CAT vs HTLD
Caterpillar Inc. compared with Heartland Express, Inc. on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
TTM yield · Quarterly
HTLD
Heartland Express, Inc.
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- CAT yields more today: 0.95% vs 0.79% (forward).
- HTLD has grown its payout faster: 5.9%/yr vs 1.7%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- CAT has the longer streak of annual increases: 5 years vs 0.
- Over the last year CAT delivered the higher total return: +45.0% vs +22.4% (price change plus payouts).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | CAT | HTLD |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $687.00 | $10.18 |
| TTM yield | 0.68% | 0.79% |
| Forward yield | 0.95% | 0.79% |
| Annual payout per share | $6.52 | $0.08 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Oct 26, 2026 (declared) | Dec 25, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 26% | 42% |
| 1-year payout growth | -20.4% | +0.0% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +1.7% | +5.9% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 5 years | 0 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 93/100 | 100/100 |
| 1-year total return | +45.0% | +22.4% |
| 1-year price return | +44.0% | +21.5% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 315.8B | 787.2M |
| Years paying | 64.8 | 23.1 |
| Payout risk (heuristic) | Low | Low |
| Sector / category | Industrials | Industrials |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| CAT | HTLD | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 14.6 | 982.3 |
| Income per year | $95 | $79 |
| Income per month (avg) | $8 | $7 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model CAT · Model HTLD
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT Oct 26, 2026 | Nov 19, 2026 | $1.63 | Declared |
| CAT Jan 25, 2027 | Feb 8, 2027 | $1.63 | Est. |
| CAT Apr 26, 2027 | May 10, 2027 | $1.63 | Est. |
| HTLD Dec 25, 2026 | Jan 4, 2027 | $0.02 | Est. |
| HTLD Mar 26, 2027 | Apr 5, 2027 | $0.02 | Est. |
| HTLD Jun 25, 2027 | Jul 5, 2027 | $0.02 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
CATHTLD
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, CAT or HTLD?
HTLD currently has the higher trailing yield: CAT yields 0.68% and HTLD yields 0.79%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do CAT and HTLD pay?
CAT pays every quarter and HTLD pays every quarter. CAT's next ex-date is Oct 26, 2026 and HTLD's is Dec 25, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, CAT or HTLD?
HTLD has grown its payout faster: 5.9%/yr vs 1.7%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is CAT or HTLD better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. CAT and HTLD differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.