SHEL vs SM: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, SHEL (Shell plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SHEL offers the higher yield at 3.07%, SHEL 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: SHEL vs SM
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Shell plc (SHEL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.07%, versus 2.83% for SM Energy Company (SM).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades SHEL's dividend safety B (75/100) and SM's B (66/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, SHEL has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years and SM for 4.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SHEL pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and SM pays out 23%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SHEL's fair-value estimate is 16% 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, "SHEL vs SM: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/shel-vs-sm
| Metric | SHEL | SM |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.07% | 2.83% |
| Annual dividend | $3.12 | $0.88 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 23% |
| Years of growth | 5 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 17.2% | 82.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 159% | 39% |
| Dividend safety score | 75 (B) | 66 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $85.98 | $43.95 |
| Upside to fair value | -16% | +37% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $289.3B | $7.5B |
| P/E ratio | 8.9 | 7.0 |
Higher yield
SHEL
3.07%
Safer dividend
SHEL
Grade B
Faster growth
SM
82.1%
Better value
SM
+37% upside
SHEL vs SM — FAQ
Is SHEL or SM a better dividend stock?
On the data, SHEL wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). SHEL offers the higher yield (3.07%), 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, SHEL or SM?
SHEL has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.07%, versus 2.83% for SM.
Is SHEL or SM safer?
SHEL has the higher dividend-safety score (75/100 vs 66/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is SHEL 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 SHEL, its fair-value estimate is 16% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.