The Shell (LSE: RDSB) share price used to be one of the most respected UK stocks, especially for income investors. But the company was forced to slash its dividend last April as the coronavirus pandemic sent oil prices plunging. This was the first time the group had cut its dividend since the Second World War.
In my opinion, the dividend cut sent some very negative signals about the company. It exposed Shell’s vulnerability and a lack of preparedness for the future.
While the organisation has since increased its dividend several times after slashing the payout by two-thirds from $0.47 per quarter to $0.16 (it currently stands at $0.17), I think the company continues to face significant challenges. And this could hold back long-term growth.
The Shell share price challenges
In some respects, Shell had no choice but to cut its dividend. Between 2005 and the beginning of 2020, its debt jumped from $1bn to $73bn. At the same time, it paid $153bn in dividends and spent $48bn buying back shares.
And the company not only had its growing debt pile to contend with. The green energy revolution also means the business is going to have to invest tens of billions of dollars over the next few years to diversify its portfolio away from oil and gas. In my opinion, these twin challenges would have forced management’s hand sooner or later.
Now it’s returning less money to investors, Shell can concentrate on investing for the future. It can also use the cash generated from operations to reduce debt.
In some respects, after the cut, Shell’s outlook has improved, and it can now invest in the future. With a dividend yield of 3.5%, it’s still one of the top UK stocks for income. However, due to the risks and challenges outlined, I’m going to stay away from the Shell share price for the time being.
Other UK stocks
Instead of Shell, I think plenty of other UK companies could be better investments for the next few years. For income, I’d buy wind farm operator Greencoat UK Wind. This stock currently offers a dividend yield of around 5%, with the payment funded by revenue from wind energy.
I think this suggests the company is in a much better position to adapt to the new energy environment over the next few years. That said, this investment isn’t risk-free. Greencoat faces risks such as rising costs and increasing competition in the wind generation sector, which could push down profit margins.
Another alternative to the Shell share price I’d buy for income is National Grid. This company also features in the ranks of the best UK stocks for income. It’s also investing big money in the renewable energy transition.
However, unlike the oil company, National Grid has no exposure to volatile commodity prices. Its main risk is regulation, limiting the amount of profit it is allowed to generate from its assets. Debt could also be a problem, although the group has been able to manage its debt pile quite well so far.
