SmarterDividends

AIN vs BABA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 18, 2026, AIN (Albany International Corp.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. AIN offers the higher yield at 1.84%, AIN has the higher dividend-safety score, and BABA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price).

Key facts: AIN vs BABA

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, Albany International Corp. (AIN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.84%, versus 0.96% for Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AIN's dividend safety A (88/100) and BABA's C (58/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AIN has raised its dividend for 8 consecutive years and BABA for 2.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, AIN pays out 53% of its earnings as dividends and BABA pays out 25%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, AIN's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and BABA's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price, so BABA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "AIN vs BABA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ain-vs-baba

MetricAINBABA
Forward yield1.84%0.96%
Annual dividend$1.12$1.05
Payout ratio53%25%
Years of growth8 yr2 yr
5-yr dividend growth7.2%—
5-yr total return-25%-14%
Dividend safety score88 (A)58 (C)
Fair value estimate$46.27$107.90
Upside to fair value-24%-1%
Frequencyquarterlyannual
Market cap$1.7B$271.4B
P/E ratio—26.4

Higher yield

AIN

1.84%

Safer dividend

AIN

Grade A

Faster growth

AIN

7.2%

Better value

BABA

-1% upside

AIN vs BABA — FAQ

Is AIN or BABA a better dividend stock?

On the data, AIN wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). AIN offers the higher yield (1.84%), while AIN has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.

Which has a higher dividend yield, AIN or BABA?

AIN has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.84%, versus 0.96% for BABA.

Is AIN or BABA safer?

AIN has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 58/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is AIN or BABA better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, BABA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price (fairly valued). For AIN, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.

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