CAT vs SB: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head metrics. SB offers the higher yield at 4.22%, CAT 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 SB
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Safe Bulkers, Inc. (SB) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.22%, versus 1.17% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (90/100) and SB's B (70/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and SB for 0.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, CAT pays out 24% of its earnings as dividends and SB pays out 27%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price and SB's fair-value estimate is 49% below its share price, so CAT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs SB: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-sb
| Metric | CAT | SB |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.17% | 4.22% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $0.30 |
| Payout ratio | 24% | 27% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 189% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 70 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $400.75 | $3.65 |
| Upside to fair value | -28% | -49% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $255.6B | $809.4M |
| P/E ratio | 21.9 | 9.2 |
Higher yield
SB
4.22%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
CAT
7.2%
Better value
CAT
-28% upside
CAT vs SB — FAQ
Is CAT or SB a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 1). SB offers the higher yield (4.22%), 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 SB?
SB has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.22%, versus 1.17% for CAT.
Is CAT or SB safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 70/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or SB 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 SB, its fair-value estimate is 49% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.