SmarterDividends

SHEL vs WHD: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 18, 2026, SHEL (Shell plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. SHEL offers the higher yield at 2.93%, WHD has the higher dividend-safety score, and WHD looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price).

Key facts: SHEL vs WHD

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, Shell plc (SHEL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.93%, versus 0.97% for Cactus, Inc. (WHD).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades SHEL's dividend safety B (74/100) and WHD's B (76/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, SHEL has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years and WHD for 5.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SHEL pays out 33% of its earnings as dividends and WHD pays out 47%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SHEL's fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price and WHD's fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price, so WHD looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "SHEL vs WHD: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/shel-vs-whd

MetricSHELWHD
Forward yield2.93%0.97%
Annual dividend$3.12$0.60
Payout ratio33%47%
Years of growth5 yr5 yr
5-yr dividend growth17.2%8.4%
5-yr total return154%69%
Dividend safety score74 (B)76 (B)
Fair value estimate$85.55$60.11
Upside to fair value-20%-3%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$303.4B$4.3B
P/E ratio11.851.9

Higher yield

SHEL

2.93%

Safer dividend

WHD

Grade B

Faster growth

SHEL

17.2%

Better value

WHD

-3% upside

SHEL vs WHD — FAQ

Is SHEL or WHD a better dividend stock?

On the data, SHEL wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). SHEL offers the higher yield (2.93%), while WHD 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 WHD?

SHEL has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.93%, versus 0.97% for WHD.

Is SHEL or WHD safer?

WHD has the higher dividend-safety score (76/100 vs 74/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is SHEL or WHD better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, WHD looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price (fairly valued). For SHEL, its fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.