DEC vs SHEL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, DEC (Diversified Energy Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. DEC offers the higher yield at 8.03%, SHEL has the higher dividend-safety score, and DEC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 110% above its share price).
Key facts: DEC vs SHEL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Diversified Energy Company (DEC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.03%, versus 2.92% for Shell plc (SHEL).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades DEC's dividend safety C (54/100) and SHEL's B (74/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, DEC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and SHEL for 5.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, DEC pays out 19% of its earnings as dividends and SHEL pays out 33%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, DEC's fair-value estimate is 110% above its share price and SHEL's fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price, so DEC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "DEC vs SHEL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/dec-vs-shel
| Metric | DEC | SHEL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 8.03% | 2.92% |
| Annual dividend | $1.16 | $3.12 |
| Payout ratio | 19% | 33% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 5 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 17.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 988% | 157% |
| Dividend safety score | 54 (C) | 74 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $30.27 | $85.61 |
| Upside to fair value | +110% | -20% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $996.9M | $303.7B |
| P/E ratio | 2.3 | 11.8 |
Higher yield
DEC
8.03%
Safer dividend
SHEL
Grade B
Faster growth
SHEL
17.2%
Better value
DEC
+110% upside
DEC vs SHEL — FAQ
Is DEC or SHEL a better dividend stock?
On the data, DEC wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). DEC offers the higher yield (8.03%), while SHEL has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, DEC or SHEL?
DEC has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.03%, versus 2.92% for SHEL.
Is DEC or SHEL safer?
SHEL has the higher dividend-safety score (74/100 vs 54/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is DEC or SHEL better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, DEC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 110% above its share price (undervalued). For SHEL, its fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.