PAA vs SHEL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, SHEL (Shell plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. PAA offers the higher yield at 6.81%, SHEL has the higher dividend-safety score, and PAA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 146% above its share price).
Key facts: PAA vs SHEL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (PAA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.81%, versus 3.12% for Shell plc (SHEL).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades PAA's dividend safety C (60/100) and SHEL's B (75/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, PAA has raised its dividend for 4 consecutive years and SHEL for 5.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, PAA pays out 138% of its earnings as dividends and SHEL pays out 26%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, PAA's fair-value estimate is 146% above its share price and SHEL's fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price, so PAA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "PAA vs SHEL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/paa-vs-shel
| Metric | PAA | SHEL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 6.81% | 3.12% |
| Annual dividend | $1.67 | $3.12 |
| Payout ratio | 138% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 4 yr | 5 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 16.1% | 17.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 185% | 159% |
| Dividend safety score | 60 (C) | 75 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $60.36 | $85.98 |
| Upside to fair value | +146% | -14% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $17.3B | $283.7B |
| P/E ratio | 21.1 | 8.7 |
Higher yield
PAA
6.81%
Safer dividend
SHEL
Grade B
Faster growth
SHEL
17.2%
Better value
PAA
+146% upside
PAA vs SHEL — FAQ
Is PAA or SHEL a better dividend stock?
On the data, SHEL wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). PAA offers the higher yield (6.81%), 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, PAA or SHEL?
PAA has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.81%, versus 3.12% for SHEL.
Is PAA or SHEL safer?
SHEL has the higher dividend-safety score (75/100 vs 60/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is PAA or SHEL better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, PAA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 146% above its share price (undervalued). For SHEL, its fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.