SHEL vs VLO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, VLO (Valero Energy Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SHEL offers the higher yield at 3.12%, VLO has the higher dividend-safety score, and VLO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price).
Key facts: SHEL vs VLO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Shell plc (SHEL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.12%, versus 1.37% for Valero Energy Corporation (VLO).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades SHEL's dividend safety B (75/100) and VLO's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, SHEL has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years and VLO for 3.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SHEL pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and VLO pays out 11%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SHEL's fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price and VLO's fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price, so VLO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "SHEL vs VLO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/shel-vs-vlo
| Metric | SHEL | VLO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.12% | 1.37% |
| Annual dividend | $3.12 | $4.80 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 11% |
| Years of growth | 5 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 17.2% | 2.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 159% | 497% |
| Dividend safety score | 75 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $85.98 | $356.23 |
| Upside to fair value | -14% | +1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $283.7B | $98.0B |
| P/E ratio | 8.7 | 8.0 |
Higher yield
SHEL
3.12%
Safer dividend
VLO
Grade A
Faster growth
SHEL
17.2%
Better value
VLO
+1% upside
SHEL vs VLO — FAQ
Is SHEL or VLO a better dividend stock?
On the data, VLO wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). SHEL offers the higher yield (3.12%), while VLO 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 VLO?
SHEL has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.12%, versus 1.37% for VLO.
Is SHEL or VLO safer?
VLO has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 75/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is SHEL or VLO better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, VLO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price (fairly valued). 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.