AEE vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 22, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SO offers the higher yield at 3.36%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 2% above its share price).
Key facts: AEE vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 22, 2026, The Southern Company (SO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.36%, versus 2.82% for Ameren Corporation (AEE).
- As of Oct 22, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AEE's dividend safety A (84/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 22, 2026, AEE has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Oct 22, 2026, AEE pays out 51% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 72%.
- As of Oct 22, 2026, AEE's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 2% above its share price, so SO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AEE vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 22, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aee-vs-so
| Metric | AEE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.82% | 3.36% |
| Annual dividend | $3.00 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 51% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.3% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 30% | 49% |
| Dividend safety score | 84 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $105.90 | $91.87 |
| Upside to fair value | -1% | +2% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $29.5B | $104.0B |
| P/E ratio | 18.7 | 21.8 |
Higher yield
SO
3.36%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
AEE
7.3%
Better value
SO
+2% upside
AEE vs SO — FAQ
Is AEE or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). SO offers the higher yield (3.36%), while SO has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AEE or SO?
SO has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.36%, versus 2.82% for AEE.
Is AEE or SO safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 84/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AEE or SO better value right now?
As of Oct 22, 2026, SO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 2% above its share price (fairly valued). For AEE, its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.