PTEN vs SHEL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, SHEL (Shell plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. PTEN offers the higher yield at 3.48%, SHEL has the higher dividend-safety score, and PTEN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 103% above its share price).
Key facts: PTEN vs SHEL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (PTEN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.48%, versus 2.93% for Shell plc (SHEL).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades PTEN's dividend safety C (59/100) and SHEL's B (74/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, PTEN has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and SHEL for 5.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, PTEN pays out 133% of its earnings as dividends and SHEL pays out 33%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, PTEN's fair-value estimate is 103% above its share price and SHEL's fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price, so PTEN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "PTEN vs SHEL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/pten-vs-shel
| Metric | PTEN | SHEL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.48% | 2.93% |
| Annual dividend | $0.40 | $3.12 |
| Payout ratio | 133% | 33% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 5 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 32.0% | 17.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 63% | 154% |
| Dividend safety score | 59 (C) | 74 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $23.29 | $85.55 |
| Upside to fair value | +103% | -20% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $4.4B | $303.4B |
| P/E ratio | — | 11.8 |
Higher yield
PTEN
3.48%
Safer dividend
SHEL
Grade B
Faster growth
PTEN
32.0%
Better value
PTEN
+103% upside
PTEN vs SHEL — FAQ
Is PTEN or SHEL a better dividend stock?
On the data, SHEL wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). PTEN offers the higher yield (3.48%), 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, PTEN or SHEL?
PTEN has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.48%, versus 2.93% for SHEL.
Is PTEN or SHEL safer?
SHEL has the higher dividend-safety score (74/100 vs 59/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is PTEN or SHEL better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, PTEN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 103% above its share price (undervalued). For SHEL, its fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.