AILLN 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. AILLN offers the higher yield at 6.53%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and AILLN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 29% above its share price).
Key facts: AILLN vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Ameren Illinois Company (AILLN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.53%, versus 3.28% for The Southern Company (SO).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AILLN's dividend safety B (79/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, AILLN has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, AILLN's fair-value estimate is 29% above its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price, so AILLN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AILLN vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ailln-vs-so
| Metric | AILLN | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 6.53% | 3.28% |
| Annual dividend | $4.90 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | — | 72% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 0.0% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -29% | 52% |
| Dividend safety score | 79 (B) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $96.78 | $91.60 |
| Upside to fair value | +29% | -1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | — | $106.5B |
| P/E ratio | 4.3 | 22.3 |
Higher yield
AILLN
6.53%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
SO
3.0%
Better value
AILLN
+29% upside
AILLN vs SO — FAQ
Is AILLN or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). AILLN offers the higher yield (6.53%), 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, AILLN or SO?
AILLN has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.53%, versus 3.28% for SO.
Is AILLN or SO safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 79/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AILLN or SO better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, AILLN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 29% 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.