CNQ vs RYDAF: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 29, 2026, CNQ (Canadian Natural Resources Limited) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. CNQ offers the higher yield at 3.25%, CNQ has the higher dividend-safety score, and RYDAF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price).
Key facts: CNQ vs RYDAF
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 29, 2026, Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.25%, versus 3.03% for Shell plc (RYDAF).
- As of Oct 29, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CNQ's dividend safety C (65/100) and RYDAF's C (65/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 29, 2026, CNQ has raised its dividend for 10 consecutive years and RYDAF for 5.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, CNQ pays out 43% of its earnings as dividends and RYDAF pays out 33%.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, CNQ's fair-value estimate is 36% below its share price and RYDAF's fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price, so RYDAF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CNQ vs RYDAF: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 29, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cnq-vs-rydaf
| Metric | CNQ | RYDAF |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.25% | 3.03% |
| Annual dividend | $1.76 | $1.56 |
| Payout ratio | 43% | 33% |
| Years of growth | 10 yr | 5 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 22.1% | 16.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 175% | 156% |
| Dividend safety score | 65 (C) | 65 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $35.06 | $42.23 |
| Upside to fair value | -36% | -19% |
| Frequency | quarterly | semiannual |
| Market cap | $113.0B | $295.6B |
| P/E ratio | 13.5 | 11.5 |
Higher yield
CNQ
3.25%
Safer dividend
CNQ
Grade C
Faster growth
CNQ
22.1%
Better value
RYDAF
-19% upside
CNQ vs RYDAF — FAQ
Is CNQ or RYDAF a better dividend stock?
On the data, CNQ wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). CNQ offers the higher yield (3.25%), while CNQ has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CNQ or RYDAF?
CNQ has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.25%, versus 3.03% for RYDAF.
Is CNQ or RYDAF safer?
CNQ has the higher dividend-safety score (65/100 vs 65/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CNQ or RYDAF better value right now?
As of Oct 29, 2026, RYDAF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price (overvalued). For CNQ, its fair-value estimate is 36% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.