RYDAF vs SM: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, RYDAF (Shell plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. RYDAF offers the higher yield at 3.12%, RYDAF has the higher dividend-safety score, and SM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price).
Key facts: RYDAF vs SM
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Shell plc (RYDAF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.12%, versus 2.83% for SM Energy Company (SM).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades RYDAF's dividend safety B (66/100) and SM's B (66/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, RYDAF has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years and SM for 4.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, RYDAF pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and SM pays out 23%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, RYDAF's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price and SM's fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price, so SM looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "RYDAF vs SM: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/rydaf-vs-sm
| Metric | RYDAF | SM |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.12% | 2.83% |
| Annual dividend | $1.56 | $0.88 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 23% |
| Years of growth | 5 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 16.7% | 82.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 154% | 39% |
| Dividend safety score | 66 (B) | 66 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $42.42 | $43.95 |
| Upside to fair value | -17% | +37% |
| Frequency | semiannual | quarterly |
| Market cap | $287.9B | $7.5B |
| P/E ratio | 8.8 | 7.0 |
Higher yield
RYDAF
3.12%
Safer dividend
RYDAF
Grade B
Faster growth
SM
82.1%
Better value
SM
+37% upside
RYDAF vs SM — FAQ
Is RYDAF or SM a better dividend stock?
On the data, RYDAF wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). RYDAF offers the higher yield (3.12%), while RYDAF has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, RYDAF or SM?
RYDAF has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.12%, versus 2.83% for SM.
Is RYDAF or SM safer?
RYDAF has the higher dividend-safety score (66/100 vs 66/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is RYDAF or SM better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, SM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price (undervalued). For RYDAF, its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.