Which is the better dividend stock: Royal Dutch Shell plc or GlaxoSmithKline plc?

Royal Dutch Shell plc (LON: RDSB) and GlaxoSmithKline plc (LON: GSK) are two of the most popular dividend stocks, but does one have stronger dividend prospects?

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Royal Dutch Shell (LSE: RDSB) and GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK) are two of the most popular dividend stocks in the FTSE 100 index. I own both in my own portfolio. However, neither Shell nor Glaxo are perfect dividend stocks, in my view. Both have struggled with profitability in recent years, and as a result, have not increased their payouts. Today, I’m comparing the two companies. Is one a better dividend stock than the other?

Dividend yield

Beginning the analysis by looking at each company’s yield reveals that GlaxoSmithKline has a higher dividend yield than Shell right now. Shell paid its shareholders $1.88 in dividends last year, a yield of 5.9% at the current share price and exchange rate. Glaxo paid investors 80p per share, a yield of 6.2%. The healthcare giant wins here.

Recent dividend growth

Examining recent dividend growth, between 2014 and 2016, Shell paid shareholders $1.88, $1.88 and $1.88. No growth was recorded, however, with the pound having fallen against the dollar, UK investors will have enjoyed a rise in the yield. In comparison, Glaxo, which declares its payout in GBP, paid 80p, 80p and 80p in that time. Again, no growth. However, the company did pay a special dividend of 20p per share in 2015. On that basis, I’ll give Glaxo the win in this department too. 

Dividend cover

City analysts expect Shell to generate earnings per share of $2 this year. That gives a dividend coverage ratio of just 1.06 times last year’s payout. In comparison, analysts expect Glaxo’s earnings to come in at 111p. That gives a coverage ratio of 1.39 times last year’s payout. Glaxo has the upper hand here, although neither ratio is strong. 

Valuation

GlaxoSmithKline shares are also cheaper than Shell shares right now. The healthcare specialist sports a forward looking P/E ratio of just 11.8, vs 15.9 for Shell.

So far, Glaxo looks to be the better dividend stock. However, I’m not entirely convinced that it is.

Dividend outlook

The reason I say this is that Shell appears to have momentum at the moment. The oil price is back up to around $60 per barrel, and at that price, Shell can generate decent levels of free cash flow. With the merger of BG Group complete, Shell’s dividend is looking more and more sustainable, assuming the oil price doesn’t crash again. The stock’s 10% gain over the last three months reflects this.

In contrast, I’m getting more concerned about the sustainability of Glaxo’s dividend. Free cash flow is low, and with the group looking at potential acquisitions such as that of Pfizer, there could be implications for the payout.

When asked recently whether such a deal would carry dividend risk, CEO Emma Walmsley replied: “We confirmed our intentions to pay the dividend in 2017 of 80 pence and again in 2018 and then we will be returning to declaring the dividend quarterly and not giving a more specific outlook beyond that.”

Lack of long-term dividend assurance has rattled investors, with the stock falling 15% over the last three months. The market clearly has doubts about the sustainability of GlaxoSmithKline’s dividend.

So while Glaxo has the lower valuation, higher yield and better coverage, if I was to pick one dividend stock between the two right now, I’d be inclined to go with Shell. I believe there’s less chance of a dividend cut with Shell, assuming the oil price doesn’t plummet again. 

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Edward Sheldon owns shares in Royal Dutch Shell and GlaxoSmithKline. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of and has recommended GlaxoSmithKline. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Royal Dutch Shell B. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Young brown woman delighted with what she sees on her screen
Investing Articles

A FTSE 100 share, an investment trust and an ETF to consider for a SIPP!

Looking for top investments to put in a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)? Here are three that I think deserve some…

Read more »

Tree lined "tunnel" in the English countryside of West Sussex in autumn
Investing Articles

How should I invest to build retirement wealth in a SIPP for a child?

Ben McPoland explains how he plans to adapt his investing strategy in order to more reliably build wealth for his…

Read more »

Content white businesswoman being congratulated by colleagues at her retirement party
Investing Articles

Age 60 and looking for income? 3 FTSE 100 shares yielding 6%+ to consider

Harvey Jones picks out three FTSE 100 shares that offer a juicy passive income stream. Older investors should consider them,…

Read more »

UK money in a Jar on a background
Investing Articles

One of Britain’s best dividend shares is soaring! Time to buy?

Our writer's been looking for shares to buy. One of the biggest UK dividend payers has caught his eye. Could…

Read more »

Thoughtful man using his phone while riding on a train and looking through the window
Investing Articles

£100, £1,000, or £100,000? Here’s how much it takes to start investing in shares!

Does it take a large sum of money for someone to start investing in the stock market? Our writer doesn't…

Read more »

Close-up of a woman holding modern polymer ten, twenty and fifty pound notes.
Investing Articles

£20,000 in an ISA? Here’s how it could target £1,250 a month in passive income

A Stocks and Shares ISA can be a platform for someone with spare cash to set up a sizeable second…

Read more »

Close-up as a woman counts out modern British banknotes.
Investing Articles

3 UK shares I own for easy passive income

Christopher Ruane runs through a diverse trio of UK shares he currently owns, each of which generates passive income in…

Read more »

UK coloured flags waving above large crowd on a stadium sport match.
Investing Articles

Is the UK-US trade deal a brilliant buying opportunity for FTSE 100 shares?

A long-awaited trade deal has been struck between the UK and the US, but how much will FTSE 100 stocks…

Read more »