SmarterDividends

AILLM 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. AILLM offers the higher yield at 6.47%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and AILLM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price).

Key facts: AILLM vs SO

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 27, 2026, Ameren Illinois Company (AILLM) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.47%, versus 3.28% for The Southern Company (SO).
  • As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AILLM's dividend safety B (79/100) and SO's A (90/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, AILLM has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and SO for 25.
  • As of Oct 27, 2026, AILLM's fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price, so AILLM looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "AILLM vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aillm-vs-so

MetricAILLMSO
Forward yield6.47%3.28%
Annual dividend$4.92$3.04
Payout ratio—72%
Years of growth0 yr25 yr
5-yr dividend growth0.0%3.0%
5-yr total return-26%52%
Dividend safety score79 (B)90 (A)
Fair value estimate$96.93$91.60
Upside to fair value+28%-1%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap—$106.5B
P/E ratio4.422.3

Higher yield

AILLM

6.47%

Safer dividend

SO

Grade A

Faster growth

SO

3.0%

Better value

AILLM

+28% upside

AILLM vs SO — FAQ

Is AILLM or SO a better dividend stock?

On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). AILLM offers the higher yield (6.47%), 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, AILLM or SO?

AILLM has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.47%, versus 3.28% for SO.

Is AILLM or SO safer?

SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 79/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is AILLM or SO better value right now?

As of Oct 27, 2026, AILLM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price (undervalued). For SO, its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price.

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