CNQ vs SHEL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 29, 2026, CNQ and SHEL are closely matched. CNQ offers the higher yield at 3.25%, SHEL has the higher dividend-safety score, and SHEL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price).
Key facts: CNQ vs SHEL
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 2.98% for Shell plc (SHEL).
- As of Oct 29, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CNQ's dividend safety C (65/100) and SHEL's B (74/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 29, 2026, CNQ has raised its dividend for 10 consecutive years and SHEL for 5.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, CNQ pays out 43% of its earnings as dividends and SHEL pays out 33%.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, CNQ's fair-value estimate is 36% below its share price and SHEL's fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price, so SHEL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CNQ vs SHEL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 29, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cnq-vs-shel
| Metric | CNQ | SHEL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.25% | 2.98% |
| Annual dividend | $1.76 | $3.12 |
| Payout ratio | 43% | 33% |
| Years of growth | 10 yr | 5 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 22.1% | 17.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 175% | 157% |
| Dividend safety score | 65 (C) | 74 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $35.06 | $85.61 |
| Upside to fair value | -36% | -19% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $113.0B | $298.7B |
| P/E ratio | 13.5 | 11.6 |
Higher yield
CNQ
3.25%
Safer dividend
SHEL
Grade B
Faster growth
CNQ
22.1%
Better value
SHEL
-19% upside
CNQ vs SHEL — FAQ
Is CNQ or SHEL a better dividend stock?
CNQ and SHEL are closely matched. CNQ has the higher yield; SHEL scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CNQ or SHEL?
CNQ has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.25%, versus 2.98% for SHEL.
Is CNQ or SHEL safer?
SHEL has the higher dividend-safety score (74/100 vs 65/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CNQ or SHEL better value right now?
As of Oct 29, 2026, SHEL 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.