's fair-value estimate is 43% below its share price, so MRTN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs MRTN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-mrtn
| Metric | CAT | MRTN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.89% | 1.87% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $0.24 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 160% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 14.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 278% | -20% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 85 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $7.34 |
| Upside to fair value | -48% | -43% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $335.9B | $1.0B |
| P/E ratio | 31.5 | 85.6 |
Higher yield
MRTN
1.87%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
MRTN
14.0%
Better value
MRTN
-43% upside
CAT vs MRTN — FAQ
Is CAT or MRTN a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MRTN offers the higher yield (1.87%), 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 MRTN?
MRTN has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.87%, versus 0.89% for CAT.
Is CAT or MRTN safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 85/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or MRTN better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MRTN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 43% below its share price (overvalued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.