CAT vs SBLK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, CAT (Caterpillar Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SBLK offers the higher yield at 6.46%, CAT has the higher dividend-safety score, and SBLK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 5% above its share price).
Key facts: CAT vs SBLK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (SBLK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.46%, versus 0.94% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAT's dividend safety A (92/100) and SBLK's D (48/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, CAT has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and SBLK for 0.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, CAT pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and SBLK pays out 40%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, CAT's fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price and SBLK's fair-value estimate is 5% above its share price, so SBLK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAT vs SBLK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cat-vs-sblk
| Metric | CAT | SBLK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.94% | 6.46% |
| Annual dividend | $6.52 | $1.88 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 40% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 8.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 255% | 38% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 48 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $377.48 | $30.58 |
| Upside to fair value | -45% | +5% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $318.2B | $3.4B |
| P/E ratio | 29.8 | 11.4 |
Higher yield
SBLK
6.46%
Safer dividend
CAT
Grade A
Faster growth
SBLK
8.4%
Better value
SBLK
+5% upside
CAT vs SBLK — FAQ
Is CAT or SBLK a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). SBLK offers the higher yield (6.46%), 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 SBLK?
SBLK has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.46%, versus 0.94% for CAT.
Is CAT or SBLK safer?
CAT has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 48/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAT or SBLK better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, SBLK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 5% above its share price (fairly valued). For CAT, its fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.