AILIN vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. AILIN offers the higher yield at 6.50%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and AILIN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price).
Key facts: AILIN vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Ameren Illinois Company (AILIN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.50%, versus 3.28% for The Southern Company (SO).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AILIN's dividend safety A (85/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, AILIN has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, AILIN's fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price, so AILIN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AILIN vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ailin-vs-so
| Metric | AILIN | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 6.50% | 3.28% |
| Annual dividend | $4.42 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | — | 72% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 0.0% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -32% | 52% |
| Dividend safety score | 85 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $93.36 | $91.60 |
| Upside to fair value | +37% | -1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | — | $106.5B |
| P/E ratio | 3.9 | 22.3 |
Higher yield
AILIN
6.50%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
SO
3.0%
Better value
AILIN
+37% upside
AILIN vs SO — FAQ
Is AILIN or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). AILIN offers the higher yield (6.50%), 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, AILIN or SO?
AILIN has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.50%, versus 3.28% for SO.
Is AILIN or SO safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 85/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AILIN or SO better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, AILIN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price (undervalued). For SO, its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.